Come join us at the launch party for NCInvest!

At the launch party, you will hear directly from program leaders about their goals and aspirations for NCInvest. In addition, you will also hear from key leaders from the North Carolina startup and business community as they discuss the current landscape for small businesses and the entrepreneurial ecosystem in North Carolina its future potential and challenges. After the program, there will be plenty of time for networking. We look forward to seeing you all there and introducing this amazing program!

Speakers:

• MC: Bridget Chisholm, Founder and CEO, BWC Consulting
• Opening Remarks: Patrick Woodie, President & CEO, NC Rural Center, and Councilwoman DeDreana Freeman
• Welcome: Rodney Sampson, Fund Manager, NC SSBCI VC Program
• Fireside Chat: Rodney Sampson and Bill Spruill, Founder 2ndF, discussing the landscape in North Carolina and hopes for the future and impact NCInvest can bring
• Panel Discussions: Armeer Kenchen, Executive VP of Small Business Capital, NC Rural Center; Dr. Shante Williams, CEO of Black Pearl Investments; Alana Mann, Partner, Latimer Ventures; moderator, Vickie Gibbs, Founder and CEO, VLG Strategic Growth

More about NCInvest:

NCInvest is a statewide program supporting small businesses and startups with over $200M in investment and debt programs. The NC Venture Capital Program is the portion of the program that supports early-stage high-growth small businesses in North Carolina, primarily through equity investments. In 2022, North Carolina received up to $50M that will be dedicated to venture investments in North Carolina startups.

The NC Venture Capital Program will be partnering with venture capital funds, LPs and investors who are interested in participating in the program to support the distribution of funds to high-growth businesses in North Carolina. We are especially interested in investors who have a proven track record and/ or focus on supporting founders and business owners who come from traditionally under-represented groups in entrepreneurship and business ownership.

If you are interested in partnering with the NC Venture Capital Program, an RFP will be released after the launch party on February 28, 2023. Interested funds and investors should apply.