Goler CDC was incorporated in 1998 as the nonprofit development arm of Goler Memorial AME Zion Church in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. The mission of the organization is to improve the quality of life of low resource by developing empowerment programs by promoting employment and entrepreneurial opportunities. Goler CDC has also worked closely with the City of Winston-Salem to develop affordable housing and programs to address food deserts in impoverished neighborhoods.

Goler CDC is opening a restaurant called "Zestos" in the eastern part of Winston-Salem which is a predominately African-American community. The area has been designated a food desert with very few eating options for the residents. The organization was able to acquire a former Church's Chicken and renovate the 2000 square foot building which had become an eyesore in the community. Goler was able to leverage $360,000 from the City of Winston to help pay for equipment and provide operating capital. We have currently hired 32 individuals from the community and they are being trained for an anticipated mid-May 2018 opening.

Source of money: HFFI CED Program; Fiscal year(s): 2015