| Winston-Salem State University (WSSU) intends to use its Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) grant to expand activities started by the S.G. Atkins Community Development Corporation (SGACDC), an outreach arm of the university established in 1998 to be a catalyst for revitalization in the neighborhoods surrounding the campus. WSSU seeks this funding to support three SGACDC activities: 1) continue the green renovation of The Enterprise Center (formerly the Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club since 1950) that will house a business incubator for 20 small businesses; provide large spaces for training, community meetings, and recreation; provide affordable office space for nonprofit organizations with complementary missions; and feature a rooftop solar photovoltaic system; 2) provide funds for the MicroEnterprise Loan Program to extend business loans to The Enterprise Center business incubator clients; and 3) administer an energy efficiency program to create a “Green Zone” where residents decrease energy consumption and increase usage of renewable energy sources. Green education will include continuing education for energy auditors, weatherization contractors, and solar energy installers. The Enterprise Center will be a green hub for community economic development and educational opportunities that are supported by several collaborators.
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