Design Programs That Deliver Real Outcomes.

Strong organizations and ecosystems are built with intention, not guesswork.
Creative North Carolina partners with nonprofits, educational institutions, and economic development organizations to design and strengthen programs that support entrepreneurs and drive regional growth.

Who We Work With:

  • Nonprofits and community organizations

  • Educational Institutions

  • Economic Development Organizations


Core Services

• Program Design & Development
‍ ‍Build or refine entrepreneur programs, cohorts, and initiatives

• Strategic Planning
‍ ‍Align board, staff, and organizational capacity for growth

• Stakeholder & Partner Engagement
Connect the right people and resources to move work forward

• Program Evaluation & Improvement
Strengthen outcomes, structure, and long-term sustainability

• Ecosystem Development
Support collaboration and innovation across your region


Programs, Funding & Strategy Support
Helping Organizations Turn Funding into Impact 

Creative North Carolina works with organizations to design programs and initiatives that align with funder priorities and translate funding into measurable, real-world outcomes. While Creative North Carolina is a for-profit consultancy, this work supports organizations in securing and successfully implementing funded initiatives.


What This Looks Like

Organizations partner with Creative North Carolina to:

  • Develop high-quality, credible programming

  • Align initiatives with funder priorities

  • Strengthen proposals with clear strategy and outcomes

  • Connect with the right partners and resources

  • Track and report meaningful impact


How We Work

  • Design fundable entrepreneur programs and cohorts

  • Serve as an advisor on funded initiatives

  • Collaborate on curriculum and training development

  • Support pilot programs and regional strategies


Fundraising Strategy & Grant Development
Stronger Programs. Stronger Proposals. Better Outcomes.

Creative North Carolina collaborates with experienced grant writing partners, including The Grant Clinic, to strengthen both program design and proposal development. 

Support includes:

  • Program design for fundable initiatives

  • Partnership strategy for proposals

  • Funder alignment and positioning

  • Narrative development and impact framing

  • Pre-grant readiness and review

  • Full proposal development (through partners)


Our Edge

  • We shape the program before the grant is written

  • We align strategy with funder priorities

  • We build credible outcomes and metrics

  • We strengthen partnership positioning


Impact Focus
Entrepreneur support. Job creation. Inclusive access. Regional growth.

“We don’t just write grants—we make them stronger before they’re written.”

Partner With Creative North Carolina

_________________ PROVEN RESULTS. REAL IMPACT. _________________

Building creative businesses and strengthening ecosystems (2011–2026).
Over 15 years, Margaret managed and ran programs that helped turn ideas into
viable businesses and measurable economic impact.

Results achieved under the leadership of Margaret Collins—
Inclusive Entrepreneurship. Sustainable Growth. Real Outcomes.

Funder and  Partner Testimonials

“I enjoy working with Margaret who has built programs with true economic value for creative entrepreneurs. The Twin City Development Foundation's vote to support many of the CCE programs proves this value. Our board recognized the ROI and impact of her work on the community.”

Robert Egleston
Executive Director
Twin City Development Foundation

***************

“It has been a pleasure working with Margaret on leadership initiatives. She is deeply committed to success and brings focus, resilience, and follow-through to every project. I have appreciated our collaboration on impactful projects and look forward to her continued referrals, when appropriate.”

Martha Larson
Director, Small Business Center
Forsyth Tech Community College