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

 

Please Note: Fall 2025 applications are now closed.

To stay in the loop about future cohorts, please visit our website and sign up for the interest form.

 

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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