As part of our ‘Partner Spotlight’ series, we introduce our 2019 ECOSYSTEM partner, HUSTLE Winston-Salem. They help grow the local economy by accelerating underrepresented entrepreneurs, with an initial focus on women, people of color, and marginalized business districts. HUSTLE leverages creative strategies and community partnerships to deliver high-impact programs and support services.
Describe your organization in 25 words or less
HUSTLE Winston-Salem is a force of positive turbulence as we challenge and shape systems, share stories as a way to expose barriers and work towards bridging the gap of entrepreneurial inequality. 
How does your organization support entrepreneurs?
We provide education and training resources to help our target entrepreneurs navigate existing systemic barriers to entry into the entrepreneurial ecosystem and promote their sustainable growth. We partner with local real estate stakeholders to identify and provide accessible and low-cost office and pop-up space for startups and growing businesses. We develop dynamic video, web, and social media content that informs, inspires, and motivates entrepreneurs, as well as help them connect to local resources. We create unique non-equity funding vehicles that allow local communities to support and invest in local businesses that are helmed by under-resourced founders.
What is the biggest challenge your organization is currently facing?
Our biggest challenge is space. We need to create a culturally welcoming space for entrepreneurs and community-at-large.
Where do you see your organization in 5 years?
We are successful if we don’t need to exist in 5 years. This would mean that our vision of a thriving city where all citizens have an equitable opportunity to achieve economic prosperity through entrepreneurship became a reality and a more inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem exists.
What advice would give other organizations in acquiring funding?
Remember to keep your target audience at the center of all you offer. Whether it’s a program, a funding source, or access to mentors; never forget to include them in the decision-making journey.
Published October 14, 2025
Submission Provided by: Magalie Yacinthe
(Executive Director)
As part of our ‘Partner Spotlight’ series, we introduce our 2019 ECOSYSTEM partner, HUSTLE Winston-Salem. They help grow the local economy by accelerating underrepresented entrepreneurs, with an initial focus on women, people of color, and marginalized business districts. HUSTLE leverages creative strategies and community partnerships to deliver high-impact programs and support services.
Describe your organization in 25 words or less
HUSTLE Winston-Salem is a force of positive turbulence as we challenge and shape systems, share stories as a way to expose barriers and work towards bridging the gap of entrepreneurial inequality.
How does your organization support entrepreneurs?
We provide education and training resources to help our target entrepreneurs navigate existing systemic barriers to entry into the entrepreneurial ecosystem and promote their sustainable growth. We partner with local real estate stakeholders to identify and provide accessible and low-cost office and pop-up space for startups and growing businesses. We develop dynamic video, web, and social media content that informs, inspires, and motivates entrepreneurs, as well as help them connect to local resources. We create unique non-equity funding vehicles that allow local communities to support and invest in local businesses that are helmed by under-resourced founders.
What is the biggest challenge your organization is currently facing?
Our biggest challenge is space. We need to create a culturally welcoming space for entrepreneurs and community-at-large.
Where do you see your organization in 5 years?
We are successful if we don’t need to exist in 5 years. This would mean that our vision of a thriving city where all citizens have an equitable opportunity to achieve economic prosperity through entrepreneurship became a reality and a more inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem exists.
What advice would give other organizations in acquiring funding?
Remember to keep your target audience at the center of all you offer. Whether it’s a program, a funding source, or access to mentors; never forget to include them in the decision-making journey.
Published October 14, 2025
Submission Provided by: Magalie Yacinthe
(Executive Director)