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 2026 

Please Note: Fall 2026 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 CED's 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 ($18/hour) for undergraduate and graduate students. 

Fall 2026 Applications

Deadline to Apply: Thursday, July 9th at 10am ET *extended to Tuesday, July 14 at 5pm ET!*

Please note: our roles vary per semester, based on our current needs. If none of our Fall 2026 roles feel like a good fit, we encourage you to fill out our Spring 2027 interest form. You'll be the first to know when our next cohort applications open up!

Marketing Associate

  • 1 positions available
  • 2 semesters | Fall 2026 & Spring 2027 (Aug 24–Nov 20; Jan 18–April 16)
  • Grad students or upper-level undergrads in marketing or communications

The Marketing Associate is a content-first role built for someone who lives in the creative space — fluent in social media, confident with video editing, and ready to turn a folder of event photos into a polished highlight reel. You'll create, edit, and publish across social media, short-form video, newsletters, and event promotion while helping shape the stories of RTP's entrepreneurship ecosystem.

APPLY HERE by July 14 at 5pm ET!

Events Associate

  • 1 position available
  • 2 semesters | Fall 2026 & Spring 2027 (Aug 24–Nov 20; Jan 18–April 16)
  • Grad students or upper-level undergrads in hospitality, communications, business, or entrepreneurship

The Events Associate supports CED's programming through end-to-end event execution — from venue and vendor coordination to event tech, attendee experience, and on-site support. This is an opportunity to gain hands-on experience producing events of all sizes at the center of RTP's entrepreneurship ecosystem.

APPLY HERE by July 14 at 5pm ET!