Innovate Durham

2019 winner of the J. Robert Havlick 2019 Award for Innovation in Local Gov't 

Innovate Durham is a 12-week partnership program that enables emerging enterprises to test their products and services in local government while exposing the City and County to fresh ideas and the newest technologies at the same time. Through this mutually beneficial program, growing businesses partner with government departments to gain access to staff, data and facilities to advance their business concepts and test their viability. The program culminates in a Demo Day where community members gather to hear about the participants experience and lessons learned. In its third year, Innovate Durham continues to be a cutting-edge partnership for enhancing innovation for community businesses and the local government.
 
To learn more, view a brief video on the program.

DCo M/WBE Program

The Mission of the Durham County M/WBE Program is to promote the development and growth of Minority and Women Business Enterprises, and to ensure that they have the maximum opportunity to do business with the County. The County will also maximize contracting opportunities by actively encouraging minority and women owned firms to participate in the procurement process by providing increased knowledge about County projects, greater access to project managers, and links to resources that help assist you with your business.

For more information about becoming a certified firm, bid opportunities and more, visit their website.

MakerLab/STEAM Center

The MakerLab or STEAM center will be located at new Main Library and will be approximately 2400 square feet. The focus will include the five disciplines of (STEAM) Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math programs. The MakerLab will host school field trips, as well as programs for teens and adults. Some of the equipment will include 3D printers, cameras, legos, cubelets, makey makey kits, snap circuits and coding & robotics tools such as Dot & Dash.

Library Business Services Unit

The goal of the Durham County Library Business Services Unit is to cultivate a thriving business ecosystem of learners within the library. To meet this need, the unit will provide engaging and innovative business and workforce development related programming for all ages—from youth to older adults. Programming provided by the Durham County Library has included:  The Art of the One Page Business Plan, Social Media Marketing, Business Banking and Can My Idea Make Money?  Each of these programs was developed to address the needs of established business owners and individuals who are simply exploring the idea of entrepreneurship. 

 
CLICK HERE to discover the available business-related electronic resources on the Durham County Library website.

Soil and Water Development Grant Program

For the past 4 years the Durham County Board of County Commissioners has approved an Agricultural Economic Development Grant Program and has allocated $50,000 for this fiscal year. The program purpose is to offer cost share grants to assist farmers, nonprofits that impact the local food system along with promoting Agriculture Development and Outdoor Environmental Learning Centers in schools.

The County has a successful economic development plan that offers cash incentives to businesses that create jobs in the community. This incentive programs mimics the same outcome but is directed to support farms, new and beginning entrepreneurs and to support agriculture education in schools.

This program will provide two types of grants:

• Small grants for Agriculture Development in schools: Up to $1,000.00
• Grants for farmers: Up to $5,000.00
• Grants for Non Profits that impact the local food system: Up to $5,000

For more information, click here