HUSTLE Campaign Encourages Diversity In Entrepreneurship

An event Wednesday in Winston-Salem will focus on encouraging local entrepreneurship. The so-called HUSTLE Campaign wants equal access to resources for diverse communities.

The event will highlight stories of local entrepreneurs from underrepresented backgrounds. There are particular challenges for people of color, women, immigrants and more in the field. Organizer Matt Williams says that includes a lack of infrastructure and investment in low-resourced communities.

“How can we ensure that anyone, regardless of your individual difference, your faith background, your ability levels, your race, your gender, has an opportunity to get the support that they need to advance an idea or a venture that they want to see through?"

The HUSTLE initiative is a result of the Community Innovation Lab that started in 2015. Winston-Salem and Providence, Rhode Island were chosen by New York-based EmcArts as pilot cities to explore creative solutions to social problems.