The Ben Craig Center has a rich history within the local business community that allows us to provide Incubator clients with quick and reliable access to a broad network of experienced service providers that have a legacy of excellence and specific interest in the success of our clients. 

It is essential for entrepreneurs to have a supporting network of advisors who can assist in the growth of their business.  Dealing with the complexities of sales, human resources, marketing, financing and planning to name a few is often more than the small business entrepreneur can handle alone.  The Ben Craig Center will assist in developing a business network large enough yet specific enough to deal with these challenges and others as they arise.    The Center's relationships can be categorized into five groups:

Successful Entrepreneurs - There is no better advice than from those who have been where you are.  Discovering common barriers and how they can be overcome can help entrepreneur's progress more rapidly and with more confidence.  Volunteers include representatives from companies such as:

• Carolina HealthCare system 
• Digital Optics
• Jack Henry & Associates
• Kitty Hawk Capital
• Verian Technologies
• Yorel Integrated Solutions
• And many others

Professional Service Providers - Navigating through technical issues such as contracts, accounting, stock options and taxes can be an overwhelming task for an early stage company. Volunteers who assist our clients in these areas include representatives from:

• Branch Bank & Trust
• Ed Cooper, CPA
• Grant Thornton, LLP
• Kilpatrick Stockton, LLP
• McGuire Woods
• Branch Bank & Trust

UNC Charlotte Representatives - UNC Charlotte faculty and students offer the business community a tremendous intellectual resource.  Opportunities include:

• Technology Reviews
• Students for Internships
• Access to students for Research Projects
• Graduate Employment Opportunities
• Access to specialized equipment

Financiers - Early-stage companies require capital, and the Center creates relationships with purveyors of different types of capital.  Purveyors include:

• Angel Investors
• Asset Based Lenders
• Institutional Angel Investors
• Investment Bankers
• Receivables Factoring
• Traditional Bankers
• Venture Capitalists

Preferred Vendors & Technology Partners - The Ben Craig Center continues to expand its network of pre-screened, preferred vendors who are available to provide reasonably priced, quality goods and services to our clients covering areas such as office supplies, furnishings, and payroll administration. Our Technology Partners program include some of the technology industry's top firms to ensure our clients have ready access to state of the art software, equipment, and communication systems. Examples of the more than 30 firms currently involved in these programs include:

• Carolina Office Solutions
• Gevity
• Microsoft
• Mitel 
• Windstream