The North Carolina Community College System's Small Business Center Network is launching the SBCN Startup Showdown, powered by Wells Fargo — a new statewide competition designed to support emerging entrepreneurs through mentorship, training, and $60,000 in startup funding. 

The initiative is made possible by the largest private gift in the history of the SBCN, in partnership with the NC Community Colleges Foundation and Wells Fargo.

Applications open March 1 and close April 7. 

Sixteen finalists — two from each of the SBCN's eight regions — will be selected by late April to participate in a four-month development experience. 

Training begins in mid-May and culminates in a statewide pitch showcase and awards ceremony in Raleigh in August and September.

Throughout the program, finalists will receive structured entrepreneurship training, one-on-one counseling from local Small Business Center advisors, pitch development support, professional business planning tools, and up to $500 in customized consulting from subject-matter experts. Participants will also complete the SBCN's eight-week online Pitch It! course and engage with statewide peers, mentors, and partners.

"This initiative is especially meaningful as communities across the country recognize Small Business Saturday," said Anne Shaw, State Director of the Small Business Center Network. "While we celebrate existing small businesses, this program invests in the people who are just getting started. The SBCN Startup Showdown gives new founders the guidance, capital, and confidence needed to move from idea to launch—no matter where they live in North Carolina."

The $60,000 funding pool will be awarded to the top three entrepreneurs and their supporting Small Business Centers. Winners will also receive a professionally produced pitch video, statewide visibility through public voting, and a one-year local Chamber of Commerce membership.

"Wells Fargo has a long and proud tradition of supporting entrepreneurs," said Suzie Koonce, senior consultant for social impact and sustainability at Wells Fargo. "When small businesses grow, communities grow—and we are proud to support this effort in its inaugural year."

Key Dates

Applications Open: March 1, 2026

Applications Close: April 7, 2026

Finalists Announced: Late April 2026

Training Begins: Mid-May 2026

Statewide Showcase & Awards: August–September 2026