The CCE Team
We are the HUB for connecting creative people and industries to business, and business to ideas.
Helping is Our Goal
We Help Build the Creative Economy
The Center provides programming designed to have a meaningful impact on creative businesses and entrepreneurs.
Community
Mentorship
We partner with experts in entrepreneurship
Instruction
Opportunities
We create chances for success
Get To Know
More About CCE
Our Vision
To be known as a premier economic development organization that is building the creative economy and creative community in Winston-Salem, the Triad, North Carolina, and in the Southeast region.
Since 2011, we have helped launch, grow, and accelerate creative entrepreneurs and businesses. Our vision requires a focus and collaboration for success. We cannot accomplish it on our own.
What We Do
CCE provides business training designed to have a meaningful impact on creative businesses and entrepreneurs. Programming includes the Velocity accelerator, the Kinetic boot camp, and the Pathways for Entrepreneurial Success mindset training.
Who We Help
The Center for Creative Economy provides inception-stage business training to help creatives and artists develop viable businesses. Our customized education and mentorship programs fulfill our mission to launch, grow, and accelerate creative businesses.
Economic Development
The work of the Center for Creative Economy is transforming the region’s creative cluster by focusing on programming designed for creatives to engage, connect, and spur innovation.
A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, CCE strives to strengthen the creative economy and the creative community in Winston-Salem, NC and beyond. Since 2016 CCE has helped launch 135 creative startups, 70% of which were founded by women and 58% by minorities. Today, 79% of those companies are still thriving, and 269 jobs have been created.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging
Creativity is dependent on diversity. At the Center for Creative Economy, we recognize the importance of unique ideas and perspectives. As an Entrepreneurial Support Organization, CCE intentionally serves a diverse demographic of creative entrepreneurs in an inclusive and equitable manner through our programs for early-stage businesses and believes that success is built upon collaboration and inclusion.
CCE is actively addressing the lack of entrepreneurial resources among those who identify as women, and minoritized individuals. Our programs are designed to uplift the voices of creative entrepreneurs of all abilities, disabilities, and experiences. Our programs are inclusive of, but not limited to, all races, ethnicities, socioeconomic backgrounds, sexual orientations, genders, religions, and ages. We are committed to upholding an atmosphere of inclusivity throughout our organization.
We help build the creative economy
The Center provides programming designed to have a meaningful impact on creative businesses and entrepreneurs.
Our Brand Story
An Organization Shaped And Led By Creatives
CCE Margaret Collins has been a musician all her life. She has played trombone in wind ensemble, jazz bands and orchestra. Her journey into the world of assisting creatives began when she started managing and booking world-class musicians at ICM Artists, an international talent agency based in New York City. It was during this time that she noticed a lack of business knowledge among clients, particularly in areas such as contracts, negotiation, marketing, and public relations.
Motivated to bridge this gap and provide support for creatives and artists, Margaret envisioned a platform that would empower them to navigate the complexities of running a business and building a brand. This vision gave birth to the Center for Creative Economy (CCE), an organization that represents the essence of our cultural fabric. CCE stands for the artists, designers, and innovators who push the boundaries of their craft to create beautiful products, services, and art that enrich our daily lives.
Through CCE, creatives can align themselves with a leading organization that offers skill development, resource discovery, and mentorship connections. Our ultimate goal is to assist more creatives in launching successful businesses and equipping creatives with the necessary skills to thrive.
Verticals
Our Creative Focus
We are often asked about the creative businesses we serve. Our programs are targeted toward five creative industry sectors that encompass a variety of industries within the creative economy. We invite all those who consider themselves and their businesses to be a part of the creative community to engage with CCE’s events and programs.
Apparel, Fashion & Design
Arts & Entertainment
Content Creators & Digital Tools
Creative Health Tech & Wellness
Culinary & Food Innovation
1350
Startups
launched
700
%women
founded
580
%minority
founded
790
%still
thriving
Creative Journeys Start from The Center
We help launch, grow, and accelerate local creative entrepreneurs, businesses, and leaders.
Our Creative Economy
We Accelerate Growth
Donate Now
Create Opportunities
Our Creative Economy
How We Accelerate Growth
Unlock your creative potential with our programs designed for artists, entrepreneurs, and makers. Whether you’re looking to validate your idea, launch your startup, or scale your business, our accelerator programs – Velocity, Kinetic, and Momentum – provide the support, guidance, and resources you need to reach your goals. Join our community of passionate and driven creatives today!
Margaret Collins
CCE was launched from the work Margaret directed at the Piedmont Triad Partnership based in Greensboro.
Ashley Morgan
With 15 years of experience in public education, Ashley brings her passion for organization and planning with her love for knowledge and creativity to the CCE team.
Angela Huntley
Angela Huntley is a 25-year veteran in Media Marketing and Advertising. She’s also a serial entrepreneur.
Margaret Collins
CCE was launched from the work Margaret directed at the Piedmont Triad Partnership based in Greensboro.
Ashley Morgan
With 15 years of experience in public education, Ashley brings her passion for organization and planning with her love for knowledge and creativity to the CCE team.
Angela Huntley
Angela Huntley is a 25-year veteran in Media Marketing and Advertising. She’s also a serial entrepreneur.
The CCE Board
Executive Board Members
Michael Fulks (Chair)
Akerman LLP
Jay Turner (Vice Chair)
Longrun Solutions
Roberts Bass (Treasurer)
Julia Townsend (Secretary)
Kayser-Roth Corporation
Board Members
Valerie Bleza
Knot Standard
Dawn Booker
Pack Light Global
Hayden Holliman
Womble Bond Dickinson
Chris Jones
Bill Knowles
Ideawrks
Rick Leander
LFB Holdings
Dawn McGee
Coach Pro 4U
Alexia Mitchell
Reset and Heal Consulting
Shuyi Mo
Infinite Film Studios
Ben Noland
Impact Brands
Girish Raj
Lee Thompson
LNT Consulting
Fritz Vaughan
Checkmate Government Relations