Career Pathways to Entrepreneurship

The Center for Creative Economy (CCE) is addressing the growing challenges faced by mid-to-late career workers who are unemployed, underemployed, or seeking meaningful career transitions. In our communities, older workers often face age-related bias, diminishing traditional job opportunities, and difficulties accessing reskilling programs tailored to their unique needs. Entrepreneurship presents a compelling solution, offering these individuals a pathway to economic mobility and the opportunity to leverage their professional expertise and life experience.

Nationally, workers aged 45+ face higher long-term unemployment rates compared to younger demographics, with nearly 44% of unemployed older workers experiencing joblessness for six months or more (AARP). In our region, over 15% of workers in this age group are underemployed, often in roles beneath their skill level. Factors such as limited access to upskilling resources, lack of mentorship, and inadequate wraparound services—including childcare, transportation, and mental health support—further compound these challenges.

CCE’s entrepreneurial programs are uniquely positioned to address these barriers by offering targeted marketing, accessible training, and robust mentorship specifically for mid-to-late career workers. By empowering this demographic to explore entrepreneurship as a viable career path, we aim to create sustainable economic opportunities and address the systemic inequities they face.

CCE empowers mid-to-late career workers to transition into entrepreneurship through tailored programs. Our existing solution, Kinetic, is a 6-week in-person entrepreneurial boot camp that equips participants with the tools and mentorship needed to launch ventures leveraging their professional expertise and life experience. Recognizing the need for broader accessibility, we are expanding Kinetic into an asynchronous, fully online program to reach more individuals nationwide.

This enhanced solution addresses barriers such as age-related bias, limited upskilling opportunities, and inadequate support services that often hinder older workers. By providing flexible, targeted training and mentorship, the online Kinetic program enables participants to develop sustainable business ventures, fostering economic mobility and independence.

To successfully reach and engage mid-to-late career individuals, the CCE’s expanded asynchronous online Kinetic program requires dedicated funding for marketing and advertising. This investment is critical to raising awareness about the program among older workers who can benefit most from its entrepreneurial training. Targeted campaigns will emphasize the program’s flexibility and relevance, showcasing how it empowers participants to leverage their expertise and transition into sustainable entrepreneurship. Strategic outreach through digital platforms and community partnerships will ensure the program reaches diverse audiences, breaking down barriers to access and creating pathways to economic mobility.

The Center for Creative Economy serves mid-to-late career individuals who are unemployed, underemployed, or seeking meaningful career transitions. This population often faces significant barriers, including age-related bias, limited access to upskilling opportunities, and a lack of tailored support for re-entering the workforce. Many possess valuable skills and life experience but struggle to translate them into economic mobility due to a lack of resources and guidance.

CCE’s entrepreneurial programs offer a transformative solution by empowering these individuals to explore entrepreneurship as a viable career path. Our targeted training focuses on skill-building in areas such as customer discovery, idea validation,  business planning, and digital literacy—key competencies needed to thrive in today’s economy. Participants also benefit from mentorship, community networking, and access to a supportive ecosystem that addresses their unique challenges.

Through this solution, participants gain not only the tools to build sustainable businesses but also renewed confidence in their ability to navigate career transitions. By leveraging their experience and equipping them with new skills, CCE helps these individuals achieve personal fulfillment, financial stability, and long-term economic impact. In doing so, we address a critical gap in workforce development while fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in our communities.

Margaret Collins, the founding executive director of the Center for Creative Economy and Team Lead for this initiative, embodies the lived experience of the community we aim to serve. As an entrepreneur over the age of 65, Margaret deeply understands the challenges and opportunities faced by mid-to-late career individuals exploring entrepreneurship as a career pathway. Her leadership reflects the unique perspectives and needs of this demographic, providing authenticity and credibility to CCE’s approach.

Ashley Morgan, Programs and Operations Manager, has over 15 years of teaching and curriculum development experience.  One of Ashley’s unique talents is her ability to understand the learner at their level, and the pace of knowledge transfer for each learner as well as the learning style.

