Introducing Startup Genius: Empowering Entrepreneurs with a Revolutionary Small Business Resource Hub
CAWD is proud to announce the launch of Startup Genius, a comprehensive user-friendly platform that consolidates relevant information and resources to support aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners in Wake County. Startup Genius is a part of CAWD’s national award-winning Pathway to Entrepreneurship (PTE) initiative developed to help individuals navigate the complex landscape of starting and growing a business.
“We’re so happy to finally launch Startup Genius,” said Tyler Daniel, CAWD Small Business Manager. “Our goal is to broaden the ecosystem of support for new businesses, especially entrepreneurs from underrepresented or marginalized communities. Startup Genius can facilitate their journey from ideation to sustainable business operations by providing relevant business contacts and informational materials. And another standout feature of our program is personalized one-on-one sessions with an experienced mentor. This really helps to level the playing field so they can turn their visions into reality.”
Pat Sturdivant, CAWD Executive Director said “Being able to offer Startup Genius as a part of the Pathway to Entrepreneurship initiative is so vital. One thing that stops people from moving forward with business ideas is a lack of connections and believing they must figure it all out on their own. PTE provides those connections and more from start to finish, and we’re ecstatic to be able to offer it.”
Several websites and guides already exist for Wake County small businesses. Startup Genius is unique because it allows users to refine searches to the exact type of resource needed. Results are also returned at a scale commiserate with the stage of business development. The site also offers several accessibility options for users who may be visually impaired.
Information about Pathway to Entrepreneurship and access to Startup Genius is available at capitalareasmallbusiness.org.
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About Capital Area Workforce Development
CAWD is a public-private partnership and 501(c)3 funded by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) of 2014. Through collaborations with business, government, education and others, the organization has developed state and nationally-recognized workforce programs, connected businesses to workforce resources, the education system, and helped thousands to gain employment. CAWD serves Wake, Johnston, Chatham, Lee and Orange counties in the Triangle region of North Carolina.
Capital Area Workforce Development’s Pathway to Entrepreneurship program is supported in whole or in part by federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds awarded to Wake County Government by the U.S. Department of the Treasury. Program award: $1,362,000