July Newsletter
Mrs. Carol Davis,Esq.
Atkins CDC Director
Good News from Our Director
 
The Atkins CDC remains focused on our mission to catalyze community economic development by:

1) Supporting educational attainment;
2) Growing entrepreneurship to increase economic opportunities;
3) Promoting home ownership for neighborhood stabilization; 
4) Supporting initiatives of neighborhood leaders.

Thanks to all of you who support the Atkins CDC and the Enterprise Center including our board of directors, faculty, staff and students at Winston-Salem State University, the Winston-Salem Foundation, Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation, the City of Winston-Salem and of course the entrepreneurs of the Enterprise Center.

Please donate to the S.G. Atkins CDC by clicking the link below.  All donations are appreciated to increase programming and student internships.  

In Case You Missed It...
We have officially Launched The First Shared-Use Commercial Kitchen in Forsyth County at 
The Enterprise Center!

Officials from Winston-Salem State University (WSSU), the City of Winston-Salem and the S.G. Atkins Community Development Center (SGACDC) cut the ribbon on Winston-Salem's first shared-use commercial kitchen during a ceremony at The Enterprise Center on Monday, June 25. "Part of the mission of the S.G. Atkins CDC is to help people in this community grow businesses," said Carol Davis, executive director for the SGACDC. "Until now, we have worked with people who needed office spaces, but now the Enterprise Center can make this commercial equipment available. This is something that has been missing in our local food scene, and we're happy to have it here." The kitchen, located in the Enterprise Center, is funded through grants from the City of Winston-Salem and the U.S. Department of Commerce. The 895-square-foot kitchen has three refrigerators, three freezers, and several pantries with shelving for storage. It also has a six-burner range, a 40-pound fryer, a double convection oven, a 40-quart mixer, and a baker's station. There's also an ice machine and a dishwasher. The kitchen will help caterers and food entrepreneurs who have products that they want to package and sell in stores and online.                        

Chancellor Elwood Robinson 
Speaks  at the opening of the 
Community Shared-Use Kitchen


Chancellor Robinson said the work at The Enterprise Center is important because it lets people know that businesses can thrive within the neighborhood located less than a mile from WSSU's campus.   
WSSU Students 
Start Apparel Company,  Supanā !
(Left-Right: Jamir Smallwood, Anthony Barnes, Nia Jackson & Christopher Denning)

Four WSSU Student's are on the path to becoming successful entrepreneurs with the launch of their new apparel company, Supanā

Supanā clothing is a streetwear apparel company.  The word "Supanā" meaning "Dream", is an inclusive term for their vision of the world. Looking to inspire entrepreneurship throughout their community and university, these young interns for Center for the Study of Economic Mobility (CSEM),  are working to change the perception of the current streetwear culture.  Supanā is working intensely  to chip away at the intimidating walls of business, as they dive head first into the fashion industry.

Learn More
The Enterprise Center Spotlight!

Congratulations Esther Dixon!
 
Esther Dixon received certification as a Licensed Counseling Addiction Specialist Associate (LCAS-A).  Ms. Dixon currently serves as a Clinical Counseling Consultant with Knew Era Consulting, PLLC.  "I seek to ensure the mental stability of all clinicians ... resulting in the overall benefit of our clients," says Dixon.  As a Licensed Counseling Addiction Specialist Associate (LCAS-A), Ms.Dixon plans to infuse her passion for healthy minds as she works with clients who are inflicted by the stronghold of substance use.
Emmanuel Village is Moving on Up!

Dr. John Mendez is excited to announce that a seed planted a long time ago is finally blooming and construction has begun! The seed is eight acres of property on Barbara Jane Avenue and the blossom is two-bedroom villas and a two-story building with one-bedroom apartments all for senior citizens age 62+.  The construction of the first villas have begun and are expected to be completed in August 2018 with the total project completed in 2019. Hobart Jones said, "Our vision is becoming a reality and we are still fundraising and pre-leasing. If you would like to live here please all me at 336-978-0062."