The team is supported by Emily Wolf, the Community Marketing Coordinator.  She is a specialist in data analysis and uses documented specifics to excel in program implementation and marketing outreach. 

The design and implementation of our programs are directly informed by ongoing engagement with the community. Over the past year, we’ve conducted focus groups and one-on-one interviews with more than 20 mid-to-late career individuals to understand their barriers, including age-related bias, gaps in reskilling opportunities, and concerns about financial risk. Their feedback has shaped key aspects of our solution, such as integrating digital literacy training, offering flexible program formats, and providing mentorship from peers with similar life experiences.

Additionally, CCE frequently collaborates with community partners, such as workforce development organizations and local business leaders, to ensure our programs address real-world needs. By aligning our efforts with the ideas and agendas of the communities we serve, we’ve created a solution that is both practical and transformative, empowering participants to build sustainable futures through entrepreneurship.

CCE is in the Growth Stage, having successfully tested and refined its entrepreneurial programs over the past decade. Core initiatives like Pathways for Entrepreneurial Success, Kinetic, and Velocity have launched 135 creative startups, with 70% founded by women and 58% by minorities. Remarkably, 79% of these ventures are thriving, generating over 269 jobs, $24M in revenue, and $30M in investments.

Our programs have evolved through participant feedback, enhancing curriculum, mentorship, and resources. Recent updates include integrating digital learning platforms and expanding our mentorship network with experienced entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds. These advancements have improved accessibility, satisfaction, and success rates.

Building on this foundation, we are launching a fully online, asynchronous Kinetic course to empower mid- and late-career individuals. This flexible format allows participants to retrain or upskill at their own pace, addressing a growing need for accessible entrepreneurial education.

With a proven track record and a robust ecosystem of partners, CCE is recognized as a regional catalyst for entrepreneurial success, particularly in underserved communities. This new initiative represents a strategic expansion to drive greater economic mobility for mid-to-late career professionals.

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CCE revolutionizes the economic mobility landscape for mid-to-late career individuals by transforming their professional expertise into entrepreneurial success. Unlike traditional workforce development models, CCE’s approach includes this demographic, leveraging their extensive knowledge and leadership skills. Our solution is distinctly tailored to address systemic challenges—such as age-related bias and limited access to reskilling resources—through programs like Kinetic, a six-week entrepreneurial boot camp.

Kinetic’s forthcoming expansion into a fully asynchronous online format is a significant innovation. By blending flexibility with robust mentorship and accessible digital tools, we create pathways for older workers who are geographically dispersed or managing complex life responsibilities. This model not only increases access but also sets a new standard for addressing barriers to entrepreneurship in underserved populations.

The ripple effects of our solution extend far beyond individual participants. By empowering a traditionally overlooked workforce segment, CCE catalyzes a broader shift in workforce development priorities. Our participants are equipped to build sustainable businesses that enrich local economies and inspire others to adopt similar models. As the success stories of mid-to-late career entrepreneurs accumulate, we foresee a cultural and economic paradigm shift where older workers are seen as vital contributors to innovation and growth.

CCE’s programs have already launched 135 creative startups, generating over $24 million in revenue and 269 jobs. We aim to scale these impacts, creating a blueprint for inclusive entrepreneurship that can be expanded through collaboration with  entrepreneurial ecosystems nationwide.

CCE uses both quantitative and qualitative criteria to measure the progress towards the six-week, in-person Kinetic program (available with a virtual option). These criteria ensure meaningful impact goals and support CCE's mission to foster entrepreneurial growth.

1. Participant Progress: Success is assessed through the quality of business idea validation, customer discovery and the 12 month road map, and marketing one pager.  Entrepreneurs' ability to refine ideas and create actionable plans is a key measure of progress.  CCE strives for 10 Kinetic cohort members from March  2025-June 2026 in the live format.

2. Customer Discovery: Metrics include the quality of the insights and pivots implemented after  customer interviews are conducted  reflecting participants' ability to align offerings with market needs.

3. Post-Program Outcomes: CCE tracks business launches, revenue generation, funding secured, and accelerator acceptances. Follow-up surveys and alumni stories provide insights into short and long-term impact.

