WBENC Entrepreneur Incubator Program at Tuskegee University : WBENC

Premier Incubator 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. Currently featured at seven Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), 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.

Apply now through Friday, August 29, at 11:59pm CT. Spots in the program are limited.

Program Dates

September 2025 – November 2025

Location

Virtual and Tuskegee University Campus

APPLY NOW

Class Schedule

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

Tue, Sept 11 5:00 – 7:00PM CT (6-8PM EST) – Session 1: Incubator Cohort Kick-Off
Marks the beginning or continuation of an exciting entrepreneur journey to unlock the passion behind your business idea or venture. The session focuses on important aspects to build a business, as well as providing opportunities to network with a wide range of professionals.
Thu, Sept 18 5:00 – 7:00PM CT (6-8PM EST) – Session 2: Refining ideas & Opportunities
Transform your business idea into an innovative solution which addresses marketplace or community needs. The session delves into three core principles of entrepreneurship: clarify need, define solution, and business differentiation from others.
Thu, Sept 25 5:00 – 7:00PM CT (6-8PM EST) – Session 3: Creating Prototypes & Experiments
Build for the future by designing unique products and/or services; important step to help develop your brand identity. The session focuses on exploring possibilities by creating prototypes, conducting experiments, and testing feasibility with data insights and more.
Thu, Oct 2 5:00 – 7:00PM CT (6-8PM EST) – Session 4: Managing Money Effectively
Set up your business to be profitable, as well as generating wealth to support family and community. The session highlights key financial acumen, tools, and terminology to enable effective management of money for business growth and success.
Mon, Oct 6 5:00 – 7:00PM CT (6-8PM EST) – Session 5: Building a Roadmap for Success
Develop a purposeful and strategic business plan that enables continued progress on your entrepreneurial journey. The session covers various planning and execution tactics to measure and maintain progress with business goals and objectives.
Thu, Oct 16 5:00 – 7:00PM CT (6-8PM EST) – Session 6: Developing a Purposeful Pitch
Craft a compelling and concise narrative about your business to attract customers, investors, partners, and others. The session focuses on the art of storytelling, specific techniques to effectively communicate key aspects of the business purpose, brand, and growth.
Mon, Nov 10 5:00 – 8:00PM CT (6-9PM EST) – Session 7: Pitch Competition & Awards
A culmination of the program experience to showcase and celebrate learnings, commitment, and accomplishments of cohort participants.

Please note: Sessions 1 and 7 of the Entrepreneur Incubator will take place in person on campus. All sessions in between (Sessions 2–6) will be held virtually.

WBENC WOC Program Founding Sponsors

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

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

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

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

Why Participate

Student entrepreneurs at HBCUs or recent graduates accepted into the Entrepreneur Incubator will learn how to test the viability of their ideas and discover how to transform their idea to a minimum viable product. Participants will engage in entrepreneurship curriculum taught by subject matter experts from some of the most successful businesses and America’s largest Fortune 500 companies. The Incubator will culminate with a Pitch Competition awarding a thousand dollars in seed capital.

Who Should Apply

Applicant Eligibility

Entrepreneurial student
Enrolled at Tuskegee University or a recent graduate within the last 12 months
Have a business idea or early-stage venture
Ability to participate in all class schedules held in Central Standard Time

Contact woc@wbenc.org for more information.

Entrepreneur Incubator Cohort FAQs

Who should consider applying for this Incubator?
- Aspiring/Emerging Entrepreneurs: Students with a business idea looking to develop it into a thriving business.
Who is eligible to apply for the Incubator?
- The Entrepreneur Incubator at TU is open to all individuals who are students at TU, regardless of major or class standing.
How many participants are typically in each cohort?
- The cohort includes up to 30 students.
Who will teach the sessions during the Incubator?
- The sessions will be facilitated by accomplished women-owned business owners who are subject matter experts in each topic.
Where will the sessions be held?
- Sessions for the Entrepreneur Incubator at TU will be conducted in a hybrid format, combining virtual sessions via Zoom Meetings with in-person sessions hosted on the TU campus.
When are the sessions scheduled to take place?
- Entrepreneur Incubator at TU sessions will be held on Thursdays from 5:00 – 7:00PM CT (6-8PM EST), starting on Tuesday, September 11th. Please see the class schedule section of this page for more information.
When will I be notified of a decision?
- You will be notified by Sep 2.

How To Apply

APPLICATIONS ARE NOW OPEN
Applications for the 2025 Entrepreneur Incubator at Tuskegee University are now open and will close on Friday, August 29 at 11:59 PM CT. Spots in the program are limited
Attendance at all in-person and virtual session dates are mandatory for acceptance into the 2025 Incubators.
Apply Now

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