Wilson Leadership Institute

In 2015, Wilson Forward partnered with the Wilson Chamber of Commerce and the Wilson Economic Development Council to offer the Wilson Leadership Institute (formerly named the Impact Initiative) to benefit our community. The program is currently led by the leadership of Wilson Forward and Wilson Chamber of Commerce.

The Wilson Leadership Institute is designed specifically to identify, train, and deploy individuals with an interest in representative leadership positions in and for Wilson.  Click HERE for more information about WLI.

Application window for Cohort VIII of Wilson Leadership Institute NOW OPEN.

If you or someone you know could benefit from this valuable leadership training opportunity, click on the link below to access the application.  Applicants should save the following important dates as part of the application process:

• Friday, December 5, 2025:  Application window closes.  No further applications will be accepted after this date.
• Tuesday, December 9 (4:00pm):  Program information session for invited finalists (one of two.  Finalists are only required to attend ONE information session).
• Monday, December 15 (4:00pm):  Program information session for invited finalists (one of two.  Finalists are only required to attend ONE information session).
• Applicants will be notified by Wednesday, December 17 if they have been chosen as a program finalist.
• Tuition for participation is $500 and is due by January 15, 2026, payable to the Wilson Commerce Foundation.

Finalists who accept a position in the cohort are expected to attend all mandatory program sessions, which occur on the third Wednesday of every month, January through September, unless notified otherwise.  Sessions take place at the Wilson Chamber of Commerce (200 Nash St. NE) from 8:00am until noon.