Explore five business resources in the Innovation Quarter that can help your business grow—from pitch practice to growth space.
As Winston-Salem leads the nation in small business growth, many entrepreneurs in the Piedmont Triad are looking to capitalize on the resources of the City of Arts and Innovation to help their businesses grow and thrive.
Whether you have a business idea or want to expand your existing business this year, the Innovation Quarter is home to a varied set of resources that can help—from pitch practice to space to grow.
The Launch Challenge
If you’re ready to take the next step with your business, an accelerator might be the right resource for you. Participating in an accelerator is one of the best—and fastest—ways to turn your idea into a business plan or minimal viable product. The Forsyth Tech Small Business Center runs the Launch Challenge, a three- to four-month accelerator that specifically helps retail and service-type businesses get off to a solid start.
Forsyth Tech Small Business Center
Forsyth Tech has more resources to help businesses outside of the Launch Challenge accelerator. The Small Business Center provides courses for small business owners on a variety of practical business skills, as well as offering mentoring for entrepreneurs. The Small Business Center also helps connect business owners to other resources that can help their businesses grow.
ACCESS Center for Equity + Success
The Innovation Quarter is also home to one of Winston-Salem’s efforts to address the unique obstacles that face minority and women business owners. The ACCESS Center for Equity + Success helps minority- and women-owned businesses thrive by providing a continuum of services to open doors for MWBEs in the Piedmont Triad. A joint partnership of Piedmont Business Capital and Venture Café Winston-Salem, the ACCESS Center supplies programming, mentorship and access to resources like capital for entrepreneurs.
Triad Connects
For many entrepreneurs, all they need is a place to ask questions. If you’re looking for a little advice from someone who has been there before, Triad Connects provides a platform for entrepreneurs to connect in real-time with local advisors. Powered by Flywheel and Launch Greensboro, Triad Connects puts entrepreneurs in touch with vetted local mentors who can give your company or idea the know-how it needs.
The Innovation Suites
If a little bit of scalable space is what your company needs to grow, then the Innovation Quarter can be the next stop in your company’s trajectory. The office suites in Bailey Power Plant put you right in the heart of Winston-Salem’s growing innovation ecosystem, featuring office space with flexible terms for start-ups and growth stage companies. Amenities include conference room space, a shared kitchen and Venture Café Winston-Salem right outside your door. In addition, the Innovation Quarter also has larger spaces available for more established companies.
These resources, located in the heart of the Innovation Quarter, are just the start for your business. If you’re interested in other accelerators, incubators and further resources, explore our Business Resources to learn more and to get your business on the move.