4. Completion and Feedback: Retention and completion rates are monitored alongside participant feedback, ensuring the program evolves to meet entrepreneurs' needs. Currently entrepreneurs from CCE’s programs have a 79% survival rate which is rare. 

For the expanded asynchronous program, impact goals  will include the number of entrepreneurs served, skills gained, businesses launched, and the economic impact on rural communities, focusing on women and people of color. Metrics and milestones include:

• Businesses Launched: 25 new businesses within a year.

• Job Creation: 35 jobs generated within two years.

• Revenue Growth: Targeting 20% revenue growth for new businesses.

• Participant Satisfaction: Aiming for 85% satisfaction based on surveys.

Valued impact goals that extend beyond metrics, are fostering creativity, ambition, and resilience, and building networks to sustain long-term community revitalization. The program's ultimate success lies in its measurable results and its transformative impact on creative entrepreneurs, especially founders who are women, people of color, and over the age of 50.

3 full time staff, 3 contract employees, 14 board of directors members, and 40 mentors (volunteers).

CCE has been advancing entrepreneurial solutions for 10 years. Since its inception, CCE has developed and refined programs like Pathways for Entrepreneurial Success, Kinetic, and Velocity, which have collectively empowered mid-to-late career individuals to launch creative startups. Through continuous iteration informed by participant feedback, CCE has enhanced its curriculum, mentorship, and resources, achieving a proven track record of success. This longevity reflects our commitment to fostering innovation, addressing systemic barriers, and creating sustainable economic opportunities for underserved populations, ensuring the ongoing relevance and impact of our work in entrepreneurship education and empowerment.

CCE is committed to fostering diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging  (DEIB) across all aspects of our organization. Our leadership team exemplifies this commitment. Margaret Collins, our founding executive director, brings the lived experience of a mid-to-late career entrepreneur, ensuring authentic representation of the population we serve. Ashley Morgan, our Programs and Operations Manager, leverages over 15 years of experience in education and curriculum development to create equitable learning environments. Emily Wolf, our Community Marketing Coordinator, employs data-driven insights to engage diverse audiences effectively.

In 2024, CCE undertook a DEIB initiative in collaboration with Krishauna Hines-Gaither, PhD, vice president of Equity, Diversity and Justice at Mount Saint Mary's University, and Los Angeles’ 2024 DEIB Woman of the Year. This seven month engagement included focus groups with all stakeholders including the CCE board, program alumni, mentors, facilitators, and contractors.  Dr. Hines-Gaither evaluated all CCE programs, and developed a five point plan for developing and improving our culture of inclusion and diversity. This plan intentionally focuses on making all participants feel safe and heard. Plan implementation began in July 2024.  

CCE actively addresses barriers to opportunity by maintaining an inclusive hiring process and prioritizing team members from varied professional and cultural backgrounds. Our programs are informed by input from focus groups and one-on-one interviews, ensuring that the voices of underrepresented individuals shape our initiatives. In the past year, feedback from over 20 participants has influenced key improvements, such as integrating digital literacy training, offering flexible program formats, and increasing mentorship opportunities with diverse entrepreneurs.

By embedding DEIB principles into our culture and operations, CCE fosters a team dynamic that values collaboration, celebrates diverse perspectives, and empowers staff to drive meaningful, lasting impact.

Please feel free to check out our CCE DEIB statement located on our website  at https://ccetriad.com/about-us.

CCE delivers value to mid-to-late career individuals by empowering them to transition into entrepreneurship, addressing barriers like age-related bias, limited upskilling opportunities, and lack of tailored support. We actually have two types of customers. Our primary customers are the program participants, currently underemployed/unemployed workers, who desire to use their passion, interests, and skills to start a business. Other customers include the government leaders, corporate sponsors, and individuals who grant funds to CCE to make this work possible. CCE  is funded by the City of Winston Salem, Forsyth County, Inmar, Reynolds, numerous other corporate and individual stakeholders. CCE supporters recognize the importance of entrepreneurial development for our community, and believe in CCE’s ability to Launch, Accelerate, & Grow creative entrepreneurs. 

