By Shellie Edge, Innovate Carolina
Photography by Sarah Daniels and Brock Pierce, Innovate Carolina
Entrepreneurs, business professionals and people with impact-driven ideas in Chatham County and neighboring communities have a new way to create momentum around their enterprising efforts. Innovate Carolina is now a program partner of 79°West and is providing skills-based workshops and programs at the new innovation hub and coworking space located in the MOSAIC mixed-use community of Chatham Park in Pittsboro. During the sessions, people learn and practice skills that they can use to build startups, new programs and their professional connections. Although the full workspace at 79°West is slated to open in early 2023, anyone in the local community can immediately participate in Innovate Carolina’s programs offered at the hub’s smaller Launch Pod space located next door to the future – and full-size – permanent space.
Innovate Carolina, the central team for innovation, entrepreneurship and economic development at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, kicked off programming at 79°West over the summer with a workshop series. Those who attended the summer sessions learned how to pitch their ideas, create online stories and content, and tap into economic development trends in Chatham County.
“We offer programs that are open to innovators and entrepreneurs at any stage of their ideas, ventures, startups or businesses,” says Kimi Yingling, Innovate Carolina’s engagement and events manager who oversees programming at 79°West. “Whether you have an early-stage idea, an established small business, want to connect with mentors, or just want to see what a coworking community is all about, you’ll benefit from coming to these events.”
Innovate Carolina’s innovation programs at 79°West are designed for entrepreneurs and innovators in the community who want to share ideas, grow their ventures and make a difference in their communities. These include educational and diverse sessions that introduce people to useful tools and resources that they quickly apply to create economic and social good in Chatham County and surrounding areas.
Continue reading on the Innovate Carolina website.
