ReEntry Entrepreneurship Program (REEP)
Current Opportunity: Application Deadline Friday April 24th
Built for founders who've faced more than most.
REEP helps justice-impacted entrepreneurs build stable, sustainable businesses — with structure, coaching, and real accountability.
WHAT IS REEP
A platform built for every stage of your journey.
REEP isn’t a single program — it’s a platform of cohort experiences designed to meet entrepreneurs where they are. Whether you’re stabilizing an existing business or forming something new, REEP provides the structure and support to help you grow.
Business Stability
Strengthen operations and establish a reliable foundation for growth.
Operational Discipline
Build systems and processes that make your business more consistent.
Growth Readiness
Prepare for responsible expansion with clarity and credibility.
Ecosystem Access
Connect with partners, mentors, and opportunities in the business world.
WHY IT EXISTS
Traditional paths weren't built for everyone.
City Startup Labs developed REEP in response to research showing limited economic mobility for justice-impacted individuals. Workforce programs alone weren’t enough — entrepreneurship offers a real pathway to lasting stability.
01
02
Business ownership is a proven, viable path to economic independence.
03
Structured support dramatically improves business survival and growth.
“I was reaching for straws before I found City Startup Labs. They accepted me with open arms when I needed direction most — connected me with the right people, gave me knowledge I didn’t know I needed, and helped me build a foundation to launch my own business.”
SAHIB REEVES, DOLLAR SOLE — REEP ’25–26
Applications Open
REEP Accelerator
An 8-week, execution-focused program for justice-impacted entrepreneurs with operating businesses in the Greater Charlotte area. This isn’t about theory — it’s about making your business perform better, right now.
Participants work on:
- Revenue discipline
- Financial clarity
- Pitch readiness
- Business operations
- Growth planning
- Demo Day preparation
Up to $20,000
in total growth awards at Demo Day — plus potential operational support for recipients
ELIGIBILITY
Is this program right for you?
This accelerator is designed for a specific kind of entrepreneur.
One who’s already in the game and ready to level up.
- You are justice-impacted
- You’re based in Greater Charlotte
- You have customers, revenue, or active service delivery
- You have an operating business
- You can commit to weekly participation
- You’re open to accountability and feedback
This cohort is not designed for idea-stage entrepreneurs. If you’re still exploring, a future REEP cohort may be a better fit.
HOW TO APPLY
Three steps. Straightforward process.
Each step helps us understand your business, your readiness, and your commitment. All three are required.
1
Complete the Online Application
Start by submitting the application form. This helps us understand where you are in your business journey.
2
Take the Entrepreneurial DNA Self-Assessment
Complete a short assessment that helps you reflect on your entrepreneurial strengths. This is not a pass/fail test — it’s used only to support program fit and does not determine eligibility on its own. After completing it, share your results with the CSL team.
3
Submit a 2-Minute Introduction Video
Record a short video (your phone is fine) introducing yourself and your business. Help us understand your readiness, clarity, and the business challenges you’re working through.
Who you are
- Your name
- A brief personal background
- How your justice-impacted experience has shaped your path
Your business
- What your business does?
- Who your customers are?
- How long you have been operating?
Your current challenge
- What is the biggest obstacle limiting your business growth right now?
Why this program
- Why you want to participate in the Spring Accelerator
- What you hope to improve in your business
Tips for your video:
- Be clear and direct
- No editing required
- Speak honestly about your goals
- Focus on substance over presentation style
What happens next: Applications are reviewed by the CSL team. Selected applicants may be invited to a short follow-up conversation. Final cohort decisions are communicated by April 27th, with onboarding prior to cohort start on May 12th.
COMING LATER THIS YEAR
Fall REEP Cohort
A new cohort focused on early-stage and growth-oriented entrepreneurs from a broader geographic footprint — aligning with Global Entrepreneurship Week.
Meet Our REEP Alumni
Entrepreneurs from past cohorts who committed to the process and came out stronger.
Common questions, clear answers.
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
An 8-week structured program for justice-impacted entrepreneurs who are operating businesses and want to improve stability, performance, and growth readiness. The focus is on how businesses actually run — operations, revenue discipline, financial clarity, and professional positioning.
Justice-impacted refers to individuals who have had direct involvement with the criminal justice system — including incarceration, probation, parole, or related experiences. CSL treats this information with respect and confidentiality.
To help entrepreneurs strengthen business operations, improve financial and growth decision-making, increase credibility, prepare for sustainable expansion, and build long-term economic stability.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Thanks for your interest in REEP. We’re between cohorts right now and not accepting applications this cycle, but we’re already planning what’s next. Add your name below and we’ll reach out to you directly as soon as the next incubator/accelerator is announced.
Selection is based on business readiness, commitment to participation, clarity of business goals, and alignment with program focus. The cohort is intentionally limited to ensure meaningful support.
PARTICIPATION
There is no tuition cost. Participants are expected to invest significant time and effort in their business development during the 8 weeks.
Plan for twice-weekly cohort sessions, additional time for assignments and coaching, and Demo Day preparation. Most participants spend approximately 8+ hours per week on program-related activities.
Yes — many participants work while running their businesses. Consistent attendance and engagement are required, however. The program is designed for entrepreneurs who can prioritize their involvement.
FUNDING & AFTER THE PROGRAM
No. Participants may compete for growth awards (up to $20,000 total across the cohort) plus back-office service resources at Demo Day. Some award recipients may also receive time-bound operational support.
Yes. Alumni remain connected to the broader CSL network and may be invited to future initiatives, partnerships, and opportunities. The program is designed to support long-term progress, not just short-term activity.
Yes. Participation is handled with discretion and respect. Information shared during the application and program process is treated responsibly.