Winston-Salem Daily Briefing

Downtown support effort steps up

Winston-Salem officials are moving to give downtown businesses an extra boost after a challenging winter season. City leaders are highlighting new and existing programs that help with everything from façade improvements to small-business counseling and access to capital. They say the aim is to keep doors open, attract more foot traffic, and make it easier for new entrepreneurs to launch in the urban core.

Part of the push leans on partnerships with local business groups and resource hubs. The Winston-Salem Women’s Business Center continues to offer one-on-one counseling, classes, and help connecting owners with financing. City staff are also pointing business owners toward departments that handle permitting, incentives, and technical support.

Family pleads for return of teen’s stolen car

A Winston-Salem family is asking for the public’s help after a car given to their teenager for a 16th birthday was stolen. The vehicle disappeared from a residential area, turning a milestone gift into a police report and a social media search. Relatives say they are less focused on punishment than on getting the car back safely, and they hope community tips can help investigators track it down.

Police are reminding residents to lock vehicles, remove valuables, and report suspicious activity quickly. Neighbors in the area have been sharing doorbell video and keeping a closer eye on overnight traffic as the search continues.

Wine-focused events draw visitors downtown

Winston-Salem’s wine scene is in the spotlight this week. The International Wine Symposium is taking place downtown, bringing industry experts, North Carolina producers, and wine enthusiasts together for a day of panels, tastings, and networking. Organizers describe the sold-out gathering as a chance to showcase the state’s growers while filling nearby hotels, restaurants, and shops.

Later this week, a ‘Taste of North Carolina’ event at the Benton Convention Center will feature more than 20 wineries paired with local eateries. Tourism promoters say these types of events help position Winston-Salem as a regional hub for food and drink, giving visitors another reason to explore downtown streets and nearby neighborhoods.

Small-business resources remain a focus

Beyond this week’s headlines, local partners continue working to strengthen the city’s small-business ecosystem. The Women’s Business Center and other support organizations are promoting free counseling, workshops, and networking for new and growing firms. City offices are directing owners to business-assistance programs that cover licensing, zoning questions, and bidding on public contracts.

Together, officials and advocates say these efforts are meant to keep Winston-Salem’s economy resilient, especially for smaller shops that give the city’s neighborhoods and downtown their character.

Sources

https://myfox8.com/news/north-carolina/winston-salem/winston-salem-city-leaders-work-to-support-businesses-downtown/
https://www.wfmynews2.com
https://www.internationalwinesymposium.org/registration/p/early-bird-9myt8
https://www.visitwinstonsalem.com/event/taste-north-carolina-winston-salem
https://www.winstonsalemwbc.org/
https://www.cityofws.org/1735/Business-Assistance