Programs designed to accelerate time to market
Beyond our customized, scaleable space and lab offerings, it’s the programs at First Flight Venture Center that set us apart from other incubators. We use our Runway to Success to meet our companies where they are in their business life cycle to improve their probability of success.
We are always looking for new ways to help our members secure funding, meet with mentors, find qualified interns, and develop prototypes of their ideas.
Here are some of our key program offerings:
Finding the Business Value in New Ideas.
Grant writing assistance with a proven track record of securing non-dilutive funding.
We partner with federal programs to secure funding for businesses focused on health security
Our monthly pitch practice program.
Our experienced team of business leaders, scientists and entrepreneurs who are available for consultation.
A comprehensive 12-week, cohort-based, sector-focused accelerator for science startups. Working in collaboration with the Biomedical Research and Development Authority (BARDA), the first Wheels UP cohort will accelerate the ability of entrepreneurs to scale disruptive biotechnology and health security solutions.
FAST seeks to improve competitive grants and wins for non-dilutive funding through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Programs for underserved communities by increasing participation from women-owned, rural-based, and socially economically disadvantaged small businesses.
BUSINESS INCUBATOR
Science and technology-focused early stage companies are eligible to be considered for membership at First Flight.
CAPTAIN’S CIRCLE
First Flight Venture Center’s Captain’s Circle brings together small groups of non-competing entrepreneurs for monthly private discussions with peers, led by a professional facilitator. Structured topics designed to solve problems and share best practices include finance, investments, employee relations, legal considerations, operations, scalability, marketing, and sales.
Pilots Lounge: Elevating Entrepreneurs to New Heights
Pilots Lounge offers another opportunity to connect our Navigators with entrepreneurs in the First Flight community. This program aims to share expertise, strategize on business development, and learn how to try and raise equity funding or go after non-dilutive funding. Pilots Lounge focuses on having 2-4 Navigators sharing their backgrounds to build relationships with these entrepreneurs.
Wingspan: Your Gateway to Soft Landing in North Carolina
Wingspan is a comprehensive, cohort-based, and sector-focused program designed to help international companies seamlessly transition into the U.S. market, specifically North Carolina. At First Flight Venture Center, we work closely with 10 leading companies per cohort, each poised for successful entry into the U.S. market.