WS Chronicle

Greater Winston-Salem Inc. (GWSI), recently named ACCE National Chamber of the Year, is proud to announce a strategic partnership with VisionToVenture, an organization dedicated to energizing ecosystems and empowering idea- and early-stage entrepreneurs. Together, they aim to strengthen Winston-Salem’s entrepreneurial community and drive economic growth, innovation, and regional vitality.

In today’s dynamic business landscape, visionary leadership and entrepreneurial support are more essential than ever. This collaboration marks a significant step toward fostering a culture that celebrates and supports entrepreneurship. By combining GWSI’s leadership with VisionToVenture’s expertise in early-stage development, we are poised to create lasting impacts on the local economy, culture, and innovation.

Empowering community growth through inclusive entrepreneurship

Building on GWSI’s recent accolades, this partnership reinforces a shared commitment to economic prosperity by deepening support for local entrepreneurs, small businesses, and entrepreneurial organizations. Together, GWSI and VisionToVenture will provide the tools, resources, and connections necessary for sustainable business success while fostering an inclusive ecosystem that drives innovation and growth.

The partnership will focus on:

*Identifying and promoting resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities for entrepreneurs and small business owners.

*Supporting the existing entrepreneurial organizations.

*Developing and supporting community and entrepreneurial-focused events.

*Energizing and facilitating equitable access for founders by aligning entrepreneurship organizations to foster collaboration and improve efficiency.

Both organizations recognize the immense potential of entrepreneurship in shaping the community’s economy. By focusing on collaboration and shared successes, GWSI and VisionToVenture aim to support a robust ecosystem that nurtures innovation and supports business growth at every stage, helping Winston-Salem to continue to stand out as a leading hub for entrepreneurship. 

“Entrepreneurship and small business acceleration are part of our key strategic priorities for Winston-Salem,” says Mark Owens, president and CEO of Greater Winston-Salem Inc. “We are excited to leverage the experience and expertise of the VisionToVenture team to expand our collective capacity and drive results that can help more companies scale.”

“Our partnership with GWSI marks an exciting evolution in our mission to build a thriving entrepreneurial community,” said Michael Buckovich, executive director of VisionToVenture. “While we’ve always been dedicated to supporting entrepreneurs and founders, GWSI’s leadership and vision elevate our efforts to a new level. Together, we are now better positioned to empower organizations, founders, and small businesses to make even greater contributions to the local economy and accelerate their collective impact.”