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Accelerate Your Entrepreneurial Journey

Entrepreneurship Center LOGO MASTER
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The Phil Harvey Center for Entrepreneurship, presented by PHE, Inc. and powered by the Hillsborough/Orange County Chamber of Commerce, will open in October 2026.

 

Mission Statement
To positively impact the greater Hillsborough area by leveraging local resources and talent to support entrepreneurship, nurture area start-ups and promote job creation.

Who is the Center for Entrepreneurship for?
The Phil Harvey Center for Entrepreneurship—presented by PHE, Inc. and powered by the Hillsborough Chamber of Commerce—is designed to support entrepreneurs with early-stage businesses in Orange County, NC, particularly in the greater Hillsborough area.

Ideal applicants for the one-year program (October 2026-September 2027) will be early-stage founders who have:

  1. A solid idea, concept, or recently launched business;
  2. A need for guidance, access to resources, and office space (optional); and
  3. A willingness to commit to regular EOS sessions, mentorship, and educational seminars.

What does the Center’s program offer to entrepreneurs?

I. EDUCATION AND CONSULTING

  • Six deep dives into the Entrepreneurial Operating System model, facilitated by EOS Implementer Clay Harris
  • Mentoring sessions with Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE) volunteers to provide guidance on decision making, planning and subject matter expertise
  • Financial guidance on accessing capital and grants from banking experts, SBA reps and others
  • One-on-one review of business resources available to entrepreneurs
  • Educational seminars conducted in coordination with Durham Tech Small Business Center, business professionals and other subject matter experts
  • Invitation to Chamber-hosted networking socials and Center events

II. SPACE

  • Optional office space for 1-2 people per startup for one year in the Center, with 24-hour access (availability limited)
  • Use of the Hillsborough Chamber conference room and kitchen
  • Free access to high-speed Internet and Wi-Fi
  • Use of the Chamber’s Konica Minolta Bizhub copier

III. VISIBILITY

  • Free Hillsborough Chamber membership with associated benefits upon business launch
  • Networking opportunities with Chamber board of directors and Chamber members

IV. PEER SUPPORT

  • Camaraderie with fellow entrepreneurs!

 

PROGRAM COST
There is a nominal fee of $25 per month ($70 if you have office space in the Center).

Program Application and Selection Criteria
Program Application
Selection Criteria
Program Schedule Graphic

What is the process to apply for the Entrepreneurship program?  

There are ten slots available annually in the educational program. However, only three slots include office space for 12 months in the Center. The program begins in October and runs through September of the following year. Applications are accepted throughout the year.

Acceptance into the program is based on space availability and through a competitive evaluation process (see Selection Criteria for details), not on a first-come, first-served basis. A waiting list of applicants may be kept if needed.

Is there a cost to participate in the program?

There is a nominal fee of $25 per month ($70 if you have office space in the Center).

Does the Center receive an ownership stake in the start-up venture?

No. The Hillsborough Chamber, PHE, Inc., and the Center’s supporting partners will not have an ownership stake in the start-ups participating in the program.

Is parking provided at the Center?

Yes, the Hillsborough Chamber and the Center share a 14-space parking lot on the site.

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