Creative Startups Winston-Salem Impact Report

⚠️ Note: This blog post is part of our archives and may contain outdated information.

As we close the curtain on Creative Startups 2016, we’re celebrating big wins, not just for our entrepreneurs but for Winston-Salem’s growing creative ecosystem. Hosted by the Center for Creative Economy, the first-ever Winston-Salem cohort welcomed 10 startups and 20 creative visionaries ready to take their ideas to the next level. And take off they did.

Over 26 months of tracking, 90% of the startups are still thriving. Participants saw revenues skyrocket from just $26K before the program to nearly $500K after. They’ve raised over $258K in investment capital and created 14 full-time jobs. Now that’s what we call impact.

Creative Startups alumni described the mentorship and teaching as “second to none,” working one-on-one with global leaders and leaving the program truly ready to grow. It’s no surprise that 100% of participants are now working in startups, and 89% reported improved access to mentors.

We were proud to stand alongside Mayor Allen Joines as he officially declared September 25 to 30 “Creative Startups Week” in Winston-Salem. That proclamation wasn’t just symbolic; it recognized the powerful momentum we’re building in the Triad for creative entrepreneurs from all backgrounds.

Want to be part of what’s next? Stay tuned at ccetriad.com.

Read the full report here: