Entrepreneurs who live and/or work in Apex, willing to commit to the timeline of the program, actively working on the opening of their business, or a young company that wants to strengthen their business.

Due to the unique needs of the following subsets, LaunchAPEX will not accept applicants from non-profit organizations, multi-marketing companies, or franchises.

a) Attend Orientation
b) Attend 10 weekly classes in-person instructed by a Wake Tech facilitator
c) Complete weekly homework assignments and submit by the due date
d) Actively participate in class
e) Attend required networking events
f) Work with a Mentor that is provided for you for a 6 month timeframe following the class instruction period
g) Attend graduation

Courses may vary slightly but include How to Start a Small Business, Financing and Cashflow, Basic Bookkeeping, Labor Laws and Tax Essentials, How to Build Your Credit Score, Social Media and Marketing, and more.

a) The application period will open June 4, 2024 and close on July 16, 2024.
b) Virtual interviews will occur the week of July 30, 2024.
c) Notification of acceptance into the program will be the week of August 5.
d) Orientation is on August 20, 2024.
e) Classes will run every Tuesday evening from 5:30 - 9:00pm. Classes start on 8/27/2024 and end on 11/5/2024.
f) The mentor matching event will take place October 15, 2024.
g) Mentor Meet Up will be December 3, 2024.
h) Graduation from the program will take place June 3, 2025.
i) There are required networking events throughout the program as well.

This program and the events will take place in-person.

LaunchAPEX has been designed for individuals who have a business that they are actively working in or making serious strides to open. This program is also relevant for a young company that wants to strengthen their business by learning best practices and filling the gaps of steps missed during the first years of operation.

Yes, we feel that to get the most benefit of the program, we highly encourage business partners to take this journey together.

Yes, we will not penalize you if your partner leaves the program.

No, although we want to support you as an entrepreneur, LaunchAPEX is not an appropriate resource for you currently. We would encourage you to reach out to the Wake Tech Small Business Center for other opportunities and resources at https://www.waketech.edu/programs-courses/non-credit/build-business/launch-small-business/small-business-center/startup.