UNCW CIE's Thrive Lab

Build Bold. Grow Smart. Thrive Long.

UNCW Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship's Thrive Lab is a new 3+ month development program designed to equip business owners with the skills, mentorship, and strategic foundations needed to grow and strengthen their businesses.

Beginning March 2026, Thrive Lab will guide participants through a three-plus-month series of sessions focused on finance, funding, sales, product strategy, and leadership. Entrepreneurs will also build a strong peer network and receive hands-on support to develop the mindset and capabilities of CEOs, CFOs, and CPOs - all while preserving the unique strengths that make their business thrive.

Thrive Lab is designed for business owners who are ready to scale, strengthen their operations, and take the next step in their entrepreneurial journey.

Program Details:

Application Deadline:

Friday, February 27, 2026, at 5 p.m.

Qualifications:

• You are the founder, co-founder, or owner of your business.
• Your company has revenue (pre-revenue startups are not eligible).
• You are actively looking to scale your business.
• You can commit to attending the monthly in person sessions in their entirety.
• The program is industry agnostic; all sectors are welcome.

Program Registration: $750

The total fee for the program has been reduced to $750, made possible by a generous contribution from Wells Fargo that covered half of the original $1,500 cost. You will be invoiced upon admittance into the program. 

What You Gain From Thrive Lab:

• Mentorship and guidance; access to CIE mentors
• Gain clarity and confidence in financial decision-making
• Build a scalable sales and growth strategy
  
• Develop the mindset and capabilities of a CEO, CFO, and CPO
  
• Connections to a network of UNCW community and ecosystem partners
• Expert speakers and panelists
• Peer advisory network
• Included course materials
• Post-program support
  

Hear from expert speakers and panelists, including:

• Richard Stroupe, CEO of Cape Fear Ventures
• Chris Pardue, WALE Angel Network & Fractional CPO of OpiAID
• Jennifer Brown, Founder of Journey of Grace Coaching
• Joe Colopy, Colopy Ventures & Founding Partner of Primordial Ventures
• Sonya Peele, Founder of Work It Girl Consulting
• Heather McWhorter, Director of UNCW CIE
• Vince Lai, Founder & CEO of Fulcro Consulting & Advisory Services
• SBTDC
• CliftonLarsonAllen (CLA)
• Vantaca

• March 9 | 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. | UNCW CIE
• April 13 | 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. | Location TBA (Wilmington region)
  • Optional Happy Hour sponsored by Cape Fear Ventures after the April 13 session
• May 11 | 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. | Vantaca 
• Graduation & Celebration: May 28 | UNCW CIE

In addition to these sessions, you will be matched with a mentor you will be assigned to meet with in between these sessions. 

Ready to take the next step in your entrepreneurial journey?

Apply by Friday, February 27, 2026, at 5 p.m. Space is limited.

In the News:

• CIE Introduces Thrive Lab Program For Scaling Entrepreneurs  (GWBJ, February 3, 2026)

• UNCW Launches ‘Thrive Lab’ Program to Help Businesses Scale in 2026  (GWBJ Insights, February 1, 2026)

• UNCW Center Launches lab to help entrepreneurs "Thrive" (Coastal Review, January 13, 2026)

• Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship Launches Thrive Lab  (UNCW, January 9, 2026)