Entrepreneurs Shaping the Future

Program Description

A Business Builder experience designed for visionary entrepreneurs who want to make their metro area a thriving hub for all stages of life. Whether you aim for a succession plan, local growth or envision regional, national, or global expansion, this experience will cultivate expanded perspectives to fuel your vision.

Who are the participants?

Eight entrepreneurs will be selected for this transformative 12-month experience.

Participant Outcomes

  • New insights about yourself and your business

  • A powerful method for introducing yourself that opens doors and strengthens relationships

  • An expanded perspective to propel your business and vision forward

  • A robust community of North Carolina entrepreneurs, collectively reaching for what’s possible

Why this over all the other groups?

This program is unique for the Hickory metro areas, and much more than a networking opportunity. The Entrepreneurs Shaping the Future Program brings together individual and group coaching experiences, with the bonus of built-in social connection to strengthen potential relationships and foster a first-of-its-kind community of entrepreneurs.

What do I get by being in this cohort?

2 assessments

3 hours of individual coaching sessions

12 hours of group coaching

Business and leadership materials

Connection with other entrepreneurs interested in shaping their community’s future

Participant time commitment: ~22 hours over 12 months

Note: All participants will be required to sign a non-disclosure agreement.

How will it work?

Participants will engage in a talent assessment and personal branding inventory assessment, and then receive a personalized debrief and three coaching sessions (3 hours) with our Success Architects.

The group will convene for 90-minute sessions every six weeks, with prep materials one week in advance and optional time to socialize following the facilitated meeting.

Who should participate?

Lifelong learners, open to new ideas, willing to share experience and be of service to others. Here are some fictionalized participant examples (aka personas).

    • Has deep local roots and history

    • Multi-generational family business - 2nd generation taking over 

    • Design and manufacturing business

    • 500+ employees

    • Global customer base

    • Founder, well-established business & brand

    • Considering retirement in 3-10 years

    • Limited (or zero) details for succession planning

    • Local customer base

    • Deep local roots, very well connected

    • Owns multiple small businesses

    • Family involved in businesses

    • Low digital footprint

    • Regional customer base

    • Has been in the area for less than seven years

    • Started business three years ago and has some solid customers

    • Ready to start thinking about future strategy

    • Local customer base, with plans to grow

Get added to the waitlist for January 2025 cohort applications