ECMC Group Launches the Bold Path Fellowship to Provide Entrepreneurial Onramps for Under-Resourced Residents in Durham and the Research Triangle Region of North Carolina

DURHAM, N.C.—The path to becoming an entrepreneur requires time and capital—two assets difficult to come by for under-resourced individuals. ECMC Group, in partnership with NC IDEA Foundation and Provident1898, today launched the Bold Path Fellowship to provide recent graduates in the Durham and Research Triangle region with the resources they need to achieve their career goals.

The Bold Path Fellowship, which is also available in Birmingham, Alabama, and Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota, is funded by the ECMC Group Education Impact Fund and ECMC Foundation.

“Entrepreneurship is a growing postsecondary pathway for recent graduates that can lead to career and financial success; however, segments of our population are unable to explore that opportunity due to a lack of access to the resources that they need to support early-stage business development,” said Joe Watt, managing director for the Education Impact Fund. “Given ECMC Group’s vision to empower underserved communities to thrive through education, we are expanding the Bold Path Fellowship to help break those barriers while also focusing on up-and-coming entrepreneurial ecosystems, like the Triangle.”

Bold Path Fellows will receive $120,000 in non-dilutive grant funding over two years. These funds are intended to serve as early “family and friends” funding, which is often unavailable for low-income founders and is critical to get their businesses off the ground. Bold Path Fellows will also have access to mentors from the local community to receive guidance and advice as they navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship.

“This program not only champions the potential of the entrepreneurs but also gives back to the community to foster economic growth, since businesses that are established must be located in Durham and the greater Triangle area,” said Jessica Haselton, managing director at ECMC Foundation. “While there are existing national programs that support founders, we believe there is power in a local approach.”

To anchor its place-based program strategy, independent private foundation, NC IDEA, is serving as a key strategic partner and helping bridge relationships with local postsecondary institutions, supporting organizations and community members in the area. Provident1898, a Durham co-working community, is also supporting the effort.

“NC IDEA is proud to partner with ECMC Group on this important initiative, as it aligns perfectly with our commitment to support North Carolinians in achieving their entrepreneurial ambitions,” said Thom Ruhe, president and CEO of NC IDEA. “By supporting recent graduates in their entrepreneurial endeavors, we are not only advancing local economic development but also creating pathways for entrepreneurs from all backgrounds to thrive and contribute to the broader success of our state.”

To be considered, individuals must have completed a degree or credential (four-year college, community college or vocational program) within the last five years. Spring 2026 graduates are also eligible. Applicants must be residents of the Durham or Triangle region and launch their venture in the Research Triangle area.

To learn more, visit www.boldpathfellowship.org.

Program Timeline
Applications open: October 22–December 5, 2025
Fellow selection: Early spring 2026
Community event: Early spring 2026
Program start: Early summer 2026

About ECMC Group
ECMC Group is a nonprofit corporation focused on helping students succeed by creating, providing and investing in innovative educational opportunities. Headquartered in Minneapolis, ECMC Group and its family of companies provide financial tools and services, as well as funding for innovative programs to help students achieve their academic and professional goals. To learn more, visit www.ecmcgroup.org.

Education Impact Fund
The Education Impact Fund is a $250 million fund that aims to accelerate the transformation of America’s postsecondary and workforce ecosystem by investing in innovative companies and collaborating with institutions, employers and communities toward a shared vision of improving education access and outcomes for underserved learners. To learn more, visit www.educationimpactfund.org.

About ECMC Foundation
ECMC Foundation is a national foundation whose North Star goal is to eliminate gaps in postsecondary completion by 2040. The Foundation’s mission is to improve higher education for career success among underserved populations through evidence-based innovation. ECMC Foundation makes strategic grants and program-related investments to support both nonprofit and for-profit ventures, guided by a strategic framework that aims to advance systemic change by removing barriers to postsecondary completion; building the capacity of organizations, institutions and systems; and transforming the postsecondary ecosystem. Learn more about ECMC Foundation by visiting www.ecmcfoundation.org.

About NC IDEA Foundation
Celebrating its 20th year, NC IDEA is an independent private foundation committed to equitably empowering North Carolinians to achieve their entrepreneurial potential. Through a powerful combination of competitive grants and programs, and a network of strategic partners, NC IDEA helps entrepreneurs when they need it most. NC IDEA’s resources are highly competitive, enabling the foundation to support North Carolina’s most ambitious entrepreneurs. NC IDEA believes entrepreneurs transform communities and views its work as a catalyst for positive change. Learn more at www.ncidea.org.

About Provident1898
Provident1898 is a 15,000-SF coworking community of diverse entrepreneurs, innovators and artists who are passionate about building a progressive and equitable workplace on a shared history and local ownership. Located on the historic grounds of NC Mutual Life Insurance Company, in the Mutual Tower, Provident1898 is inspired by Durham’s legacy of Black entrepreneurship and business success. The flexible, multi-industry workspace offers a range of customizable membership options for organizations at various stages of development with the ability to scale. Learn more at www.provident1898.com.