A Growing Entrepreneurial Community
High Point has long been a city of makers. Its furniture industry was built by entrepreneurs, craftsmen, and manufacturers who turned local resources into a global business. Today, that entrepreneurial spirit is being renewed. Downtown revitalization, High Point University's emphasis on innovation, and new collaborative spaces are encouraging founders to launch and grow companies in the city.
Startups thrive when they have access to mentorship, affordable workspace, funding connections, and a supportive community. Incubators and accelerators provide exactly that. Here are ten of the best startup incubators and entrepreneurship resources available to High Point founders.
The 10 Best Startup Incubators and Resources for High Point Founders
1. Congdon Yards
Congdon Yards is a centerpiece of downtown High Point's transformation. This repurposed industrial complex offers private offices, studios, and event space, creating a vibrant community of entrepreneurs, designers, and creative professionals. Its location near Truist Point puts founders at the heart of downtown activity.
2. The Generator at Congdon Yards
The Generator is a makerspace equipped with industrial-grade machinery for prototyping and fabrication. For product-focused startups, especially those in furniture, design, and manufacturing, it provides access to tools that would otherwise require significant investment.
3. Business High Point Chamber of Commerce Thrive Program
Business High Point, the city's chamber of commerce, supports entrepreneurs through its Thrive initiative, which provides coaching, training, and connections. The program helps small business owners strengthen operations, access resources, and grow sustainably.
4. The Interchange
The Interchange offers entrepreneurship courses designed to help founders build business skills, refine ideas, and prepare for growth. It is a valuable starting point for first-time entrepreneurs who need structured guidance.
5. Team LaunchPoint
Team LaunchPoint is a venture firm and accelerator established in High Point. It supports early-stage companies with mentorship, capital connections, and strategic guidance, helping founders move from concept to scalable business.
6. High Point University Belk Center for Entrepreneurship
High Point University's entrepreneurship programs give students hands-on experience launching ventures through pitch competitions, mentoring, and coursework. The university's commitment to innovation also creates connections between student founders and the broader business community.
7. Nussbaum Center for Entrepreneurship
Located in nearby Greensboro, the Nussbaum Center for Entrepreneurship is one of the region's most established incubators. It offers affordable office and light manufacturing space, business coaching, and programs that have supported hundreds of Triad companies.
8. Flywheel Coworking
Flywheel Coworking in Winston-Salem is a community-focused coworking space and incubator that hosts programs, events, and accelerators. High Point founders benefit from its regional network and active entrepreneurial culture.
9. Office Evolution
Office Evolution offers flexible coworking and private office space with professional amenities. It is a practical option for founders who need a polished environment for client meetings and focused work without long-term lease commitments.
10. Small Business Center at Guilford Technical Community College
The Small Business Center at Guilford Technical Community College provides free seminars, confidential counseling, and resource referrals for entrepreneurs. It is especially helpful for founders working on business plans, financing, and early-stage marketing.
What Incubators Offer Startups
Startup incubators and accelerators typically provide workspace, mentorship, educational programming, and networking. Some offer access to investors or funding programs, while makerspaces supply equipment for prototyping. The greatest benefit is often community: being surrounded by other founders creates opportunities for collaboration, encouragement, and shared learning.
How to Choose the Right Program
Consider your stage and needs. An idea-stage founder may benefit most from educational courses and coaching, while a company with early traction might seek an accelerator with investor access. Product-based startups should look for makerspace resources, and service businesses may prioritize professional workspace and networking. Speak with alumni to understand the real value each program delivers.
Entrepreneurship Trends in High Point
High Point is seeing growth in design-driven startups that build on the city's furniture heritage, as well as e-commerce, logistics technology, and creative services companies. Downtown development is attracting young professionals, and collaboration between the university, chamber, and private sector continues to strengthen the ecosystem.
Funding Options for High Point Founders
Access to capital is a common challenge for early-stage companies. Founders in the Triad can explore angel investor networks, regional venture firms, community development financial institutions, and Small Business Administration loan programs. North Carolina also offers grant programs and economic development incentives for certain types of businesses. Incubators often help founders prepare pitch materials, financial models, and investor introductions.
Bootstrapping remains a viable path for many service and e-commerce businesses, and local resources such as free counseling and low-cost workspace help founders stretch limited funds. Choosing the right funding path depends on growth goals, industry, and how much ownership founders are willing to share.
Final Thoughts
High Point offers a supportive and increasingly dynamic environment for entrepreneurs. The incubators and resources on this list provide the tools, mentorship, and community founders need to succeed. Whether you are refining an idea or scaling a growing company, High Point is an excellent place to build.