Where Community Becomes Capital
We invest in people. People invest in each other. That’s how communities thrive.
Your investment builds more than businesses. It builds trust, networks, and the future of Durham.
The Challenge We're Solving
The Triangle's economic momentum is undeniable, driven by tech expansion, startup growth, and national recognition. But the benefits are not shared equitably. Entrepreneurs lacking wealth, capital, or networks remain excluded from the region's success. While small and Main Steet businesses create the majority of new jobs in North Carolina, ownership remains far from reflective of the state's population. Fewer than 6% of businesses are Black-owned; Latino-owned businesses remain under 10%; and women-led startups receive less than 10% of funding.
Our Solution: Entrepreneurs Building Entrepreneurs
echo is building a collaborative entrepreneurial ecosystem that believes in every entrepreneur's potential by offering tailored learning, trusted relationships, and access to capital so that they can unlock opportunity, grow their businesses, and contribute to generational change.
Regenerative Circle: Early-stage founders receive training and mentorship, then become mentors and collaborators for newer entrepreneurs, creating a self-sustaining ecosystem; thus, sharing the wealth and accelerating growth.
Peer-to-Peer Learning: Near-peer mentorship and intentional networking build lasting professional relationships that reduce isolation and spark innovation, skill-building, and resource sharing.
Cross-Generational Impact: Youth programs connect directly to adult entrepreneur networks, creating clear pathways from teen innovation to business ownership.
Proven Results That Matter
550+ entrepreneurs served across all ages and stages 25+ businesses launched with 100% success rate for program completers $60,000+ in community investment circulating within our entrepreneur network 4,500+ meals served through teen-run ventures addressing food security 9/10 participant satisfaction with 100% of youth reporting increased community motivation.
What Makes Us Different
Unlike traditional incubators focused on high-growth companies, echo measures success through:
- Community economic impact that keeps benefits in our neighborhoods
- Relationship building that creates lasting professional networks
- Inclusive access reaching typically overlooked entrepreneurs
- Regenerative outcomes where graduates become program leaders
Your Investment Creates Lasting Change
When you support echo, you're not just funding individual businesses - you're building the community infrastructure that generates economic opportunity for generations. Local entrepreneurs hire locally, source from community businesses, and inspire the next wave of innovators.
Every dollar invested creates:
- Direct business development support
- Peer-powered mentorship that multiplies exponentially
- Community-rooted businesses that hire, buy and reinvest locally
- A ripple effect of belonging, dignity, and economic agency