The EShip Scholars program, from The Entrepreneurship Center at UNC’s Kenan-Flagler Business School, was developed to provide access to opportunities for under-represented groups in entrepreneurship. NC IDEA grant funds will help The Entrepreneurship Center test and validate the EShip Scholars program in its pilot phase. This is needed for optimization of the program, and to collect results and metrics so that the Center can raise sustainable, long-term funding for the program.