You’re So Fly: Grant Colgan

Get to know your fellow community members in our latest Member Q&A series! Dive into the questions asked and discover insightful answers straight from the heart of our community.

Meet Grant Colgan, our Flywheel Foundation Program Manager.

Who are you?

My name is Grant Colgan, and I am the Program Manager for the Flywheel Foundation. I am originally from Northern Virginia but moved down to Charlotte last year after graduating from Virginia Tech in May 2023.

What do you do?

As the Program Manager, I oversee our Retail Lab Bootcamp Program as well as our Venture Mentoring Service. The Retail Lab is designed for brick-and-mortar or e-commerce businesses in Cabarrus and Rowan counties, guiding them through the various subjects needed to get one of these businesses off the ground. The Venture Mentoring Service helps entrepreneurs who are in a more mature phase of their business by matching them with mentors who can guide them through day-to-day challenges. The Foundation also has other programs, such as the Health Equity Innovation Challenge, and I help plan a live Pitch Event once a month across the various Flywheel offices. On top of that, I connect with local business owners in the Concord area and discuss getting them involved in our programs or other opportunities throughout the state. In many ways, I am a connector!

What’s the biggest thing going on right now for your work?

We are currently running our Retail Lab Program for the Fall 2024 Cohort, so my main priority is getting this group pitch-ready. At the same time, I am always focused on expanding the Foundation’s reach and finding additional founders and mentors for our Venture Mentoring Service.

What do you wish everyone knew about your work?

It is very difficult owning a small business, but there are a lot of resources to help you succeed. Many people only focus on grants and other funding opportunities, but knowledge and connections can be just as valuable.

How can we (the newsletter reader) support you?

If you know of any entrepreneurs in the Concord area that are looking for support, please give them my contact info. Additionally, if you are someone who has operated a business in the past or has expertise in a specific area and wants to mentor local business owners, please reach out, and I can give you more information on mentorship opportunities through the Flywheel Foundation.

Any entrepreneur tips you want to leave with the reader?

Pivots are not just OK, they are to be expected!

Your social handles, contact info or however folks should reach out

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/grantcolgan
Website: https://flywheel-foundation.org