Premier Incubator Program for Women of Color Entrepreneurs at HBCUs

The WBENC Women of Color Incubator is a premier program designed for aspiring entrepreneurs at Historically Black Colleges and Universities. This incubator provides the next generation of entrepreneurs with the resources, community and support they need to strengthen their idea and grow their early-stage ventures.

Students accepted into the incubator will have the opportunity to learn from and interact with subject matter experts from some of the most successful women-owned businesses and America’s largest Fortune 500 companies.

The Incubator culminates with a Pitch Competition awarding thousands of dollars in seed capital and the opportunity to receive an all-expenses paid trip to attend the 2025 WBENC National Conference in New Orleans, LA, for FREE to access a network of 4,000+ attendees.

Upon program completion, graduates will continue their engagement with WBENC via office hours and development programs such as the Collegiate Accelerator, NextGen, and the Women of Color Program.

Apply now through Friday, September 6, 2024, at 11:59pm EST. Spots in the program are limited.

Attendance at all in-person and virtual session dates are mandatory for acceptance into the 2024 Incubators.

Program Dates

September – December

Class Schedule

Varies by HBCU

2024 Participating HBCUs

Florida A&M University

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Howard University

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North Carolina A&T State University

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North Carolina Central University

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Paul Quinn College

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Tuskegee University

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University of Maryland Eastern Shore
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Virginia State University
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Women of Color Incubator Sponsors
PROGRAM PILLARS

EDUCATION

We empower emerging entrepreneurs by providing them with the resources, community, and education necessary to refine and launch their business ideas and grow their early-stage ventures.

NETWORK

We create networking opportunities where the next generation of entrepreneurs can connect with some of the most successful women-owned businesses and America’s largest Fortune 500 companies.

COMMUNITY

We build and foster a supportive community for emerging entrepreneurs, connecting them with like-minded students who are eager to launch and grow successful business ventures.

SHOWCASE

We highlight program participants, showcase their products/services, and award thousands in seed capital to the most innovative businesses during the program’s culminating pitch competition.

ACCESS

We bridge the gap and provide ongoing opportunities so alumni can continue building their businesses while receiving invaluable resources to propel their entrepreneurial journey forward.

Women of Color Incubator Testimonials
“At the beginning of my journey with WBENC, I had no idea how far the incubator would push me in regard to my business, let alone my confidence. Working with the individuals who lead this incubator allowed me to discover potential I didn't realize I had. What started off as a small idea birthed into something great over the few short weeks. The program speaks for itself, as long as you apply the advice given to you, failure is not an option. You get to leave with a different level of knowledge and understanding for what it is you're pursuing, along with access to a variety of people who are simply waiting for the opportunity to help those who need it. With the tools and advice provided to me, I was able to win first place at my first business pitch competition. Thanks to WBENC, this is just the beginning of my journey."
Cayla Jackson
Founder & CEO, A Knew U
Cayla Jackson
"Starting a business seemed daunting, but the WBENC WOC Incubator offered invaluable knowledge and a supportive network. A personal breakthrough for me was in the area of pitching, which transformed from a chore into an opportunity to share my passion and vision. The program's flexible format accommodates different learning styles and paces. A standout moment was when I finally pitched my idea and heard the applause, realizing I had achieved my goal. The WBENC WOC Incubator is a launchpad for your business dreams, wrapped in a community that supports, challenges, and celebrates you."
Tia Pope
Founder & CEO, Malva Mallow
Tia Pope
"Applying for the WBENC WOC Incubator was one of the best decisions I made this year! I already started a small business, applied, and the weekend before the program started, I got a new business idea and decided to work on it during the program. In weeks, our informative sessions, their guidance, and office hours turned my idea into a full business ready to start! Regardless of whether you win the competition money, you walk away with so much knowledge and encouragement that you are destined to succeed! I recommend that anyone who is interested in entrepreneurship or has a business idea apply!"
Naomi Gorham
Founder & CEO, The Creation Space
Naomi Gorham
"The WBENC WOC Incubator provided me with the much need insight on how to structure and market my business. Each session was well organized and provided me with in-depth examples. The incubator office hours added a complementary layer to the program, in which we were able to get support from top professionals in the industry. I found office hours to be supportive, attentive, and productive. I am grateful for the WBENC WOC Incubator community and our ability to connect on our shared experiences as professionals, business owners, and entrepreneurs."
Chantel Brookes
Founder & CEO, Luck Lotus Holistic Care, LLC
Chantel Brookes
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