Coastal Federal Credit Union has signed on to boost the American Underground startup ecosystem by providing programming, offering insights to entrepreneurs and sponsoring a community conference room.
The American Underground — a Google for Entrepreneurs Tech Hub dubbed the “startup capital of the south” by CNBC — is home to more than 220 companies and 900 employees.
From online banking to Personal Teller Machines (PTMs), Coastal has a rich history of developing and implementing leading-edge banking technologies to ensure faster service, better security, a unique experience and excellent customer service.
Coastal was founded in 1967 by employees of IBM to serve the Triangle’s IBM community.
Coastal’s Vice President of Branch Networks and Community Engagement Creighton Blackwell, “Aligning Coastal with American Underground is a natural fit. 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
The Coastal conference room offers a special take on entrepreneurship, juxtaposing photos of clients at one of the state’s first credit unions in the early 20th century with Coastal’s members today. Says Klein, “The images immerse you in the history of the region’s entrepreneurial scene. They’re a reminder that the startups here today are part of a bigger story, a bigger family.”
On the web: www.COASTAL24.com.
