Building Pathways to Entrepreneurship
The Center for Opportunity and Entrepreneurial Advancement (COEA) is a nonprofit organization that helps aspiring entrepreneurs build the knowledge, confidence, and connections to start and grow successful businesses.
Through practical education, coaching, and hands-on experiences, we help entrepreneurs strengthen business foundations, prepare products for market, and take meaningful steps toward long-term success.
Why COEA Exists
Starting a business can be overwhelming. Many aspiring entrepreneurs have the determination to succeed but lack access to trusted guidance, practical education, and opportunities to move forward with confidence.
COEA exists to help remove those barriers by providing the support, resources, and real-world experiences entrepreneurs need to take the next step.
Confidence
Build the confidence to make decisions, solve problems, and keep moving your business forward.
Clarity
Strengthen your business foundation through practical education, coaching, and real-world application.
Community
Connect with entrepreneurs who encourage, challenge, and support your journey.
How We Deliver Our Mission
At COEA, we believe the best way to learn entrepreneurship is by doing. Our programs combine practical education, coaching, and hands-on experiences that help entrepreneurs strengthen their businesses and prepare products for market.
Our flagship program, Launch in 60, is a structured, year-long product development program for entrepreneurs who already have a defined product and are ready to refine it for market.
The program begins with eight core sessions, followed by monthly in-person sessions, marketplace participation, and access to an online e-commerce platform that provides opportunities to showcase products, connect with customers, and build early sales experience.
Launch in 60 is made possible through the generous support of the South Carolina Department of Commerce and Walmart Spark Good.
Leadership
COEA is guided by leaders who believe entrepreneurship should be accessible, practical, and rooted in opportunity.
Shauna R. Cooper
Founder & Executive Director
Roberto Stewart
Board Chair
Chantelle Broughton
Board Member
Kimberly D. Brown
Board Member