The Equity for Every Entrepreneur (E3) Durham program employs a community-centered model that reduces the cost of doing business for Durham entrepreneurs. Local Navigators — trusted advisors who have extensive relationships in the community — provide guidance to enrolled entrepreneurs at no-cost.
LEARN TO EARN
E3 Durham features a ‘Learn to Earn’ (L2E) program where entrepreneurs can accumulate entrepreneurial education and network connection ‘credits’ that can be used to procure up to $2,000 in subsidized professional services from local Business-to-Business (B2B) service providers.
Additionally, enrolled entrepreneurs also have the opportunity to participate in cohort accelerators and receive support for capital access, certifications, and procurement. They’ll also have access to a vibrant physical hub of activity based in a culturally-rooted downtown co-working community.
Enroll Today!
Durham County entrepreneurs are able to enroll via appointment at the new E3 Durham center located in downtown Durham, or online. Once enrolled, a Business Navigator will help you set a launch or growth plan and connect you to support services and resources to meet your unique needs.
Durham E3 Alliance
E3 Durham engages a broad set of support organizations and service providers to level-up support for entrepreneurs who need it most. Forward Cities has engaged several ecosystem partners that form an advisory council, the Durham E3 Alliance, that works collaboratively to assess the local entrepreneurial support ecosystem and identify opportunities to align efforts to more effectively support Durham businesses.
Meet the Team
Jacinta Walker
E3 Durham Program Director
Jacinta Walker
E3 Durham Program Director
Jacinta Walker, an experienced entrepreneur and business leader, brings 20 years of expertise in Business Development, Marketing, and Sales to her role as the E3 Durham Program Director at Forward Cities. She earned her MBA from the University of Maryland Global Campus. Jacinta’s approach in all areas of life and work is to deliver a VIP experience through innovation and collaboration by uncovering one's Value, Impact, and Purpose.
In her role at Forward Cities, Jacinta leads efforts to connect Durham's small business owners with a thriving network of experts, fostering growth, community, and impact. Her vision for the E3 Durham program is to cultivate a seamless process for connecting small business owners with the resources and support they need to thrive. She is committed to leveraging her extensive network and expertise to build a robust and equitable entrepreneurial ecosystem in Durham.
Jacinta is also the founder of Lyfe Wurks Marketing Solutions, a consulting firm specializing in marketing, sales, and training. When she's not working, she loves traveling to explore new cultures, hiking trails, attending cultural festivals, and reading.
Santiago Ramos
E3 Durham Bilingual Business Navigator
Santiago Ramos
E3 Durham Bilingual Business Navigator
From Colombia, Santiago found his home in North Carolina. Fueled by a drive to help others succeed, he's carved a path through community organizing, mentorship (think: guiding others to greatness!), and even innovative social technology.
Taylor Gay
E3 Durham Business Navigator
Taylor Gay
E3 Durham Business Navigator
Taylor Gay, an experienced startup launcher and hospitality leader, brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her role as the E3 Durham Business Navigator at Forward Cities. With 10 years of experience in design thinking, storytelling, and event planning, Taylor is a powerhouse of innovation and passion. Currently pursuing her Master of Entrepreneurship and Innovation Leadership from Western Carolina University, Taylor is on a mission to redefine Sustainability and its impact on our world.
Join us for Third Thursdays
E3 Durham is hosting Third Thursdays, a series of free events on the 3rd Thursday of each month. Join us for food, networking, workshops, and an opportunity to meet other small business owners and resource partners.
Learn more by reading
Subscribe to the Newsletter
Stay up-to-date on the efforts of our community’s incredible entrepreneurs by subscribing to our monthly E3 Durham e-newsletter.
COMMUNITY NAVIGATOR PILOT PROGRAM
E3 Durham initially launched in November 2021 as part of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)’s two-year Community Navigator Pilot Program, which utilized a “hub and spoke” model with Forward Cities as the “hub” and community-based organizations as “spokes” to connect small businesses with resources and opportunities. Spokes included the following Durham-based organizations: Durham Tech Small Business Center, Echo, Infinity Bridges, Inc., Knox St. Studios, North Carolina Central University School of Business, and Provident1898.
The program was created to provide distinct recovery support for businesses negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and addresses the longer-term and systemic biases, barriers, and bureaucratic challenges that underserved entrepreneurs face. SBA funding for the Community Navigator Pilot Program concluded on November 30, 2023.
Connect with us
For updates on the E3 Durham program, upcoming events, and news about our amazing community of entrepreneurs and partners, connect with us on social media!
We're grateful to partner with the following organizations to make an impact in Durham:
For more information about the Equitable Entrepreneurial Ecosystem in Durham, NC, please contact us.