CED Announces the 3rd Cohort of Startup TNT Associates

Seven Talented Students from New University Partnerships Join Fall 2024 Program

Research Triangle Park, NC, September 12, 2024 – The Council for Entrepreneurial Development (CED) is excited to announce the launch of the 3rd cohort of Startup TNT (Talent and Training) this fall. The program, which aims to cultivate the next generation of entrepreneurial talent, welcomes seven outstanding Associates representing a wide range of academic backgrounds and institutions. This cohort marks a significant milestone as the first to include students from multiple universities, including Duke University, UNC Chapel Hill, and NC Central University.

This fall, CED is also proud to welcome back John Buxton, a former Associate from Duke University, who has returned as a Senior Associate to this cohort. He will play a crucial role in helping to run the program, offering guidance and mentorship to the new cohort, drawing on his own journey and experience in the Startup TNT program.

Kelly Rowell, CEO of CED, expressed her enthusiasm for the program and the new cohort:

“We are thrilled to welcome this talented group of Associates to our third Startup TNT cohort. The inclusion of students from Duke, UNC Chapel Hill, and NC Central University represents a significant step forward in our mission to foster a diverse and inclusive entrepreneurial community. These young leaders bring fresh perspectives and a passion for innovation, and we are excited to see the contribution and impact they have in the startup ecosystem.”

The seven Associates in the Fall 2024 cohort include:

• John Buxton – Senior Associate – Duke University
• Sophie Ashley – Associate, Marketing Track – Duke University
• Satvik Chethan – Associate, Rotational Track – UNC Chapel Hill
• Natia Jones – Associate, Rotational Track – NC Central University
• Rahul Narang – Associate, GRO Incubator Track – Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business
• Arya Ranjan – Associate, Rotational Track – UNC Chapel Hill’s Kenan-Flagler Business School
• Taylor Walicki – Associate, Finance & Sales – Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business

This cohort will focus on various tracks within the program, such as GRO Incubator support, marketing, and finance/sales, offering a comprehensive approach to entrepreneurial training. The program will conclude with a project presentation that will highlight knowledge and new skills they have honed throughout the program.

As we continue to foster growth and innovation in the startup ecosystem, we invite emerging talent and entrepreneurial enthusiasts to express their interest in joining the Spring 2024 Startup TNT program. If you’re a student looking for an opportunity to gain hands-on experience, broaden your network, and make a real impact in the startup world, fill out our interest form today.

Additionally, we are excited to announce that Startup TNT will be piloting a new externship program in Summer 2025. This initiative will provide participants with a unique opportunity to work directly with startups, while also staying in touch with CED. Stay tuned for more details on how to get involved in this dynamic, immersive experience!

For more information about the Startup TNT program, please visit www.cednc.org/get/startuptnt.

About CED

The Council for Entrepreneurial Development was formed in 1984 by a group of business leaders wanting to empower the successful creation and growth of entrepreneurial companies in the North Carolina region. CED acts as the connective center for all of this to happen. Through high-touch support, education, access to capital, and crucial connections, CED brings entrepreneurs together with the optimal resources needed to turn a new company into a success story. For more information go to www.cednc.org.