CED has provided an incredible opportunity through Startup TNT, and I am immensely grateful for the experience. The fall 2024 semester began with mixed emotions, knowing that graduation in December marked the end of time at the NCCU Business School. A sense of unreadiness to enter the business world lingered, with a strong desire to increase my business experience, become more knowledgeable about various business sectors, and be able to converse with a higher level of vocabulary. When I learned about the Startup TNT Program at CED, it felt like the perfect opportunity, and it went on to exceed every expectation.
On the first day, a warm welcome set the tone. I walked in during a meeting with no spare chairs available, but my new coworkers went out of their way to bring one from another space, scooching over to ensure me a place at the table. This gesture of generosity, kindness, and support reflected the culture at CED and continued throughout the experience. Although I missed the welcome week due to COVID and being the only Associate in the office initially brought some nervousness, it soon became evident that everything was falling into place to create an ideal learning environment.
Networking is a crucial focus at CED; the organization is deeply connected, maintaining relationships with businesses of all sizes, complemented by the personal networks of its team members. Their commitment to supporting my success was evident, as they consistently offered to facilitate introductions to anyone of interest.
When I mentioned an interest in tech sales, I was promptly connected with two professionals who provided valuable guidance on exploring this path. These connections have been instrumental, and their ongoing willingness to offer support creates an empowering experience. Knowing that others are invested in seeing success is inspiring and deeply appreciated.
Networking is a crucial focus at CED; the organization is deeply connected, maintaining relationships with businesses of all sizes, complemented by the personal networks of its team members.
Before this experience, my knowledge of the startup tech ecosystem and its offerings was limited. Previous volunteer work with CED at Venture Connect had not revealed the full extent of their community contributions and commitment to helping founders on various levels.
This semester highlighted just how significant their impact is, notably as CED celebrated its 40th Birthday. The organization’s dedication to helping founders forge paths to success while promoting diversity within the tech ecosystem was evident. Initiatives like offering scholarships to underrepresented individuals, For instance, Claire Benton—Founder and CEO of TeachBase—received a scholarship from CED to attend BoS (Business of Software), where she was the only Black woman. Claire’s journey—from minimal product development to running her company full-time—with the help of BoS and the GRO Incubator program underscored the transformative power of CED’s support.
As the Startup TNT Program concludes, my gratitude for this experience cannot be overstated. Exposure to new opportunities, a growing professional network, and hands-on learning on pitch decks, Salesforce, and Excel have all been invaluable. The team’s encouragement to speak up and willingness to learn from one another created an environment of mutual growth. This program has been a milestone, opening doors to innovation and a deeper understanding of the startup ecosystem.
Natia Jones is a senior at North Carolina Central University pursuing a major in Business Administration and Financial Analytics. Her anticipated graduation date is December 2024.
