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 (5 in person & 5 virtual) 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 20, 2022 and close on July 31st, 2022.
b) Virtual interviews will occur the week of August 8th.
c) Notification of acceptance into the program will be the week of August 15th.
d) Orientation is on August 22, 2022.
e) Classes will run every Monday evening from 5:30 pm - 9:00 pm (for in person classes that will include dinner) and from 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm (for the virtual classes). Classes start on 8/29/2022 and end on 11/14/2022.
f) The Mentorship period will begin in January and graduation from the program will take place in early June (date TBD).
g) There are required networking events throughout the program as well.

This program will be in “hybrid format” with 5 in person classes and 5 virtual classes.

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.