Mission Statement

Built2Last works to create a more inclusive entrepreneurial and business ecosystem in Durham, with an emphasis on women and underrepresented minorities, and assist individuals in marginalized communities to gain the skills and experience needed to fully participate in economic prosperity.

Durham Built2Last is a nonprofit organization that provides various types of assistance to historically underutilized businesses, people residing in marginalized communities and the working poor. It is comprised of three divisions:

Each of these three divisions takes a different and unique approach to addressing the challenges faced by small-, minority-, and women- owned businesses. The important work performed by the nonprofit’s three divisions will ensure that Durham’s “often forgotten” people (i.e. historically underutilized businesses, working poor, residents of marginalized communities) will be able to participate in the city’s growing and “prosperous economy. Their work will strategically position Durham to be one of the most inclusive, equitable and sustainable cities in America.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Statement

Built2Last Innovations Lab, Inc. (dba Durham Built2Last) values diversity, equity and inclusion in all its dimensions. As part of our mission, we welcome all community voices to add their perspectives on how we can ensure that our diverse community remains welcoming to all. Our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion strengthens our voice as a community while elevating our ability to eliminate economic disparities locally.

We are committed to identifying and using the economic, human and material resources as well as financial tools available to us to close the wealth gap in Durham. Built2Last has core values and performance metrics that demonstrate its commitment to inclusive and equitable development. Its Bull City Durham Collaborative Division performs work that assists companies with creating an effective supply chain management system that supports the growth and development of traditionally under-represented business enterprises—a major value add since minority-owned businesses are more likely to hire minority workers, especially those from poverty-stricken inner-city neighborhoods. Durham Built2Last also promotes shared prosperity by investing in ventures that not only enable historically underutilized businesses to develop and grow but also improve the living arrangements and overall quality of life of Durham’s working poor as well as other vulnerable populations.

Core Values

Durham Built2Last’s core values reflect both the City and County of Durham’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. We value:
 

• • Diversity of ideas and people;
  • Engagement with business, academic, philanthropic and civic communities
    throughout North Carolina and the world;
  • Stewardship of human, financial and physical resources committed to our care;
  • Equity, inclusion and dignity for all;
  • Responsibility for each other’s success;
  • Positively impacting the lives of all Durham’s residents; and
  • Respect of our strategic alliances, constituents and vendors.