We Help Build the Creative Economy
Center for Creative Economy provides programming designed to have a meaningful impact on creative businesses and entrepreneurs.
Community
We network with like minded creatives
Mentorship
We partner with experts in entrepreneurship
Instruction
We customize our curriculum
Opportunities
We create chances for success
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 Velocity, Kinetic, and Pathways for Entrepreneurial Success.
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, accelerate, and grow 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 143 creative startups, 71% of which were founded by women and 63% by minorities. Today, 78% of those companies are still thriving, and 283 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.
The Center provides programming designed to have a meaningful impact on creative businesses and entrepreneurs.
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.

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 Textiles & Design

Arts & Entertainment

Content Creators & Digital Tools

Creative Health Tech, Beauty & Wellness

Culinary & Food Innovation
Startups
launched
women
founded
minority
founded
still
thriving
We help launch, accelerate, and grow local creative entrepreneurs, businesses, and leaders.
We Accelerate Growth
Donate Now
Create Opportunities
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 Pathways for Entrepreneurial Success – provide the support, guidance, and resources you need to reach your goals. Join our community of passionate and driven creatives today!
6-week mindset training to spark your passion for entrepreneurship
6-week bootcamp to designed to discover your customer and ignite your idea
10-week business accelerator where creatives find direction with speed
Founding Executive Director
Program & Operations Manager
Marketing & Community Relations Coordinator
The CCE Board

Executive Committee

Akerman LLP

LongRun Solutions

Winston Salem Partners' Roundtable

Kayser-Roth Corporation
Board Members

Knot Standard

Pack Light Global

Womble Bond Dickinson

Ideawrks

Coach Pro 4U

Reset and Heal Consulting

Infinite Film Studios

Impact Brands


LNT Consulting