Meet S.G. Atkins CDC New  Trainees!
S.G. Atkins CDC has partnered with the WS Urban League 
 SCSEP (Senior Community Service Employment  Program) to provide job training to low-income unemployed seniors. Meet our new trainees!

Meet Judy Benard!

Judy recently moved to Winston-Salem from Maryland. Ms.Benard is currently enrolled as a Sales and Catering Assistant through the Winston-Salem Urban League, SCSEP program. Her goal is to make positive contributions to The Enterprise Conference and Banquet Center. She has plans to become the owner of her own business.

Meet Eduardo Barquero!

Eduardo is currently enrolled as a Custodial Engineer through the Winston-Salem Urban League, SCSEP program. He likes learning new things and is thrilled that The Enterprise Center is so close to his home. Mr. Barquero is 77 and rides his motor bike everyday.


Meet Rosa Martin!

Rosa recently joined the SCSEP Program.  
Ms. Martin says she enjoys working as a receptionist and getting to meet lots of people. "My goal is to learn as much as I can about the computer, at my young age of 77-years old,"Martin says.
Save The Dates!
Interested in Buying a Home?
S.G. Atkins CDC will Get You Moving!!!!
 Tuesday, July 24, 2018  
  Free  First Time Home B uyer Education Class. 
Location: The Malloy/Jordan Library East Winston 
Time: 6:00 PM-8:00 PM
Food will be provided!

From Idea To Investment:
Compete for Funds to Start Your Own Business!
While working with Forsyth Tech Small Business Center Launch Challenge, you will learn how to take your idea and create a business plan and get started. And if you work hard,  you might even earn some funding! 

Join other promising entrepreneurs on the startup journey and get started! Applications are open until July 31for the next session beginning in September. 

APPLY HERE
The Triad Minority Business Expo Is Here!
RSVP or Become a Vendor Today!

  Save the Date! The annual Triad Minority Business Expo is being hosted August 25,2018. The Triad Minority Business Expo was created to increase opportunities for small businesses and entrepreneurs. The Expo will have an array of businesses from the community and business support companies. Guests will attend from all over the Triad and will range from professionals, business owners, entrepreneurs, event specialists, educational institutions, community organizations, students, local personalities, special guest honorees, friends and family to many more. 
Come Party with The Big 4!
Tickets on Sale Now!
Interested in joining a Neighborhood Association or Becoming a Vendor for SENA Annual Community Day?

SouthEast Winston-Salem Residents Are Planning The
Next Community Day October 6, 2018

The SouthEast Neighborhood Association (SENA) meets at The Enterprise Center on the second Thursday of each month at 6:30 pm. Call Patricia Degraffinreaidt at 336-734-6916 for more info.

Community Garden Update!


The Atkins community garden is booming! There are nine garden teams this year growing in 30 raised beds.   Pictured above is the work of WSSU Professor Ruth Muze and her husband. The Muze's raised beds are already full with cucumbers, tomatoes and more.  To volunteer at the garden please contact Sonia Barbre at 336-575-3952 or come out to the garden on Saturday mornings at 9 am to meet the gardeners.   

Have Your Say in 
The East End Master Plan!



Planning is bringing the future into the present so you can do something about it now.
Alan Lakein

"The East End Master Plan will be used as the guide for future development and growth for the East End Community," says Atkins CDC Director Carol Davis.  "All ideas are welcome for expanding economic opportunities in the East End."  The planning area is bordered by US 52, MLK Jr. Drive, and Business 40.  Ayers Saint Gross (ASG) , a design firm from Baltimore, Maryland with a track record of success, is in charge of designing the plan with input from local stakeholders. There have been focus groups and listening sessions with more to come.  "For this to work, the community voices must be at the table," says City Council member Derwin Montgomery.  A presentation of the master plan is expected soon. 

East End Conversations
We want to hear from YOU! Visit our website at East End Conversations to be heard.

