Premier Incubator Program for Student Entrepreneurs

Launched in 2021, the WBENC Entrepreneur Incubator program is designed to cultivate the mindset, leadership competencies, and business ideas of aspiring and emerging entrepreneurs at colleges and universities. The program includes a series of structured learning sessions, 1:1 mentoring, and a pitch competition with seed grant award opportunities. Entering its fifth year, the program has supported professional development of nearly 400 participants and awarded over $150K in seed grant funds.

Attendance at all in-person and virtual session dates are mandatory for acceptance into the 2025 Incubators.

Application deadlines vary by educational institution

Program Dates

September – December

2025 Participating Educational Institutions

Florida A&M University

Howard University

North Carolina A&T State University

North Carolina Central University

Paul Quinn College

Tuskegee University

Virginia State University
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Entrepreneur 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.

Entrepreneur Incubator Testimonials
Being part of the Entrepreneur Incubator has been a transformative experience, largely due to the incredible mentorship and guidance from the mentors and judges. Their expertise and insights provided me with invaluable strategies to refine my business model and approach challenges with a fresh perspective. Their feedback was not only constructive but also deeply motivating, giving me the confidence to pursue my vision for Snapify LLC with greater clarity and determination. The mentors and judges were great resources and also catalysts for my growth as an entrepreneur. Their support and encouragement helped me see new possibilities for innovation and success, making this program a pivotal moment in my journey. I am incredibly grateful for their role in helping me take my business to the next level.
Aniya Omopariola
Founder | Snapify LLC
Aniya Omopariola
Being part of the Entrepreneur Incubator has transformed my approach to entrepreneurship and innovation by teaching me to view challenges as opportunities for growth and creativity. The program helped me understand the importance of building a business that is not only authentic to my vision but also adaptable to changing needs. I learned how to develop a strategic plan, leverage my strengths, and align my brand with the values of sustainability, individuality, and community. The incubator also encouraged me to embrace collaboration and to see innovation as a continuous process. By engaging with mentors and peers, I realized that successful entrepreneurship involves taking risks, asking for help, and staying open to new perspectives. These lessons have empowered me to refine my goals for Knot Your Bama, approach obstacles with confidence, and push my creativity further than I thought possible.
Ayannah King
Founder | KnotYourBama
Ayannah King
Being part of the Entrepreneur Incubator has deeply shaped my approach to entrepreneurship and innovation. Before the program, I often felt overwhelmed by the big-picture goals I had for Electric Sol Foods. Now, with the skills and insights I've gained, I approach challenges in a more structured and strategic way. Breaking down my goals into manageable steps has given me clarity and a renewed sense of purpose. It’s also taught me the importance of planning, tracking progress, and staying adaptable along the way. Most importantly, this experience has reinforced my belief that entrepreneurship is not just about having a vision, but about taking intentional, consistent actions to turn that vision into reality.
Sharnae Purcell
Founder | Electric Sol Foods
Sharnae Purcell
One of the most valuable lessons I have learned from this incubator is the unwavering support and dedication of a team of individuals who are eager to help you succeed. Whether you are in the ideation stage or already have an established business, there are individuals who are genuinely invested in seeing you thrive and achieve success as a Black woman entrepreneur. This realization has been a source of inspiration and motivation for me, as it reinforces the idea that I am not alone in my entrepreneurial journey and that there are people who are rooting for my success. Moreover, participating in this incubator has underscored the importance of community and collaboration in building a successful business. The emphasis on working together, sharing ideas, and leveraging the collective knowledge and expertise of fellow entrepreneurs has been instrumental in shaping my approach to entrepreneurship. The exchange of perspectives, feedback, and insights within this collaborative environment has not only broadened my horizons but has also provided me with a valuable support system that is essential for navigating the challenges and complexities of entrepreneurship.
Sydnee Harris-Ratliff
Founder | Silky Treats
Sydnee Harris-Ratliff
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