
Business & Startup Scene in Durham, North Carolina, United States
1. American Underground
A dynamic startup hub offering coworking spaces, event venues, and mentorship programs for tech startups.
- Innovative Spaces: Features unique spaces such as a bio-lab and VR room.
- Community: Promotes collaboration among entrepreneurs from various industries.
- Programs: Offers programs like Startup Lab and Techstars for business development.
2. CED (Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation)
Provides resources, education, and mentorship for local entrepreneurs and startups.
- Resource Center: Houses a library of entrepreneurial literature and hosts workshops.
- Networking Opportunities: Connects entrepreneurs with mentors, investors, and potential partners.
- Innovation Grants: Offers grants for innovative products and services.
3. The Startup Factory
An accelerator program that provides funding, mentorship, and resources to early-stage startups.
- Focused Sectors: Specializes in software, digital media, and health IT industries.
- Mentorship: Matches startups with experienced mentors who provide guidance and advice.
- Funding: Provides seed funding to selected startups upon acceptance into the program.
4. Techstars Raleigh
A startup accelerator offering mentorship, funding, and resources for tech entrepreneurs.
- Global Network: Part of the global Techstars network, providing access to a vast network of mentors, investors, and alumni.
- Focused Industries: Targets startups in the internet, mobile, advertising, digital media, and software industries.
- Demo Day: Ends with a Demo Day where startups pitch to investors for potential funding.
5. HQ Raleigh
A coworking space and business incubator providing resources and networking opportunities for startups.
- Flexible Space: Offers various workspace options including hot desks, dedicated desks, and private offices.
- Community Events: Hosts regular events such as workshops, networking mixers, and guest speakers.
- Startup Support: Provides resources for business planning, marketing, and fundraising.
6. Idea Fund Partners
An early-stage venture capital firm investing in tech startups from the Southeast.
- Sector Focus: Invests in software, digital media, and internet infrastructure companies.
- Experienced Team: Led by seasoned entrepreneurs with extensive startup experience.
- Active Portfolio Management: Actively supports portfolio companies through board seats, mentorship, and resources.
7. Duke Entrepreneurship
A program at Duke University offering courses, resources, and networking opportunities for student entrepreneurs.
- Academic Support: Offers entrepreneurship-focused courses across various disciplines.
- Student-Led Organizations: Supports student-led organizations such as Duke Startup Challenge and Duke LaunchPad.
- Alumni Network: Provides access to a strong alumni network for mentorship, partnerships, and job opportunities.
8. The Frontier
A coworking space offering flexible workspaces, resources, and networking opportunities for freelancers, remote workers, and startups.
- Catered to Freelancers: Designed with the needs of freelancers and remote workers in mind.
- Community Events: Hosts events like networking mixers, workshops, and guest speakers.
- On-Site Services: Provides services such as mail handling, printing, and Wi-Fi.
9. Durham Tech Small Business Center
A resource center offering classes, workshops, and consulting services for small business owners.
- Small Business Focus: Specialized in resources and support for small businesses.
- Workshops and Classes: Offers classes on various business topics such as marketing, finance, and management.
- Consulting Services: Provides one-on-one consulting services for small business owners.
10. American Tobacco Campus
A historic campus offering coworking spaces, retail, dining, and event venues, fostering a vibrant business community.
- Historic Architecture: Features beautifully restored historic buildings.
- Business Community: Home to various businesses, startups, and coworking spaces.
- Location: Centrally located with easy access to dining, shopping, and entertainment options.
11. Durham Chamber of Commerce
A business organization promoting economic growth and development in Durham.
- Networking Opportunities: Provides numerous networking events for members.
- Advocacy: Works to advocate for business-friendly policies and regulations.
- Resources and Education: Offers resources, workshops, and educational opportunities for members.
12. StartUp Durham
A resource center offering workshops, mentorship, and networking opportunities for startups.
- Collaborative Workspace: Provides a collaborative workspace for startups.
- Mentorship: Offers mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs.
- Workshops and Events: Hosts workshops, pitch competitions, and networking events.
13. The Cupboard
A shared kitchen space for food entrepreneurs to develop and test their products.
- Shared Kitchen Space: Provides a fully equipped commercial kitchen for rent by the hour.
- Product Development: Offers resources and support for product development and testing.
- Networking Opportunities: Provides opportunities to connect with other food entrepreneurs and industry experts.
14. Durham County Economic Development
An organization dedicated to promoting economic growth and job creation in Durham.
- Business Incentives: Offers business incentives, grants, and tax breaks for eligible businesses.
- Site Selection: Provides assistance with site selection for new businesses.
- Business Resources: Offers resources, guidance, and support for business growth and development.
15. The Startup Factory: Durham
An accelerator program that provides funding, mentorship, and resources to early-stage startups.
- Focused Sectors: Specializes in software, digital media, and health IT industries.
- Mentorship: Matches startups with experienced mentors who provide guidance and advice.
- Funding: Provides seed funding to selected startups upon acceptance into the program.