Coming Soon!
The beautifully renovated Union Station will open early 2019. 
 Commercial space is available for lease.
  Contact Atkins CDC to discuss availability 336-734-6915.
300 South Martin Luther King Jr. Drive  
Another Successful Year for TEAM UP as they Strive to  Engage Youth in Foster Care!

 
Teens Engaged in Aspiring Mentorship's, an Uplifting Partnership (TEAMUP), is an annual foster youth entrepreneurship and leadership program designed to teach career and life skills to one of the most vulnerable populations in our communities. The program has had nine successful week-long annual programs and has hosted a total of 472 youth in foster care on  campus of Winston-Salem State University (WSSU). The participants come from nine counties, ages 16-18 and are juniors and seniors in high school. This week long, custom-designed project positively influences their decisions to finish school, pursue a productive career and carefully examine life options. The intentional blend of educational and social activities enhances awareness, knowledge, and appreciation of what it takes to succeed within the free enterprise system. The program receives primary funding from BB&T, with matched grants  provided by the DataMax Foundation, Forsyth, Guilford, Johnston, Pitt, Mecklenburg, and Durham Counties' Social Services LINKS programs, the WSSU School of Business and Economics, the WSSU Center for Entrepreneurship, and in-kind contributions by numerous volunteer teams and partner organizations, including the student group ENACTUS (formerly SIFE). The program is the recipient of a "Best Practice" award for community collaborations from the N. C. Association of County Directors of Social Services (NCACDSS). 
S.G. Atkins CDC Expands Impact 
Within Our Community 
New Construction Homes for Sale



Planning A Wedding, Corporate Meeting, Luncheon, or Banquet?
The Enterprise Conference & Banquet Center is "The Place Where Community Hospitality Lives!"  To learn more about how we generate neighborhood jobs, call Patricia Degraffinreaidt at 336-734-6916.
 
Meet S. G. Atkins CDC
 2018 Board of Directors!
The 2018 board of directors includes WSSU faculty and Winston-Salem community members who are advocates for equitable economic development in Winston-Salem.   Russell Smith, professor of geography and vice president of the board believes, "The work accomplished by the CDC is important in bringing together students, businesses and the community as a whole. This collaboration can be a valuable and vital service to enhance growth within the community." 

2018 Board of Directors

Walter Farabee,  President
City Planner, City of Winston-Salem 

Russell Smith, Ph.D., Vice-President
WSSU Professor of Geography

Allan Younger,  Secretary
Director of the Forsyth Tech Small Business Center

Evelyn Acree, Treasurer  
Executive VP, Business Banking M & F Bank  

Jack S. Monell, Ph.D.
WSSU Professor of Justice Studies 

Virginia Hardesty
Owner, Forsyth Seafood Market & Cafe 

Constance Mallette
WSSU Vice Chancellor, Finance and Administration 

Kenya Thornton
Owner, Community Intervenion and Educational Services

Anna Tefft
Commercial Lender, Natural Capital Investment Fund

Jason Thiel
President of the Downtown Winston-Salem Partnership

Pastor Alvin Carlisle
Exodus Baptist Church, President of the Winston-Salem NAACP Chapter

Melicia Whitt-Glover, Ph.D.
WSSU Center of Excellence for the Elimination of Health Disparities, Owner of Gramercy Research Group 

Craig Richardson, Ph.D.
WSSU Professor of Economics, Director of the WSSU Center for the Study of Economic Mobility  

Richard G. Moye, Ph.D.
WSSU Professor of Sociology

Shamone Jones
WSSU student

Seeking Volunteer Opportunities?
Volunteers are always welcome at The Enterprise Center and the S. G. Atkins Community Development Corporation.  Consider sharing your skills and time with us. Together we all benefit and you can help make a difference!

Please call 336-734-6900 or e-mail sgatkinscdc4@gmail.com for details.
 (336) 734-6900  |   SGATKINSCDC@gmail.com | WWW.SGACDC.ORG