RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK – The region’s collaborative approach to ecosystem development was an oft-discussed strength of the Triangle in a Clubhouse discussion on Friday that drew thought leaders from business as well as academia.

More than one speaker highlighted the important role that inclusion efforts play in cultivating an ecosystem that attracts and trains talent, and boasts one of the most diverse set of startup founders in the county.

“A core piece of our work has been thinking about equity in entrepreneurial ecosystems,” said Jamie Jones, director of entrepreneurship at Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business.  “Really reaching back into the community, as Duke, and think about how we are re-engaging with this community in Durham.”

Part of that work led to greater partnership with North Carolina Central University, which then led to a focus on creating a direct impact on and on behalf of founders of color through a newly launched program, Pitch, a competition for black student entrepreneurs, which will be held April 8-9.

The Entrepreneurship Center, an affiliated center of the Kenan Institute of Private Enterprise at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill also recently expanded programming, announcing two additional certification programs, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Solutions (DEIS) and Black Technology Ecosystem Investment last week.

“This announcement continues to reaffirm our commitment to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in all that we do,” said Vickie Gibbs, the entrepreneurship center executive director in a statement released with the announcement.  “A diverse and inclusive workforce is key to the success of any venture—and to our community at large.”

“Racial equity and inclusion are the core tenant of economic development,” said Rodney Sampson, executive chairman and CEO of OHUB and co-founder and general partner of 100 Black Angels & Allies Fund, on stage as a featured speaker on Friday’s Clubhouse call.   OHUB and 100 Black Angels & Allies Fund partnered on the development of the curriculum and program, and Sampson will teach some of the coursework.

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