Entrepreneurs who live and/or own a business 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 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 opens early to mid June each year and closes mid-July.
b) Virtual interviews occur the last week of July & first week of August.
c) Notification of acceptance into the program will be in early August.
d) Orientation is the third week in August.
e) Classes will run every Tuesday evening from 5:30 - 9:00pm for 10 weeks.
f) The mentor matching event occurs mid-October.
g) Mentor Meet Up will be in early December.
h) Graduation from the program will take place in June of the following year.
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 require business partners to take this journey together.

No, you will not be able to continue in 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 local organizations like the Wake Tech Small Business Center or the SBTDC’s Taking the Leap for other opportunities and resources.