Six Alumni Advancing Their Startups Through Miller Fellowships

NC State Innovation and Entrepreneurship has announced the latest cohort of Miller Fellows—recent graduates embarking on startup ventures. The program provides crucial support, including a $1,000 monthly stipend, resources, access to mentors, the Albright Entrepreneurship Garage, and opportunities to attend workshops and networking events. Running from June through November, the fellowship fosters a collaborative environment that is driving the 2024 Miller Fellows to make impressive strides in their ventures. Here’s a closer look at their progress and the impact of the program on their growth.

Meet the Fellows

Expanding Horizons

Jake has secured a new physical space in Raleigh, where he’s been dedicating himself to preparing for its grand opening. The fellowship’s monthly stipend has allowed him to focus on his venture full-time, without the distraction of side jobs. Jake shares, “An ‘AHA’ moment for me was realizing the potential for collaboration with fellow Miller Fellows like Jada. Our similar goals and mutual support have created opportunities for us to work together and grow, making the journey much more fulfilling.”

Company page: https://www.instagram.com/theportalhq/

From Prototype to Pre-Orders

Nick’s venture has successfully tested its pre-production prototype and is witnessing a growing number of pre-orders. The Miller Fellowship’s support has been crucial in this phase, providing both financial assistance and a platform for discussing goals and challenges. Nick highlights, “The consistent flow of pre-orders and interest in our product has been a significant validation of our market fit. It’s incredibly satisfying to see our hard work and market research paying off.”

Company website: https://www.pointhalo.com/

Nationwide Expansion

Shaun’s venture has seen explosive growth, expanding its services to over five states across the country, from California to Hawaii. The Miller Fellowship has been instrumental in supporting this expansion through various resources and strategic advice. Shaun observes, “The fellowship has been pivotal in our growth, offering the support and guidance necessary to scale our operations and enhance our online presence through effective SEO strategies. It’s been a crucial catalyst for taking our company to the next level.”

Company website: https://professionalvideographerraleigh.com

Building a Community and a Business

Paula has made significant strides with her startup, Blean, now officially registered as an LLC. The Miller Fellowship has not only connected her with fellow entrepreneurs but also facilitated a supportive community that shares valuable insights. Paula notes, “The fellowship has given me a sense of community and invaluable insights into my target market. Engaging with customers and refining our solutions based on their feedback has been incredibly eye-opening and rewarding.”

Company website: https://www.bleanhealth.com

Prototyping Success

Parker is advancing through the second round of prototype development for his user interface device. The latest prototype showcases the basic functionality of the device, thanks to critical resources provided by the fellowship. The structured goal-setting and accountability have been vital in maintaining momentum. Parker reflects, “Seeing our software run on faster hardware for the first time was a thrilling ‘AHA’ moment. It’s the kind of breakthrough that validates all the hard work and reassures us that we’re on the right path.”

Company website: https://protocontrol.dev

Shifting Perspectives

Jada has experienced notable incremental progress, including a significant shift in her business model. She’s also exploring the possibility of pursuing a PhD in Arts Entrepreneurship. Jada reflects on her major ‘AHA’ moment: “Realizing that a PhD could be more accessible and financially viable than I initially thought has opened new possibilities for my career. This shift in perspective has clarified how I can prioritize mission-aligned work without forcing it into the business model. It’s a transformative insight that has reshaped my approach.”

Fostering Collaboration and Personal Growth

The Miller Fellows cohort demonstrates a dynamic blend of collaboration, support, and shared learning, despite each member pursuing vastly different ventures. The fellows, such as Parker and Paula, describe the group as not only curious about each other’s progress but also highly collaborative. This collaboration extends beyond business, with members like Paula helping Jake with his new store and sharing milestones over coffee with Jada. Such interactions exemplify how the cohort fosters both professional and personal relationships, enhancing their individual growth journeys.

The diversity of ventures also fosters a rich environment of shared insights and problem-solving. As Jake noted, each fellow brings unique skills and perspectives, leading to valuable discussions that help refine their ideas and tackle common challenges. This shared enthusiasm and openness create a culture where members, feel comfortable seeking help from their peers. The cohort not only helps one another succeed in business but also supports personal growth, emphasizing an integrated approach to entrepreneurship and success.

The Impact of Collaboration and Support

The 2024 Miller Fellows are leveraging the fellowship to make significant advances in their ventures. Through mutual support and collaboration, they are not only achieving their individual goals but also contributing to a vibrant and thriving entrepreneurial community. As Parker puts it, “The ability to collaborate with other entrepreneurs and receive feedback has influenced many of my design decisions. This spirit of cooperation and shared success is what makes the Miller Fellowship truly special.”