The key beneficiaries  are the program participants themselves, who receive enormous value from the training. They learn skills that equip and empower them to launch a business and forge a brighter economic future.   Beneficiaries also include the local community, who benefit from the economic prosperity created by the businesses started during CCE programs.  CCE’s flagship programs, including Kinetic—the six-week entrepreneurial boot camp—offer targeted training, hands-on workshops, one-on-one coaching, and mentorship. Participants gain skills in customer discovery, business planning, financial forecasting, and digital literacy, equipping them to turn their expertise into sustainable creative businesses. With funds from the Truist Inspire Award, CCE will expand Kinetic into a fully online, asynchronous program, making these resources accessible to participants nationwide.

Our beneficiaries need these services to overcome systemic barriers to economic mobility. By providing flexible and practical entrepreneurial education, CCE helps them build confidence, reskill, and achieve financial independence. Participants also benefit from a supportive network of industry mentors, fostering sustained success.

By aligning our services with the unique needs of our beneficiaries, CCE creates transformative opportunities, enabling them to thrive as entrepreneurs.

Currently, CCE operates with funding from a diverse base, including the City of Winston-Salem, Forsyth County, corporate sponsors, foundation grants, individual donors, participant tuition, and targeted fundraising campaigns. These contributions and earned revenues enable CCE to deliver valuable programs like Kinetic, which has supported numerous entrepreneurs in launching and growing creative businesses. However, expanding Kinetic as an asynchronous, video-based platform to reach mid and late career individuals requires additional resources.

An award from the Truist Inspire program would be pivotal, allowing CCE to leverage existing funds and attract supplementary investments from stakeholders who prioritize accessible entrepreneurial education. A Truist Inspire Award/Grant would  allow CCE to also increase engagement with current and potential sponsors who are aligned with CCE’s mission to foster creative economic growth in rural North Carolina.

Additionally, CCE plans to integrate in-kind contributions, including volunteer mentorship and technical support, to further enrich the program. 

To ensure the long-term sustainability of the expanded Kinetic program, CCE plans to build on its current funding base while pursuing additional, stable revenue streams. The program’s established network of corporate sponsors, individual donors, and specialty campaign supporters provides a strong foundation for future funding. Following the grant period, CCE will seek to deepen relationships with existing sponsors while expanding outreach to new corporations, foundations, and government entities interested in supporting rural economic development and creative entrepreneurship.

Additionally, CCE is exploring a subscription model and licensing partnerships with regional development organizations and educational institutions, which would provide recurring revenue to sustain the Kinetic program. These partnerships will support ongoing content updates, platform improvements, and expanded reach to rural entrepreneurs. CCE is confident that by diversifying funding sources and developing self-sustaining revenue options, Kinetic will continue to empower creative entrepreneurs well beyond the grant period.

Collaborating with Truist Foundation and MIT Solve would significantly enhance CCE to empower all individuals through entrepreneurship including mid-to-late career persons. The comprehensive support offered by the Inspire Awards—including capacity-building grants, tailored learning modules, and access to a vast network of resource partners—aligns seamlessly with our objectives.

One of our primary challenges is expanding the reach of our Kinetic program, particularly in its new asynchronous online format, to a broader audience. The financial resources provided by the Inspire Awards would enable us to invest in advanced digital platforms, ensuring a seamless and engaging learning experience for participants nationwide. Additionally, the in-kind services and mentorship from industry experts would guide us in refining our outreach strategies, enhancing program content, and effectively addressing the unique needs of our target demographic.

Furthermore, the opportunity to participate in the Truist Leadership Institute Retreat and the annual Solve at MIT event would facilitate invaluable knowledge exchange and collaboration. Engaging with fellow innovators and thought leaders would provide fresh perspectives and insights, fostering the development of innovative solutions to the systemic barriers faced by our participants.

In summary, the partnership with Truist Foundation and MIT Solve would provide CCE with the essential tools, resources, and networks to overcome current challenges, scale our impact, and drive sustainable economic mobility for mid-to-late career individuals transitioning into entrepreneurship.