Durham County has announced the 2025 Innovate Durham Cohort, a partnership between Durham County Government and the nonprofit organization Forward Cities. The program allows local entrepreneurs to test their ideas in collaboration with public sector partners for a four-month term, according to the Durham County Government’s news release.
Launched in 2017, Innovate Durham connects entrepreneurs and small businesses with county departments. Durham County Economic Development Coordinator Sabria Futrell said in the announcement that the program continues to build partnerships with local businesses.
Forward Cities provides participants with resources, networks, and coaching through its E3 Durham program. Dr. Diamonte Walker, CEO of Forward Cities, said the program helps local entrepreneurs test and scale their ideas.
The 2025 cohort includes several projects: Cashem Holland’s Financial BOSS, a nonprofit promoting financial literacy among youth at the Durham County Library; Ed Holloway’s Placeable, which focuses on affordable modular housing with support from the Office of the County Manager; and Nijil Persaud’s healthcare venture Novexa, supported by the Cooperative Extension program. The program launched on Wednesday and will conclude with a Demo Day on December 11, where participants will present their outcomes.
