Dive into innovative solutions for justice-involved individuals as Dr. Darlene Deberry examines the opioid crisis and the transformative potential of entrepreneurship. Don't miss this keynote session as a part of the Conference on Market-Based Solutions for Reducing Wealth Inequality on April 10-11 in Chapel Hill. Register today here: https://lnkd.in/e5JPQDEV
Small business owners, interested in becoming a vendor to large institutions in Central North Carolina? If yes, join us April 8-10, 5:30PM-7:30PM at the Dennis Wicker Civic Center in Sanford, NC to learn the process for becoming a vendor and connect directly with purchasers like Central Carolina Community College, Lee County, TriRiver Water and others.
Register: https://go.unc.edu/CNCPS
NCGrowth is excited to host our 2nd Annual Analyst Alumni Dinner! Join NCGrowth staff and past analysts for an evening of great food and conversation at Hawkers. This is a wonderful opportunity to reconnect, network, and learn how you can stay involved with NCGrowth as an alum.
RSVP to elizabeth_basnight@kenan-flagler.unc.edu or respond to the calendar invitation.
This dinner follows our UNC Showcase Event at UNC Kenan Center from 12:00PM – 2:00 PM. We hope to see you at both events! If you're interested in attending the UNC Showcase, register here: https://uncch.givepulse.com/event/544411.
This drop-in style event will showcase the work of NCGrowth and the Kenan Institute for Private Enterprise, partners of the UNC Kenan-Flager Business School. Stations will be set up spotlighting client projects with small businesses and communities, new economic research initiatives, and student involvement. Tribally-led tourism development, outdoor recreation economies, Hurricane Helene recovery, and small manufacturers innovating in rural North Carolina – these are a few topics you can expect to dive into!
Lunch will be available for the first 100 attendees. The event is part of Carolina Engagement Week.
REGISTER HERE: https://uncch.givepulse.com/event/544411
This is event is generously sponsored by Partner Community Capital, a CDFI that supports businesses and non-profits located in underserved communities across Central Appalachia and the Southeast. Learn more at https://partnercap.org/.
As told by: Nicole Outlaw, Assistant Director of Engagement, NCGrowth
When I think about economic transformation, I think about the people and places that make it possible. On December 10, 2024, I had the opportunity to join my colleagues from NCGrowth and the Kenan Institute for an immersive experience in Danville, VA, and Caswell County, NC. Our goal was simple yet powerful: to explore opportunities for strengthening partnerships and fostering community-driven growth.
Institute for Advanced Learning and Research-Danville, VA
Danville, VA: Innovation and Industry at the Forefront
Our day began in Danville, VA, at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR). IALR was founded in 2002 to transform and grow the economy in Southern Virginia. The Institute is a hub for workforce training, research, and industry collaboration. IALR is leading initiatives in innovation, applied research, and advanced manufacturing. The Institute aims to propel economic development by serving as a site for industry specific, high-tech companies to launch.
Upon our arrival at this state-of-the-art facility, we were greeted with a warm welcome and a delicious continental breakfast. Telly Tucker, IALR’s president, shared an overview of their statewide and global impact. The mission of the Institute is to serve as a catalyst for economic transformation.
Following the presentation, Linda Green, Vice President of Economic Development, joined us on our bus to provide a guided tour of the IALR’s campus. She also traveled with us through downtown Danville’s River Arts District, where we saw firsthand how arts and culture contribute to economic revitalization. Historic buildings transformed into vibrant galleries and maker spaces, stood as a testament to the power of placemaking in community development.
Linda Green, Our Tour Guide for the Danville Stops
During our visit, we had the privilege of hearing from Clark Casteel of the Danville Regional Foundation (DRF), who spoke about the benefits of leveraging community councils. Mr. Casteel shared about the impact that community councils made in cross-state projects in Caswell County, NC. Another project that stood out was DRF’s $10 million dollar investment in the Danville Family YMCA, which led to the construction of a new facility overlooking the Dan River—the first building to face the river in over 100 years. Seeing how intentional investments can reshape a city was inspiring. The experience downtown created a buzz among our group about plans to return to Danville to explore with our families.
Downtown Danville
Our final stop in Danville was a quick look at Dan River Falls, a historic site undergoing a remarkable transformation into a mixed-use development. Once a textile manufacturing hub, it now represents a new era of economic resurgence through strategic redevelopment.
Caswell County, NC: Agriculture and Entrepreneurship
Crossing into North Carolina, we gathered at the Pelham Community Center for a catered lunch by Kountry Boi Catering, owned by O’Bryant Pettiford. Chef OB served up a soulful spread that delighted our palates while we engaged in meaningful conversations with local leaders. Among them was Selena Thornton, Founder of Diva in Dirt, an educational agricultural program that is inspiring the next generation to embrace sustainable farming.
A portfolio of photo memories and upcoming events at Pelham Community Center
Next, we visited the Piedmont Progressive Farmers’ Cooperative, where Sam Crisp shared the critical role cooperative business models play in supporting local farmers and strengthening rural communities. His passion for agricultural sustainability was evident, and it reinforced the value of investing in local food systems.
Learning about Egg Processing at Piedmont Progressive Farmers’ Cooperative
Our final stop was CoSquare in Yanceyville, a co-working and entrepreneurship space designed to support small businesses. Walking through the space, I could envision the entrepreneurial dreams being materialized here—startups finding their footing, entrepreneurs making connections, and community members coming together to create something bigger than themselves.
Looking Ahead
This immersive experience reaffirmed what I’ve always believed—economic development is about people, partnerships, and persistence. From Danville’s innovation-driven industries to Caswell County’s agricultural and entrepreneurial spirit, we saw countless opportunities for collaboration and community-led growth.
As NCGrowth continues to expand our engagement, I look forward to deepening our partnerships in these communities and supporting their visions for a more prosperous future.
The obligatory group photo at CoSquare. :)
Over the next two decades, an estimated $72 -$84 trillion in assets will be inherited by members of Generation X, millennials, and Gen Z from baby boomers, representing the greatest wealth transfer in U.S. history. As the saying goes, "Those who fail to plan, plan to fail." ...
NCAIED’s annual conference, the Reservation Economic Summit (RES), is the preeminent event to attend for high-caliber networking, winning teaming opportunities, business development sessions, and one-on-one consulting for American Indian enterprise.
Save the date for inaugural NCGrowth Showcase: Engaging for Economic Prosperity in the Kenan Center! Don't miss out on engaging presentations and lunch from noon to 2 p.m. Feb 27.
To all of our former analysts and staff, NCGrowth staff invites you to our first alumni network event on February 27th in Chapel Hill from 5-7pm.
North Carolina is poised to received $1.5 billion from a series of national opioid settlements with 85% of funds going directly to local communities. In collaboration with the Center for the Business of Health, NCGrowth will conduct a series of community immersives in Winston Salem, Robeson County, in Western and Northeastern NC.
Please join NCGrowth and Carolinas-Virginia Minority Supplier Development Council (CVMSDC) on December 6th for a discussion on Inclusion in Higher Education!
Save the date for the Fall 2023 NCGrowth Showcase in Bertie County, NC! Join us for engaging presentations and lunch on Nov 30th, 2023, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM.