The Midway Business Center is Chapel Hill-Carrboro's first business incubator, and is the economic development arm of EmPOWERment, Inc. The project includes 6,000 square feet of affordable office and retail space, access to shared business equipment and strong support to build locally owned businesses. The Business Center is located in Midway, a historically Black business district connecting Chapel Hill and Carrboro.
The small business incubator helps new and emerging businesses grow into strong local employers while promoting the redevelopment of the Midway Business District. The Midway Business Center is a hybrid incubator serving a range of business types including retail, office- and service-based companies, technology start-ups and other enterprises. The Center targets low to moderate income women- and minority-owned businesses and other new start-up companies with growth potential.
Are you interested in office space? We have space available!
STEP 1: Contact us at (919) 967-8779 or dbailey@empowerment-inc.org
STEP 2: Fill out an application, available at the EmPOWERment office.
STEP 3 (Will be required after you move in, so get started early!): Write a business plan. Business plan templates can be found here and contact SBTDC or SCORE for free one-on-one support. Durham Tech's Small Business Center offers free and pay classes about many aspects of small business.
STEP 4 (Recommended): Go to SBTDC's free "Pre-Venture Orientation" held on the 3rd Thursday of each month, from 9-11am at 1700 MLK Jr. Blvd. Room 158, Chapel Hill, NC, where the instructor will walk you through much of what you need to know about starting a business. Contact SBTDC at (919) 962-0389 to register.
STEP 5: Meet with Delores Bailey to discuss your budget.
STEP 6: The Town of Chapel Hill must review your application. If approved, pay your deposit and first month's rent. Welcome!
If you're interested in Midway and have more questions, please reference our Frequently Asked Questions.
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