The Boost Pad

The Boost Pad Incubator serves as a startup accelerator, providing excellent mentoring, education, resources, and networking for businesses founded or co-founded by underrepresented entrepreneurs in Mecklenburg County, with a focus on Charlotte, NC.

140

Graduated Companies

$450K

In Funding Raised

500+

New Jobs

Our Impact

The Boost Pad's impact speaks volumes. We support underrepresented founders and nurture impactful businesses. Since our start, we've helped raise funding, created over 75+ jobs, and driven economic mobility. With 110 success stories, we're reshaping Charlotte's entrepreneurial startup mobility. We are making a real impact promoting diversity within startup communities across the Charlotte region.

The Boost Pad offers a dynamic accelerator program for early-stage companies for 16 weeks, blending virtual and in-person sessions to maximize impact. Up to 20 companies are selected for each cohort. Do you think your company has what it takes?


The Next Level Cohort spans a 16-week program.

The program offers cohorts in winter and summer, with applications due on January 15th (Winter) and July 15th (Summer) respectively.

What We Offer

Founders' supportive community, fostering mutual motivation and assistance.

Mentorship by our entrepreneur-in-residence and direct access to The Boost Pad's expert team.

Pro bono legal consultations from CLIMB.

Weekly cohort sessions with our diverse community partners and experts, covering various topics.

Culminating pitch competition awarding grants of $5,000 Startup Currency Resources to the winners.

Periodic in-person events for networking with cohort members.

View the Boost Pad FAQ

Apply for Next Level

Cohort Program

**This standard application captures information about you and your business.


**This entire application process is designed to be quick and should take no more than 20 minutes.

Apply Now

— testimonials —

"We have received many gemstones throughout the past few months on this cohort. We definitely will not walk away from this opportunity empty handed but empowered by our community. Thank all of you and the time you all have taken in helping us!"

Brandi Lipford

CEO @ LIPFORD ENTERPRISES, LLC

"The Boost Pad has offered resources and information on every facet of a small business. Being able to access this community of fellow entrepreneurs is valuable and beneficial."

Mary Wilson

CEO @ THOUGHTFUL BAKING CO

"The Boost Pad Program has been an incredible source of guidance and support. The leaders make it a point to connect with each of us to learn our individual needs. Thanks to the Boost Pad I was reminded of the importance of a business model and am currently reworking part of my business. The Boost Pad also helps us to build unity with other entrepreneurs. I'm very glad to have been a part of the Boost Pad and look forward to the continued success I will achieve from participating."

Lakeisha Moore 

CEO @ ASPIRETOMOORE

"One of the most significant benefits we have experienced is gaining a deeper understanding of the critical aspects of our businesses. The program has shed light on areas that needed improvement and has empowered us to take proactive measures. We have been able to implement effective standard operations and processes, continuously refining them to ensure our business is thriving."

Jay Burns 

CEO @ APEX LEADERSHIP COMPANY

"The Next Level Accelerator Program provided an excellent opportunity for my business to network and grow new relationships. The format of virtual interaction allowed for efficient feedback on fresh ideas. The focus on elevator pitch and slide deck preparation helped me to clearly develop my critical messaging for crisp storytelling with potential clients."

Jose Wilkins

CEO @ PROFIT-ABILITY, LLC

"We have received many gemstones throughout the past few months on this cohort. We definitely will not walk away from this opportunity empty handed but empowered by our community. Thank all of you and the time you all have taken in helping us!"

Brandi Lipford

CEO @ LIPFORD ENTERPRISES, LLC

"The Boost Pad has offered resources and information on every facet of a small business. Being able to access this community of fellow entrepreneurs is valuable and beneficial."

Mary Wilson

CEO @ THOUGHTFUL BAKING CO

  • Get mutual support, motivation, and collaborative help from fellow founders.
  • Access personalized guidance from our entrepreneur-in-residence and The Boost Pad's expert team through 1-on-1 office hours.
  • Enjoy pro bono legal advice from CLIMB for clarity on crucial legal aspects.
  • Access to entrepreneurial support organizations and diverse community experts for essential insights on your entrepreneurial journey.
  • Unlock an extensive program valued at over $24,000, exclusively designed for you!
  • Periodic networking and in-person events, fostering meaningful connections within The Boost Pad community.

  • If your business falls under one of our 5 Business Verticals: Mainstreet Business, Construction, Food Innovation, Hi-Growth/Hi-Tech, or Supplier Diversity/Logistics.
  • If your business has a minimum gross revenue of $100,000.
  • If your business plan include creating more jobs in the next
  • 2-3 years of scalability.

  • Consulting or solopreneur ventures.
  • Non-profit organizations.
  • Businesses operational for more than 5 years.
  • Companies with annual revenues surpassing $250,000.

Next Level Cohort  Companies

Cohort 8

— OUR PROGRAMS

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