Chapel Hill is one of the best places to launch a business and explore your ideas. With our proximity to three top R1 universities and the Research Triangle Park, we have access to the resources, funding opportunities, and education that entrepreneurs need to thrive.
Innovation & Entrepreneurship
Your Ideas Matter Here
Entrepreneurship Quick Links
Launch Chapel Hill
Launch Chapel Hill is an award-winning startup accelerator in Chapel Hill. Join a startup community with strategic resources, funding connections, and community mentorship.
Town of Chapel Hill Small Business Support
Connect with our Business Vitality Manager for direct assistance with navigating the local permitting process, finding the right office space, and accessing local market data.
Innovate Carolina
Looking for a co-working space or a private office in Downtown Chapel Hill with connections to UNC? Innovate Carolina provides a full list of resources for businesses who are looking to find their footing.
SCORE Mentoring
Get connected with a network of volunteer business mentors in Chapel Hill who are dedicated to helping you grow and sustain your business.
Let’s Talk Business in Chapel Hill
Whether you’re considering a relocation or looking to expand your in-town footprint, our business expansion team is ready to help. Reach out for confidential, comprehensive support.
"Chapel Hill blends world-class research and innovation with a tremendously supportive community. But what really sets this place apart is the people. They genuinely want to see each other succeed. You truly can have it all in Chapel Hill."
Entrepreneurs Pick Chapel Hill
Join our community of entrepreneurs who thrive in our environment of lifelong learners and collaborative efforts happening across the Town, County, and UNC for resources and funding opportunities.
Getting Started
Support for Innovators
Having a hard time knowing where to start? Our team can help you navigate local resources like Launch Chapel Hill and Capital Area Workforce Development to make sure that you have everything you need here to succeed as an entrepreneur.
Launch Chapel Hill is a start-up accelerator that helps businesses in early development to refine their value proposition, develop a go-to-market strategy, connect with KPMG professionals, and more.
Launch Chapel Hill offers two programs depending where you are in your journey:
- Launch Local is designed for Chapel Hill and Carrboro residents exploring a business idea, building their first product, or testing early customer demand. This 10-week accelerator provides hands-on education, mentorship, and access to a supportive local founder community to help move ideas forward.
- Launch Powered by KPMG is a 6-week accelerator program giving companies easy access to cutting-edge industry insights and enterprise customers seeking their products or services. Some of their key areas of concentration include quantum computing, semiconductors and chips, crypto and digital assets, Industry 4.0, and biotech.
Applications for both programs are accepted on a rotating basis. For more information and to apply, visit Launch’s website.
Chapel Hill offers local and regional resources to help entrepreneurs succeed:
- Our Business Vitality Manager provides personalized support — whether you’re looking to relocate, navigate the permitting process, grow your business, or connect with workforce talent through programs like Capital Area Workforce Development.
- SCORE, a national nonprofit and resource partner of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), offers free mentorship and education to entrepreneurs and small business owners across the Research Triangle.
- Entrepreneurs can also access the Small Business and Technology Development Center (SBTDC) at the University of North Carolina, which provides free counseling on accessing capital and financing, identifying new market opportunities, and developing leadership skills.
Workforce & Demographics
Residents of Chapel Hill are among the most educated in the nation. Tap into an international workforce with diverse talent.
Sites & Incentives
Ready to see how your company fits into the Chapel Hill business community? Search sites, properties, and incentives for growing the local economy.
New Businesses
Need help navigating a new opening or accessing financing? Our team is here to connect you with the right local resources.
Our Team
Here to Help
Not sure where to start? Need insight into our local industries? Contact us and we’ll connect you to the right people and resources.
