Wilson Lester

Co-Founder of Partners in Equity, a national investment fund focused on supporting owner-occupied commercial real estate for BIPOC businesses owners. 

Wilson is accomplished leader in community finance and economic development whose efforts continue to forge access to capital and resources for BIPOC entrepreneurs. He built Piedmont Business Capital, a N.C.-based CDFI, or revolving small-business loan fund, that has delivered millions in impact capital to Black businesses across N.C. He is also a Co-Founder of the ACCESS Center for Equity and Success, which supports minority business enterprises with securing public and private contract opportunities.  Wilson believes active philanthropy builds communities; therefore, he serves as Treasurer and on the Investment Committee for Cone Health Foundation, as a Board Member of the Triad Advisory Council for Truist Bank, and a Trustee of Greensboro College, and various boards that support health and economic development, and previously his work with the African American Alliance of CDFI CEOs Advocacy Committee which helps shape policy that directly scales Black businesses.