Since the region’s earliest days, entrepreneurship has shaped the Carolina Core economy. Today, some of the most creative, entrepreneurial and industrious companies in the country are tapping into central North Carolina’s affordable real estate, resources for entrepreneurs and energetic network for colleagues and collaborators.
Winston-Salem’s Innovation Quarter, one of the fastest-growing urban-based districts for innovation in the United States, along with co-working spaces and incubators throughout the Carolina Core region provide strong ecosystems for startups.
A wide range of organizations provide a full continuum of support for entrepreneurs seeking programming, mentorship and networking opportunities. A multitude of funding sources also fuel the region’s thriving startup scene, including the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce First Launch Capital Fund, Winston-Salem Partners Roundtable (WSPR) Fund and FCA Ventures.
Equipping Entrepreneurs with Resources
Part of the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce, Launch Greensboro makes connections for startups seeking capital, a community of startup advisors, weekend learning bootcamps and more. Launch Greensboro also collaborates with First Launch Capital Fund, a seed-stage venture fund for companies based in the Piedmont Triad region. Forge Greensboro, a community makerspace for entrepreneurs to work on projects while sharing ideas, equipment, tools and knowledge.
In High Point, two historic buildings were transformed into a dynamic space to work, gather, celebrate and innovate. Congdon Yards includes a state-of-the-art creation and innovation space that puts fabrication equipment in the hands of entrepreneurs ready to advance their daring ideas into prototype and production.
Startup incubator Winston Starts provides programming to help anyone with an idea succeed and Sparq is a mainstay at the Innovation Quarter. The Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship at Fayetteville Technical Community College offers programs for entrepreneurs that have helped launch thousands of strong businesses.
Notable Employers
