City Startup Labs Information

Closing the entrepreneurial divide for formerly-incarcerated entrepreneurs, value-added employees and Black tech founders. City Startup Labs is an innovative business accelerator and entrepreneurship education program dedicated to empowering aspiring black entrepreneurs in starting and scaling successful businesses. Established in 2012 and headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, we offer a comprehensive suite of resources, training, and mentorship to transform participants' ideas into thriving ventures. A key initiative at City Startup Labs is the ReEntry Entrepreneurship Program (REEP), which supports individuals who have been formerly incarcerated in launching their own businesses and forging a new path in life. Through REEP, participants receive training, mentorship, and assistance to start and grow their enterprises, along with access to an extensive network of resources and services. In collaboration with Atrium Health, City Startup Labs launched a groundbreaking initiative in 2021 called Restorative Pathways. This project focuses on identifying, training, and assessing the progress of justice-involved individuals seeking careers in the healthcare field. Additionally, it assists Atrium in their efforts to become a fair-chance employer. Furthermore, in 2021, City Startup Labs acquired the assets of BlkTech Interactive (BTI) and the BlkTech Charlotte brand. This strategic move allows us to concentrate on developing Black tech talent and fostering tech ventures, particularly among millennials. We provide support through various platforms, including the Coding & Switching Series and the Annual AfroFuturism Fest, which serve as opportunities for talent to gather and explore innovative ideas. Moreover, BTI is developing a startup studio to facilitate the growth of Black-led tech ventures. At City Startup Labs, we are deeply committed to cultivating a diverse and inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem.