WinstonNet

What WinstonNet does

WinstonNet is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit community technology initiative headquartered in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, operating a county-wide network of 24 community technology centers equipped with 180 computers that provide free public access, Wi-Fi, and structured digital-skills training. The movement began in 1997 and was formally incorporated in 2001; the organization now reports a cumulative reach of 1.1 million unique users and runs 11-50 staff and approximately 12 board members.

The service portfolio spans adult digital literacy (NETT, Computer Training Bridge, CORE), workforce-oriented training (Technology Skills for Life & Employment, which now includes artificial-intelligence literacy), and youth programs (Hoops4LYFE Kids Cyber Security Class, LEAD Middle School Girls STEAM Intensive). Operations are tightly coupled with the City of Winston-Salem, Forsyth County Government, Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools, five higher-education institutions, the public library system, and the Digital Bridges Forsyth coalition, with centers often co-located in schools, libraries, and community facilities.

WinstonNet is funded almost entirely through grants and donations, with disclosed cumulative support from federal sources including NTIA/BTOP (~$1.99M) and ARPA (~$2M via Digital Bridges Forsyth for CORE), corporate partners led by Microsoft ($1.8M+), and United Way ($215K+ over five years for NETT). The model is effectively a free-to-end-user, grant-subsidized regional digital-equity backbone rather than a revenue-generating product business, and its 2008 Top 7 Intelligent Communities in the World designation anchors a long-running brand-equity position in the local civic-technology ecosystem.

Name

WinstonNet

Legal name

WinstonNet, Inc.

Website

https://winstonnet.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2001

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

WinstonNet is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit operating 24 community technology centers and 180 computers across Forsyth County, NC, delivering free digital literacy, workforce, and youth technology training to bridge the local digital divide.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Community Digital Equity Services

NAICS

Computer Training (611420), Computer Training (61142), Educational Support Services (611710)

SIC

Computer Communications Equipment (3576), Services-Educational Services (8200), Communications Services, Nec (4899)

akta.pro primary industry

Network & Connectivity Support (Wi‑Fi, VPN, Dorm/Residence Network) (EDALAMAF)

Keywords

• Digital equity programs
• Community technology centers
• Digital literacy training
• Device refurbishment services
• Nonprofit technology access

Headquarters

HQ city

Winston Salem

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain, Others

Revenue model

1. Government grants: Federal and state government grants from entities such as the U.S. Department of Education (STARS Schools program), U.S. Department of Commerce/NTIA (BTOP grants totaling ~$1.99M), State Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) via Forsyth County Library, Business Education Technology Alliance (BETA), and ARPA funding via Digital Bridges Forsyth ($2M for CORE).
2. Foundation grants: Foundation grants from Winston-Salem Foundation, Kate B. Reynolds Trust, John W. and Anna H. Hanes Foundation, and Walmart Foundation to fund computer lab upgrades, software licensing, executive director role, and digital literacy programs.
3. Corporate grants and sponsorships: Corporate grants and sponsorships from Microsoft ($1.8M+ for software and lab upgrades), Cisco, AT&T, Wells Fargo, BB&T, Duke Energy, Datamax, Allegacy, Inmar, and Kramden Institute, supporting lab upgrades, training, and devices.
4. United Way program grants: Multi-year United Way Place Matters Initiative grants funding the NETT program (Neighborhoods Empowered Through Technology), totaling over $215,000 across five years for digital literacy training and refurbished home computers.
5. Individual donations and in-kind contributions: Donations of funds, refurbished devices, and in-kind services from community members and local organizations, including computer donations from Forsyth Tech, Wake Forest University, FTCC, city, RJ Reynolds, Sara Lee, Nationwide Insurance, and Wachovia.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

WinstonNet operates a network of 24 community technology centers across Forsyth County, NC, providing free high-speed internet and Wi-Fi access on 180 computers to residents. The organization delivers hands-on digital literacy and job-readiness training programs (NETT, CORE, Computer Training Bridge, Youth Cybersecurity, Technology Skills for Life & Employment) and runs an in-house device refurbishment pipeline that lets program graduates purchase refurbished laptops at a fraction of retail cost.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• NETT (Neighborhoods Empowered Through Technology): A WinstonNet program offering free, hands-on technology skills classes to help residents gain computer skills for work, education, and everyday life, with eligibility to purchase a refurbished laptop at a fraction of retail cost.
• CORE (Computer Outreach and Education Project)
• Computer Training Bridge
• Youth Cybersecurity Training

Products and services

• NETT (Neighborhoods Empowered Through Technology) A free, hands-on digital literacy and job-readiness training program for unemployed and underemployed Forsyth County residents. Graduates are eligible to purchase a refurbished laptop at a fraction of retail cost.
• CORE (Computer Outreach and Education Project) A Digital Bridges Forsyth initiative hosted by WinstonNet that provides free internet-enabled devices, hands-on digital literacy training, and job skills education to Forsyth County residents.
• Computer Training Bridge A free computer and internet training program delivered in partnership with Forsyth County Public Library branches and the State Library of North Carolina, helping residents build skills for work, school, and daily life.
• Youth Cybersecurity Training A program providing hands-on workshops and interactive lessons to equip middle and high school students with cybersecurity, internet safety, and smart digital habits.
• Technology Skills for Life & Employment A free 30-hour course covering basic computer skills, Artificial Intelligence, interviewing techniques, communication skills, and more. Delivered in partnership with Forsyth Tech for Forsyth and Stokes County residents; graduates are eligible to purchase a refurbished laptop at a reduced price.
• Community Technology Center Network A network of 24 community technology centers co-located in City of Winston-Salem recreation centers, Forsyth County Public Library branches, and partner community organizations, providing free high-speed internet, Wi-Fi, and computer access to Forsyth County residents.
• Refurbished Laptop Program WinstonNet's in-house device refurbishment pipeline that enables eligible graduates of NETT, CORE, and Technology Skills for Life & Employment to purchase a refurbished laptop at a fraction of retail cost, extending home technology access beyond the program.

Quantifiable outcome

• 1.1 million unique users served in computer labs (cumulative)
• +8 more outcomes

Named customers2 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration1 record

Feature4 records

Partnerships

23 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and minor.

• City of Winston-Salem GovernmentflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerCity government partner; Tom Kureczka (CIO) serves on WinstonNet's Board of Directors. City of Winston-Salem recreation centers host WinstonNet's community technology centers.
• Forsyth County GovernmentflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerCounty government partner; Joseph Sloop (Deputy CIO) serves on WinstonNet's Board of Directors. Forsyth County Public Library partnership launched the Computer Training Bridge program (2006).
• University of North Carolina School of the Arts (UNCSA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEducational institution partner. James DeCristo, Chief of Staff at UNCSA, serves as Chairman of WinstonNet's Board of Directors.
• Wake Forest UniversityflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerFoundational partner. Wake Forest University began the original 26-mile fiber optic network in 1995 that grew into WinstonNet. Adam Carlson (Senior Systems Administrator) serves as Vice Chairman of WinstonNet's Board. WFU has donated resources, networking equipment, and used computers.
• Wake Forest Baptist Medical CentercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHealthcare and academic partner. Johannes M. Boehme, Retired Associate Vice President & CISO of Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, serves as Ex Officio Director on WinstonNet's Board. Jason Kaplan, Associate Vice President at Wake Forest School of Medicine, also serves on the Board.
• Winston-Salem State University (WSSU)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEducational institution partner. Darryl Jones, Director of Systems and Operations at WSSU, serves as Director on WinstonNet's Board.
• Winston-Salem Forsyth County Schools (WSFCS)flagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerK-12 school district partner since 1999. Kevin Sherrill, Chief Program Officer, Technology, WSFCS, serves as Secretary on WinstonNet's Board. WSFCS was connected to NCREN via the STARS Schools program grant and has received free computers and training through Wells Fargo Geek A Thon events.
• Forsyth Technical Community College (Forsyth Tech)flagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerKey implementation/training partner. Rebecca Anderson, VP IT/CIO at Forsyth Tech, serves as Treasurer on WinstonNet's Board. Forsyth Tech has donated computers and equipment and co-delivers the Technology Skills for Life & Employment and NETT training programs. Forsyth Tech also co-supports the Computer Training Bridge.
• Salem Academy and CollegecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEducational institution partner. Emy Edwards, Assistant Director of Enterprise Solutions and Associate Vice President at Salem Academy and College, serves on WinstonNet's Board.
• Digital Bridges ForsythflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerCoalition partner. WinstonNet is a core partner of Digital Bridges Forsyth; the CORE Project is an initiative of Digital Bridges Forsyth. $2M ARPA funding was secured through this coalition. Kwamina Parker, WinstonNet's Assistant Director, also serves in a Digital Bridges Forsyth role.
• Kramden InstituteflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerLong-standing co-delivery partner for Wells Fargo Geek A Thon events providing free desktop computers and training to students. Also co-sponsors the LEAD Middle School Girls STEAM Intensive (each participant receives a laptop).
• Allegacy Federal Credit UnioncoreGTM or Marketing PartnerCo-sponsor of Community Tech Day events with Senior Services and WinstonNet, including Chromebook giveaways. Listed as a WinstonNet sponsor.
• Senior Services, Inc.coreGTM or Marketing PartnerCo-sponsor of Community Tech Day events with Allegacy and WinstonNet, including Chromebook giveaways and free device support.
• Hoops4LYFEcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerCo-host of Kids Cyber Security Class on July 17, 2024 at 3931 Harwood Street; participating children received a free tablet.
• NDIA (National Digital Inclusion Alliance)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerListed as a WinstonNet sponsor; aligns WinstonNet with national digital inclusion advocacy and best-practice networks.
• Forsyth County Public LibraryflagshipImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerHosts 10 WinstonNet community technology center library branches (Carver School Road, Central, Clemmons, Paddison Memorial, Lewisville, Malloy/Jordan East Winston Heritage Center, Reynolda Manor, Rural Hall/Stanleyville, Southside, Walkertown) and co-delivers the Computer Training Bridge program.
• Habitat for Humanity (Forsyth)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHosts a WinstonNet community technology center at 1023 W. 14th Street, Winston-Salem.
• Knollwood Baptist ChurchcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHosts a WinstonNet community technology center at 330 Knollwood Street, Winston-Salem.
• Neighbors for Better NeighborhoodscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHosts a WinstonNet community technology center at 313 Indera Mills Drive, Winston-Salem.
• Praise Assembly Christian CentercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHosts a WinstonNet community technology center at 3254 Kernersville Road, Winston-Salem.
• Neighborhood's HandscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHosts a WinstonNet community technology center at 1713 North Liberty Street, Winston-Salem.
• Smiley's Sweets FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHosts a WinstonNet community technology center at 2320 Country Club Road, Winston-Salem.
• Friendship Missionary Baptist Church WScoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHosts a WinstonNet community technology center at 1317 Cherry St, Winston-Salem.

Scale indicators12 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Kramden Institute: Durham, NC-based nonprofit that refurbishes and distributes computers to students in need and runs device/training programs; already a co-delivery partner with WinstonNet (Geek A Thon, LEAD STEAM Intensive) and operates an essentially identical refurbished-device-plus-training model.
• EveryoneOn: National digital inclusion nonprofit connecting low-income Americans to affordable internet, devices, and digital literacy training — closely comparable mission and service mix, with broader national reach but a less center-heavy delivery model.
• PCs for People: National 501(c)(3) that refurbishes computers and distributes low-cost devices plus affordable internet to low-income households, with on-the-ground digital literacy training — directly overlapping WinstonNet's center-based, device-refurbishment, and training model, though at much larger geographic scale.
• Digitunity: National nonprofit focused exclusively on device access and digital equity through a network of local refurbishing partners — comparable to WinstonNet's NETT refurbishment and device-distribution function, operating as an umbrella rather than direct service provider.
• Human-I-T: Nonprofit that refurbishes devices, provides affordable home internet, and delivers digital-skills training to underserved communities — a directly comparable free-training-plus-refurbished-device model to WinstonNet's NETT and CORE programs.
• Per Scholas: National nonprofit providing tuition-free technology training and career support to unemployed and underemployed adults — directly comparable workforce-oriented training audience to WinstonNet's NETT program, though with longer-form tech-career curricula.

Broad incumbents

• National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA): National advocacy and best-practice network for digital inclusion practitioners; WinstonNet is already an NDIA sponsor, and NDIA sits one layer above organizations like WinstonNet as a sector umbrella rather than a direct service competitor.
• Connected Nation: National nonprofit working on broadband access, digital literacy, and technology adoption across states — overlaps with WinstonNet's mission and grant-funder ecosystem but operates at a much broader, policy- and data-oriented scale.

Emerging players

• Mobile Beacon: Nonprofit mobile broadband provider offering low-cost internet to schools, nonprofits, and low-income households — a partial-overlap peer in the digital-access layer that WinstonNet addresses via free Wi-Fi at its community technology centers.
• Libraries Without Borders (Bibliothèques Sans Frontières): International nonprofit deploying digital tools and connectivity in underserved community spaces including libraries — adjacent to WinstonNet's library-anchored training model, but operating at a different geographic and programmatic scale.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/WinstonNetNC

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles12 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about WinstonNet