WBENC Entrepreneur Incubator Program at Florida A&M 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.

Applications for the 2025 cohort are now closed.

Program Dates

September – December 2025

Location

Virtual and Florida A&M University Campus

Class Schedule

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

Fri, Sept 26 – 12:00 –2:00PM 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 provide opportunities to network with a wide range of professionals.
Fri, Oct 3 – 12:00 –2:00PM 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.
Fri, Oct 10 – 12:00 –2:00PM 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.
Fri, Oct 24 – 12:00 –2:00PM 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.
Fri, Oct 31 – 12:00 –2:00PM 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.
Fri, Nov 7 – 12:00 –2:00PM 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.
Fri, Dec 5 – 5:00 –8:00PM 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

“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

"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

"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

"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

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 thousands of dollars in seed capital.

Who Should Apply

Applicant Eligibility

Entrepreneurial student
Enrolled at Florida A&M 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 Eastern 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 FAMU is open to all individuals who are students at FAMU, regardless of major or class standing.
How many participants are typically in each cohort?
- The cohort size is up to 30 entrepreneurs.
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 FAMU will be conducted in a hybrid format, combining virtual sessions via Zoom Meetings with in-person sessions hosted on the FAMU campus.
When are the sessions scheduled to take place?
- Entrepreneur Incubator at FAMU sessions will be held on Fridays from 12 to 2 PM EST, starting on Friday, September 26th. 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 September 12.

How To Apply

Applications have now closed for the 2025 Entrepreneur Incubator at FAMU.
Applications for the 2025 Entrepreneur Incubator at FAMU closed on Friday, September 12, 2025, 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 2025 Incubators.

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