On July 29, Rural Beacon Initiative (RBI) hosted a Justice40 Virtual Showcase, convening both community-based organizations and capital partners to highlight locally rooted climate and environmental justice projects across North Carolina.

The event featured four presentations from Justice40 Hub members. Each organization shared its current work, implementation plans, and funding needs.

Following the presentations, participants moved into breakout rooms where Hub members received feedback from peers and capital partners. The discussions focused on project positioning, implementation clarity, funding pathways, and partnership development.

When the group reconvened, several presenters reflected on the value of the one-on-one engagement and technical assistance provided through the Justice40 Hub. Comments emphasized the usefulness of structured feedback and the opportunity to refine how projects are described to funders and partners

The showcase demonstrated RBI’s role in coordinating coaching, storytelling support, and technical assistance for participating organizations. The Justice40 Hub model connects community-based leaders with capital providers and sector peers while supporting project readiness and strategic communications.

Project Presentations

• CleanAIRE NC — The Phoenix Institute
  Presented by Jeffery Robbins, Executive Director J40 Virtual Showcase (Presentat…
  CleanAIRE NC introduced The Phoenix Institute, a proposed Resilience Hub model designed to serve communities experiencing overlapping environmental and public health burdens. The project focuses on preparedness infrastructure, community education, and localized resilience strategies intended to reduce vulnerability to climate-related and environmental risks.
• Coco Eco Initiative — Climate & Food Justice Green Micro-Enterprise Incubator Hubs
  Presented by Eboné Lockett, Systems Innovator & Climate Education Specialist
  Coco Eco Initiative outlined plans to transform vacant land into climate and food justice incubator hubs. The model integrates green micro-enterprise development, workforce pathways, and community-based economic participation, with a long-term vision that includes establishing a Black women-led CDFI to support local investment.
• Partners for Environmental Justice — Walnut Creek Watershed Stewardship Program
  Presented by George Jones (Executive Director), Sophia Trentacosta (Executive Assistant), and Sarah Brim (Community Watershed Ambassador)
  Partners for Environmental Justice shared updates on its watershed stewardship work, including environmental restoration, community education, and long-standing environmental justice advocacy in the Walnut Creek area. The presentation emphasized sustained neighborhood engagement and place-based stewardship.
• North Carolina Sustainable Business Council — Future-Proofing Rural Economies: Investing in Disaster Resilience for Small and Emerging Businesses
  Presented by Vicki Lee Parker-High (Executive Director) and Rohan Tapia (Senior Associate)
  NCSBC introduced its Disaster Recovery Readiness Index (DRRI), a framework designed to help small and emerging businesses in rural communities assess risk, strengthen preparedness, and improve continuity planning in the face of climate-related disruptions.