THE ERIC OUTLAW BUSINESS CENTER
Small Business Incubator Retail Experience
ABOUT THE EOBC
The EOBC is committed to transforming retail startups into sustainable, thriving businesses. Through our comprehensive 14-month business incubator program, participants receive expert guidance, personalized coaching, and access to essential business services. We focus on helping entrepreneurs grow, secure funding, expand operations, and succeed in an increasingly competitive marketplace.
Meet the 2024 Cohort
-
Michelle Robinson
FOUNDER & OWNER - DEMIblue Vegan Nails
Michelle brings a wealth of experience to her business, with over 11 years of experience in healthcare and an additional 9 years in education.
This unique background inspired her to create DEMIblue, a brand dedicated to pioneering clean beauty and addressing the harmful chemicals found in many cosmetic products.
Michelle's mission is to not only provide safer, cancer-free beauty products but also educate her customers about the potential dangers associated with traditional cosmetics. Her efforts have already resulted in incredible success, with DEMIblue now available in over 100 retail stores.
-
Gabriel Williams
FOUNDER & OWNER - Truly Rare Customs
Gabriel is a self-taught painter, seamstress, and graphic designer whose passion for creating unique, personalized designs shines through in every piece.
Truly Rare transforms basic gear into bold, custom-made masterpieces, and we can't wait to see the amazing creations she’ll bring to life as part of our cohort!
-
Joi Riley
FOUNDER & OWNER - J. R Candle Company
Meet Joi Riley, founder of J.R. Candle Company.
Joi is passionate about creating eco-friendly, handcrafted products that offer both luxury and sustainability.
From candles and diffusers to room sprays, surface cleaners, and sanitizers, each item is crafted with ethical, long-lasting coconut apricot wax, providing a truly elevated experience for her customers.
Frequently asked questions
-
• Start-up: From 0-5 years • Be privately held and wholly owned • Less than $200k in annual revenue • Previous retail activity (pop-up or e-commerce transactions, trunk shows, job experience)
-
Submit Application by March 1, 2025
Pitch Competition Announcement (Applicants who have been invited to the Pitch Competition will be contacted by April 15, 2025.
Attend Pitch Preparation Sessions
Pitch Competition
Selection Day
-
Each finalist will be granted five minutes to pitch, followed by three minutes of Q&A with the Selection & Development Committee.
-
Applicants invited to participate will receive an email notification or phone call from EOBC staff.
There will be an in-person orientation.
Please refrain from contacting staff regarding the status of your application. We receive a high volume of submissions and will update all applicants regarding their status by April 15, 2025.
-
The EOBC is located at 4256 Manchester Ave in the Grove.
The Grove is a vibrant, diverse, and popular neighborhood. A recently designated art district but built on the ideals of acceptance, the neighborhood has grown into an eclectic mix of businesses, residents and guests. “The Grove” name was coined to support the re-brand effort so the area could begin anew. This thriving, centrally-located district stretches nearly a mile along Manchester Avenue between Kingshighway and Vandeventer. It hosts a diverse range of over 50 businesses offering great places to eat and drink, a multitude of dance floors, spots to shop and grab coffee, a brewery, tattoo parlors and several organizations devoted to improving the vitality of the area. You can enjoy a full day of activities from a haircut and bar games in the afternoon, dinner followed by drinks, a show or live music, dancing at a nightclub and then even stay over at a friend’s - all within walking distance. What's more fitting than a thriving rejuvenated economic center to house a retail incubator.
-
There are 3 businesses located in the Retail Incubator.