Greater Winston-Salem Inc. has awarded $50,000 in Entrepreneurial Catalyst Grants to eight Winston-Salem-based organizations that directly serve early-stage companies, helping create jobs, support innovation, and spur investment in Forsyth County.

The grants are distributed through the ESO (Entrepreneurial Support Organization) Development Fund, which supports organizations whose programs, services, and resources strengthen the local entrepreneurial ecosystem. Entrepreneurial Catalyst Grants of up to $10,000 per year, per organization, are awarded to advance operations, programs, or initiatives. Eligible activities include capacity building, program development and deployment, early-stage fundraising support, ecosystem-wide marketing efforts, and more.

This year’s recipients are: 

 “These organizations are critical drivers of entrepreneurship in Winston-Salem,” says Ellis Keifer, Vice President of Economic Development for Greater Winston-Salem Inc. “By providing resources, mentorship, and opportunities for connection, ESOs help founders turn ideas into thriving businesses. Through the ESO Development Fund, we’re proud to invest in their capacity to create an even stronger environment for startups to succeed here.”

Communidad Mujer Valiosa provides programs, resources, and connections to inspire and uplift Latina women, including resources for business ownership and entrepreneurship. “This grant will help us expand the Latino Business Collective and continue creating accessible, culturally relevant spaces for Spanish-speaking entrepreneurs in Forsyth County. This support will allow us to increase visibility, mentoring, and growth opportunities for our community’s small business owners, empowering them to flourish and thrive,” says Rebeca Segebre, Executive Director. 

Another recipient, the S.G Atkins CDC, will use the grant money to invest into its popular shared-use kitchen located at the Enterprise Center. “By expanding our shared-use commercial kitchen we can expand access to more local food entrepreneurs, providing the tools, training, and permitted space they need to launch and grow their businesses. This investment will create opportunities for economic mobility, support inclusive small business growth, and strengthen our local food economy in Forsyth County,” says Carol Davis, Executive Director. 

The CMPND is a shared-use space for creative entrepreneurs where members can access collaborative opportunities, meaningful connections, and events that spark inspiration. Operations Manager Alec Robinette says “by providing access to education, studio space, resources, and community, we are helping individuals turn ideas into sustainable ventures. This grant reinforces our mission to grow the entrepreneurial economy in meaningful and innovative ways.” 

The ESO Development Fund is funded by private donations. Grant cycles are annual, with an application window for Entrepreneurial Support Organizations to apply in the summer.