Startup TNT

The Startup TNT Associate Program offers students paid, hands-on experience working with high-growth startups in the Triangle, providing insight into startup operations and opportunities to learn from industry leaders and alumni.

Startup TNT Associate Program - Fall 2025

 

CED is committed to developing the next wave of talent for high-growth startups in our region. Our Startup TNT Associate Program offers paid roles where students gain hands-on experience and a close-up view of the startup ecosystem. You’ll learn how startups operate, what they need to thrive, and apply classroom knowledge to a fast-paced nonprofit. Our alumni network—former Associates and staff—are active leaders in the Triangle’s startup community, providing valuable mentorship and connections. 

Compensation and Requirements

  • Availability to work 10 hours/week on a hybrid on-site/remote basis.
  • Tuesdays & Thursdays – mandatory in-person days.
  • Based in the Triangle with reliable transportation to work at the CED office (600 Park Offices Drive, RTP, NC 27709). 
  • Current enrollment at a college or university.
  • Personal computer that can be used at work.
  • This is a paid Associate Program for undergraduate and graduate students. 

Fall 2025 Applications

Deadline to Apply: Wednesday, July 9 at 5pm ET
 

Rotational

  • 3 positions available
  • Undergraduate students in the early stages of exploring careers in entrepreneurship
  • 1 semester – Fall 2025 (Aug 25 – Nov 21)

The Startup TNT Associate – Rotational rotates through key areas – startups, VC, business development, Board engagement – to gain broad exposure to CED’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

APPLY HERE by July 9 at 5pm ET!

Finance & Investor Relations

  • 1 position available
  • MBA students only
  • 2 semesters – Fall 2025 & Spring 2026 (Aug 25 – Nov 21; Jan 19 – April 17)

The Startup TNT Associate – Finance & Investor Relations supports investor communications, VC research, partner tracking, and development of CED’s Venture Report.

APPLY HERE by July 9 at 5pm ET!

Marketing

  • 1 position available
  • Graduate students or upper-level undergraduates in marketing or communications
  • 2 semesters – Fall 2025 & Spring 2026 (Aug 25 – Nov 21; Jan 19 – April 17)

The Startup TNT Associate – Marketing supports CED’s brand through content creation, social media, event promotion, and storytelling.

APPLY HERE by July 9 at 5pm ET!

GRO Incubator

  • 1 position available
  • Graduate students or upper-level undergraduates interested in startups & program management
  • 2 semesters – Fall 2025 & Spring/Summer 2026 (Aug 11 – Nov 21; Jan 19 – June 26)
  • Requires availability Tues & Thurs 4:30-6:30pm

The Startup TNT Associate – GRO Incubator supports planning and running CED’s flagship incubator program, including speaker coordination, founder communication, and session logistics.

APPLY HERE by July 9 at 5pm ET!

GRO Incubator Extern

  • 1 position available
  • Graduate students or upper-level undergraduates eager to gain firsthand startup experience
  • 1 semester – Fall 2025 (Aug 11 – Nov 21)
  • Requires availability Tues & Thurs 4:30-6:30pm 

The Startup TNT Extern Associate – GRO Incubator works directly with our incubator startup founders on real-time projects, providing hands-on support and gaining firsthand startup experience.

APPLY HERE by July 9 at 5pm ET!

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