WS Chronicle

By Mayeesa Mitchell

For The Chronicle

The Enterprise Conference and Banquet Center, located at 1922 South Martin Luther King Jr. Drive in Winston-Salem, is nearing the completion of an expansive renovation of its bottom level.

The 9,500-square-foot space will include 25 new office spaces, a community computer room, a commercial kitchen and a new reception area. Additionally, the parking lot across the back of the building was expanded.

“An office that is 170 square feet goes for about $350 a month,” said Executive Director Carol Davis.

All offices are equipped with office furniture, Internet and phone connection so they are move-in ready. Included in the monthly rent are an abundance of business workshops, networking events, a mailbox and use of the break room and conference rooms.

“The Enterprise Center is a community hub with resources for small businesses, information for people who want to start a business and meeting spaces for educational, social and networking events,” said Davis.

The Enterprise Center, an S.G. Atkins Community Development Corporation development, moved into its current home in June 2011. Since that time, renovations have been made to convert the old Salvation Army Boys and Girls Club building into a resource for small business owners and community members.

The top floor, which features 20 office spaces and numerous conference rooms, was fully leased just three months after The Enterprise Center opened.

Chris Screen, owner of Indatainment Media Consultants, was one of the very first associates of The Enterprise Center.

“If I was at a regular office, I wouldn’t have been offered the workshops. Other office [buildings] just want my rent, but The Enterprise Center wants my business to grow,” said Screen.

Although The Enterprise Center does some of its own programming, most of the programming is proposed to them by members of the community who want to share their expertise.

Dr. Mohammed Faud, a professor of Computer Science at Winston Salem State University, uses his expertise to teach small business owners how to use mobile apps to help them increase their revenue. Law students from Wake Forrest University also lend a hand by coming to The Enterprise Center every week to help with contracts and filing 501(c)(3) applications.

In addition to business workshops, associates at The Enterprise Center are also resources for each other.

“It’s like a one-stop shop; everything that I need is in The Enterprise Center,” said Constance Transou, operations manager for Dream Makers Assisted Living Services, which is an associate of The Enterprise Center.

Transou was able to work with Screen to create a video and a website for her business.

Unlike most business offices, associates have a say in how the office is run.

DaRhonda Morgan, a real estate agent whose office has been in The Enterprise Center since 2013, is one of three associates on a newly formed tenants council.

“We are going to educate new tenants, answer questions, take suggestions and field complaints and concerns” said Morgan. “We will be the liaison group between the associates and the administration.”

The Enterprise Center strives to benefit more than just its associates, but rather the community as a whole.

“We are trying to have a hand in bringing the neighborhood back,” said Davis.

The community garden and workshops that are open to the entire community are helping to do just that.

The Enterprise Center, which has been completely funded by federal grants, city grants, state money and corporate grants, also gives back to the community by partnering with local businesses.

One such business owner is Thomas Poole, owner of Prowork Commercial and Residential Painting company. His bid was accepted to paint the lower level after the renovation.

“I’m appreciative that this organization focuses on small businesses and gave [my] small business an opportunity.”

For more information about what The Enterprise Conference and Banquet Center offers, contact Patricia Degraffinreaidt at 336-734-6900 or sgatkinscdc2@gmail.com.