AARP Digital Skills Ready Technology Classes
AARP Digital Skills Ready Technology Classes
It’s not too late to claim your family’s Child Tax Credit
It’s not too late to claim your family’s Child Tax Credit
North Carolina families can still...
AARP Digital Skills Ready Technology Classes
It’s not too late to claim your family’s Child Tax Credit
The School of Business and Professional Studies Publishes Their 5th Edition of Accolades
Cyber Operations Concentration
SBPS – Shaw University High-Tech Summer Immersion (HTSI) Program
Shaw University Hosts 4-Day ‘Girls Can Code & Create’ Camp for 6 to 12-Year-Olds
Girls Can C2 – Code & Create
Shaw University Receives Gold Standard Accreditation from CEO Roundtable on Cancer

About The IEC

The mission of the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center (IEC) at
Shaw University is to increase and improve small business ownership
and address underemployment in minority communities. We provide
targeted entrepreneurial training and support for students and
aspiring business owners that will foster innovation and help them to
establish and sustain high-growth and sustainable companies. We
leverage intellectual capital through collaborative efforts of faculty,
community partners, students, entrepreneurs, and the larger
Raleigh community.

Are you a Shaw University student entrepreneur or want to start your own business? Join our Student Entrepreneurship Club! To join or for more information, please click below.”

Join Now

Meet Our Team

Dr. Nichole Phillips - Shaw University
Dr. T. Nichole Phillips

IEC Director

Matthew Gargano - Shaw University
Mr. Matthew Gargano

IEC Fellow

Hanif Omar - Shaw University
Mr. Hanif Omar

IEC Fellow

Vicki Spears- Shaw University
Ms. Vicki Spears

Program Manager, Aspire

Signature Programs

The Aspire Entrepreneurship Certification Program (AECP) is a 16-week certification program that provides training to aspiring and early-stage Black entrepreneurs in the Raleigh-Durham and surrounding areas. Launched in January 2022, the AECP presents a research-based curriculum designed to address specific needs and challenges experienced by Black entrepreneurs. Our next cohort will launch in January 2024. For more information, please click here or email Aspire@ShawU.edu.

The Aspire Entrepreneurship Certification Program (AECP) The flagship program of the IEC is the Aspire Entrepreneurship Certification Program (AECP), a 16-week program that provides training specific to aspiring and early-stage Black entrepreneurs in the Raleigh-Durham and surrounding areas.

Launched in January 2022, the AECP presents a research-based curriculum designed to address specific needs and challenges experienced by Black entrepreneurs. Facilitated and taught by experienced Black entrepreneurs and subject matter experts, the AECP provides comprehensive, research-based training in the following areas: business essentials, opportunity recognition, money management, marketing, business operations, and presentation and communication. At the conclusion of the pro-gram, participants in AECP will have a viable business plan evaluated by local entrepreneurs and business leaders.

Based on the quality of the curriculum, the Aspire program received advance funding from our primary sponsor, Wells Fargo, resulting in full scholarships for two cohorts of local Black entrepreneurs.

As of May 2023, AECP proudly boasts the successful completion of two cohorts of entrepreneurs. We look forward to our next cohort in January 2024.

For more information or to sign up for our mailing list, please complete this form or contact Aspire@ShawU.edu.

Aspire has made me aware of how a business needs to be run to be successful; it has given me information on how to implement good business practices.  The program has also provided me with guidance on business finances and marketing. After completing this course, I feel very comfortable in running a business.
George Griffin Jr.Kountry Strong
The Aspire program has taught me another side of entrepreneurship. I'm very appreciative of the instructors for taking time out of their day to educate me!  This class has made me a better business owner.
Shamaine D. Anderson J&S Landscaping
Aspire has impacted my business, Entrust C&M Logistics, in such a powerful way, because I feel more confident in the direction of my business being built on a strong foundation. Many questions that I had were answered and explained well, and I thank Aspire for that.
D. Faith CovingtonEntrust C&M Logistics
My experience in the Aspire Program has been life-changing. The tools I have gained by being apart of this program will allow me to take my business and family to the next level. I am so grateful for the connections I have made with my classmates and instructors, this program was a blessing.''
Desiree SmithGrateful On All Levels Transportation LLC
The ASPIRE program has been a wonderful experience. Each module and module activities provided me with in depth information and knowledge to continue to learn and grow as an entrepreneur. Additionally, this experience has added vital tools to my entrepreneurial toolkit and given me hope for the future as my business flourishes and thrives.
Dr. TaVshea SmithSmithpowerED, LLC
The ASPIRE program at Shaw University has been jam packed with inspiration, accountability and action. I couldn't be more grateful for such an amazing opportunity! We have built connections, transcending beyond career partnerships, that I will always cherish.
Andrea Taylor-WilliamsLegitimize The Bag LLC
The class was very knowledgeable and I really enjoyed all the teachers and my fellow classmates. This program really helped mold me in being better.
James WilliamsThrough Thick & Thin LLC
The Aspire Program was invigorating for me. My thought process changed. The facilitators and the instruction were stellar.  Sometimes, it was a challenge, but the experience was always worth the time invested. The assistance from the facilitators was a great asset.
Annette BrownA-Vision Productions
ASPIRE, a creative, collaborative community of mentors/business owners and students, share and learn from each other about business leadership, access, skills, discipline, and the gifts of staying the course to improve and concretize their dreams and manifest their entrepreneurial ventures.''
Dr. Cheryl A. Kirk-DugganDr. Cheryl Enterprises LLC
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The Business Innovation Gateway (BIG) is an entrepreneurship program focused on developing
undergraduate student competency in the areas of business planning and opportunity recognition,
project management, financial management, marketing and branding, and cultural competence.
Through courses, seminars, and internships, the BIG program addresses underemployment by ensuring that students are career-ready, either though the launch of their own enterprises or as employees
in entrepreneurial organizations.

For more information, please click here or email IEC@ShawU.edu