ABC11 Interviews echo CEO, Anjanette Miller

Anjanette Miller, founder of echo, recently sat down with ABC 11 News to highlight the need for accessible entrepreneurship support in the Triangle and the transformative work echo is doing to make it a reality. While the region's economic momentum is undeniable, driven by tech expansion and startup growth, Anjanette emphasized a critical truth: "The benefits aren't shared equitably. Entrepreneurs without wealth, capital, or networks remain excluded from the region's success." Fewer than 6% of North Carolina businesses are Black-owned, despite Black residents making up over 22% of the population, Latino-owned firms represent less than 10%, and women-led startups receive less than 10% of venture funding. At echo, we're not just identifying the problem, we're building a community of entrepreneurs who lift each other up, creating a continuous cycle of support and growth.

In just the past 18 months, echo has helped launch more than 30 small businesses and invested over $275,000 directly into the community through grants, contracts, vendor payments, internships, stipends, scholarships, and awards. Operating as a nonprofit social enterprise built on the philosophy of "entrepreneurs building entrepreneurs," this creates a relationship driven community where business owners mentor, support, and invest in each other. This collaborative approach is transforming Durham's entrepreneurial landscape, making the dream of business ownership accessible to everyone, not just those born with the right connections or capital.

During the ABC 11 News interview, Anjanette talked about The Deep End: FIN-ancing the Future, happening Thursday, November 13th from 6:00-9:00 PM at echo, located at 112 Broadway St. Ste B. This isn't just another networking event—it's the fundraiser that sustains echo's programs and makes equitable entrepreneurship possible. You'll hear from entrepreneurs at every stage, from high schoolers launching first ventures to adults scaling successful businesses, sharing honest stories of struggle, growth, and transformation. These are real accounts of what happens when entrepreneurs have access to the right support at the right time. The evening showcases the power of investing in people, not just ideas, and building infrastructure that serves everyone. This is your opportunity to meet the mentors, founders, and supporters actively building Durham's economic future and become part of the movement.

Your ticket doesn't just get you in the door; it funds the year-round programming, mentorship, and support that turns ambitious dreams into thriving businesses. Without events like The Deep End, this work doesn't happen. This is how we continue investing $275K+ directly into entrepreneurs. This is how we launch 30+ more businesses. This is how we close the equity gap.

Ready to be part of Durham's entrepreneurial transformation?

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When you invest in echo, you're investing in an equitable future where every entrepreneur has the chance to succeed.