Update April 2024
Forward Cities has worked with local funders to successfully secure additional funding to continue the E3 Durham program. Additional details about the re-launch of the program are forthcoming.
We will continue to collect and share information about community events and resources in the monthly E3 Durham e-newsletter. If you’re not already on the E3 Durham mailing list, click here to sign-up and receive updates on future developments.
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 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.
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.
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.