Realize your business potential. ScaleUp provides intensive growth strategy development and implementation assistance to cohorts of Western North Carolina small businesses with strong potential for growth. This course is typically offered twice annually.
$875 for the primary participant and $295 for secondary participants
8 Sessions (3 mos.)
With now over 145 alumni companies, ScaleUp is supporting a diverse and distinguished group of entrepreneurs that will drive innovation and economic development across the WNC region for years.
Cohort 12
Learn More
Get to know all the WNC entrepreneurs that have been accepted into the ScaleUp program.
Nick Moen
The Bright Angle
"The ScaleUp program was essential in establishing strategies for growth. The problem solving tools I learned in the program helped my business grow."
See how it works
Each cohort will be selected through a highly competitive, merit-based application process.
Founders, owners, or executive managers of growth-oriented small businesses are eligible to apply.
This growth stage of companies—after startup but before maturity—tends to be underserved in Western North Carolina (and nationally). ScaleUp WNC offers a unique opportunity to help expand growth-oriented businesses and strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem across this region.
Businesses must meet the following eligibility standards:
We evaluate businesses’ applications based on the following criteria:
Still have questions? See our FAQ
ScaleUp is a cohort-based program. Each participant will be part of a CEO network of up to 15 peer businesses and will receive tailored services to measurably advance their business and achieve significant business development milestones. See who is eligible to apply.
Cohort 12 will begin March 10th, 2023 and be fully in person. The program will include 8 Core Concept Sessions, a Kick-Off Event, and culminating in an opportunity to present at our live pitch event, Mountain Raise.
See ScaleUp 2023 full program details.
Program benefits include, but are not be limited, to the following.
If you are interested in joining our community of mentors for ScaleUp WNC businesses, please fill out a quick—two questions and contact info—interest form, and we’ll add you to our growing network of mentors working to scale small businesses in WNC.
Email usDelivery of proven, established curricula for growth-oriented entrepreneurs and small businesses focused on the unique challenges of scaling established businesses. This intensive curriculum includes an opening VIP kickoff party, seven class-based sessions, and a culminating “demo day” showcase event.
Ten hours of one-on-one support, mentoring, and technical assistance from our team of business advisors and mentors with expertise including leadership, market research analysis, business strategy, technology development, operations, and sales growth assistance.
Assistance and connections to growth capital, including preparing investor due-diligence backup documentation, matchmaking events, and introductions with local lenders and investors.
Strengthening connections and networks, including developing valuable relationships with peer entrepreneurs, support resources, mentors, potential supply chain partners, etc.
We select around 15 businesses to participate in ScaleUp every year, and competitiveness depends on the number of applicants we receive.
Our ScaleUp family maintains close connections after going through the program; Mountain BizWorks hosts regular opportunities to network and reconnect, and many cohorts stay in touch long after their course is over. Past ScaleUp alumni have also been called on to share their entrepreneurial insight as coaches, mentors, and facilitators for Mountain BizWorks learning programs.
We offer payment plans that can be tailored to individual needs. Please contact Lilley Egues at lilley@mountainbizworks.org for more information.
If you’re from a high risk area, we ask that you please do your part in protecting the community by wearing a mask. Prior to arriving for an in-person event, class or meeting please check the CDC’s COVID-19 Community Levels and be prepared to wear a mask if your county is determined to have a High level (red).
At all times, Mountain BizWorks reserves the right to require masking and make modifications to all COVID safety policy as circumstances and public health guidelines change.
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