DURHAM, N.C. — Coastal Federal Credit Union has signed on as a sponsor of the American Underground, a startup ecosystem, by providing programming, offering insights to entrepreneurs and sponsoring a community conference room.
The American Underground, a tech hub called the “startup capital of the south” by CNBC, is home to more than 220 companies and 900 employees. Coastal was founded in 1967 by employees of IBM to serve the Triangle’s IBM community.
“Aligning Coastal with American Underground is a natural fit,” said Coastal’s Vice President of Branch Networks and Community Engagement Creighton Blackwell. “We understand the power of innovation, and have harnessed it to revolutionize the banking experience. We also appreciate the power of family, of sharing, of nurturing personal and community growth.”
As an American Underground “founding” partner, Coastal will:
- Hold office hours twice a month for entrepreneurs to seek guidance on everything from business strategies to personal finance.
- Hold a quarterly “Helpfest” symposium for entrepreneurs.
- Underwrite a conference room for community use.