As reported by the News & Observer about a week ago, the Durham Chamber of Commerce is in the process of launching a program aimed at supporting entrepreneurs in downtown Durham.  Called the “Bull City Startup Stampede,” the winning applicants will receive free office space, furniture, and high-speed internet for 60 days beginning on April 1st.

In the past few days there’s been quite a bit of activity, with a website being launched, a twitter account, and a write-up in the Raleigh-based venture capital blog, Southeast VC.

On Twitter yesterday there were a few local entrepreneurs announced: the founders of iContact, Change & Course, Shoeboxed, and Argyle Social.  With the exception of Shoeboxed, which is a data management tool for businesses, the other 3 fall within the realm of marketing via social networking tools & email.

 

Though it’s not definitive what will happen at the end of 60 days to the companies that are selected, it’s terrific that our Chamber of Commerce is working to take a creative risk in order to help spur local businesses.  And it’s nice to see that these companies are part of an IT industry that has mostly been growing in other parts of the Triangle, with a few exceptions such as Bronto. 

Durham is known as a “foodie” town to most, which is apt considering all of the fantastic restaurants.  But when you look at the major companies that have settled in Durham such as Burt’s Bees, McKinney, Ogilvy, and Merge Records (in addition to all of the local businesses that have become successful), this city’s development is becoming more diverse over time.  Much like a business “diversifies,” we should applaud and encourage our Chamber of Commerce’s efforts to do the same with the types of organizations that are settling in Durham.  Not only will that philosophy continue to add new opportunities to our community, but it will help to make us more resilient for tough economic times in the future.

I think that for some, a movement around local pride can seem at odds with business development.  But I would argue that in our case it’s not, particularly because of the way our Chamber of Commerce has partnered with local organizations to develop the “Stampede.”  This demonstrates recognition of what makes Durham unique and commitment to maintaining that.  And that’s something to be proud of.