Founded in 1999, Carolina Startup Fellows (formerly “CEF”) connects entrepreneurial ventures with MBA students at the University of North Carolina’s Kenan-Flagler Business School. Since its inception, over 100 UNC students have engaged in summer internships with growing start-up companies. By providing supplemental funding, the Startup Fellows program enables firms to receive students’ expertise at a fraction of the market cost. Students benefit from the Startup Fellows program as it provides first-hand exposure to new ventures and allows them an experiential summer learning opportunity.
Fellows come from a variety of industry and functional backgrounds. Fellows are selected based on their demonstrated entrepreneurial ability, previous professional experience and passion to assist start-ups. Past fellows have engaged in a number of activities, including:
- Business plans for new venture, product or service
- Financial models
- Market and industry research
- Feasibility studies
- Marketing, sales and implementation plans
- Venture pitches to secure additional funding
- Business strategy consulting
