Entrepreneurial and Small Business Support Organizations

Entrepreneurial and Small Business Support Organizations provide training and development resources, often free of charge. These resources can help small business owners find ways to improve their bottom line. Topics may include business model, customer acquisition, marketing, profitability, accounting, and other technical operating best practices. Many common questions are addressed by subject matter experts in these organizations.

EDPNC Small Business Advisors

Economic Development Partners of NC (EDPNC) Small Business Advisors is a free service for anyone seeking to start a small business in North Carolina. Working in partnership with the NC Department of Commerce, they offer one-on-one phone consultations to people interested in starting a business, small business owners in need of general support, and entrepreneurs interested in moving to North Carolina. They can answer questions and help you navigate topics like regulatory requirements, licensing stipulations, small-business training and more

Wake Tech Small Business Center

The Wake Tech Small Business Center (SBC) is a state- funded organization which is part of the Small Business Center Network of North Carolina (SBCN). The SBC provides small business owners with information they need for starting or expanding a small business through confidential, one-on-one counseling along with various seminars, workshops, classes, and access to a resource library at zero cost to the participant.

Small Business & Technology Development Center

The SBTDC is North Carolina’s leading resource for growing and developing businesses. They are a program of The University of North Carolina System, and partner with the U.S. Small Business Administration. They also offer guides on how to start and fund your business.

Business Start-Up & Resource Guide
This free downloadable publication has it all. Assess yourself to see if you have what it takes to be a business owner. Learn how to write a business plan people will read cover to cover. Find the legal structure best suited for you. Check out our list of state and federal resources, including local and state licenses/permits.

How to Fund Your Business Information
The Capital Opportunities for Small Business guide is a comprehensive financing resource describing all the funding options available to North Carolina companies and startups. This continuously updated 135-page guide also has contact information to learn more about each funding opportunity.

U.S. Small Business Administration

The U.S. Small Business Administration offers loans, counseling sessions and other programs to support entrepreneurs. The SBA’s Business Plan Tool provides you with a step-by-step guide to help you get started.

SBA helps small businesses through four programmatic functions:

Access to Capital (Business Financing)
SBA provides small businesses with an array of financing from the smallest needs in microlending - to substantial debt and equity investment capital (venture capital).
Entrepreneurial Development (Education, Information, Technical Assistance & Training)
SBA provides free individual face-to-face and internet counseling for small businesses, and low-cost training to nascent entrepreneurs and established small businesses in over 1,800 locations throughout the United States and U.S. territories.
Government Contracting (Federal Procurement)
In keeping with the mandate of Section 15(g) of the Small Business Act, SBA’s Office of Government Contracting sets goals with other federal departments and agencies to reach the statutory goal of 23 percent in prime contract dollars to small businesses. This office also provides small businesses with subcontracting procurement opportunities, outreach programs and training.
Advocacy (Voice for Small Business)
Created in 1978, the Advocacy Office reviews Congressional legislation and testifies on behalf of small businesses. It also assesses the impact of the regulatory burden on behalf of small businesses. Additionally, it conducts a vast array of research on American small businesses and the small business environment. The Chief Counsel of this office is appointed by the President of the United States.

LaunchRALEIGH

LaunchRALEIGH strives to develop successful entrepreneurs who have limited access to financial and business resources. Its network of local partners in Raleigh provides a broad network of support and resources for entrepreneurs.

Prospera NC

Prospera is an economic development, nonprofit organization specializing in providing bilingual assistance to Hispanic entrepreneurs trying to establish or expand their business. Prospera offers a variety of services especially designed for Hispanic small business owners, to empower them through training, consulting, grants, and access to capital.

Women's Business Center

The mission of the Women’s Business Center of North Carolina is to promote economic self-sufficiency for all women in North Carolina through entrepreneurship. We empower women by offering tools and support to establish businesses, stabilize their companies, generate sustainable profits, strategize for future growth and contribute to the growth and economic development of the community

SCORE

SCORE Raleigh is a group of experienced business professionals who guide those desiring to start up a new small business or assist existing small businesses in improving their profitability. SCORE volunteers are experts with experience in areas such as; accounting, finance, human resources, consulting, import/export, law, operations, production, retail, wholesale, manufacturing, sales, marketing, management, business plan preparation, strategic planning, and many other business disciplines.

NC Veterans Business Association

NC VetBiz is a North Carolina-based organization that supports veteran-owned businesses by providing access to educational opportunities. They conduct educational events across the state, covering topics from business plan writing to acquiring small business loans. Their understanding of the unique challenges faced by veteran-owned businesses makes them a valuable resource.