Business Partners
Wilmington Business Development
UNCW Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship
The mission of the UNCW Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship is to be a catalyst for entrepreneurial growth in Southeastern North Carolina by linking together emerging and high-growth ventures, entrepreneurs, and relevant support organizations to create business growth, jobs, and innovation.
910.962.2237
http://uncw.edu/cie/
Small Business Center at Cape Fear Community College
Offers free classes and counseling for small businesses.
805 N. 3rd Street
www.cfcc.edu
Wilmington Downtown, Inc.
North Carolina Biotechnology Center
Provides long-term economic and societal benefits to North Carolina through support of biotechnology research, business, education, and strategic policy statewide. Headquartered in Research Triangle Park, the Center has five regional offices to spur economic development statewide, including the Southeastern Office in Wilmington, which focuses on clinical research, agricultural biotechnology, industrial biotechnology, next-generation bioenergy, and marine biotechnology.
www.ncbiotech.org
UNCW CREST Research Park
Open and collaborative research community. Public-private partnerships. Flexible lab space designed by scientists for scientists. UNCW CREST Research Park is one of the most advanced biotechnology research centers on the East Coast of the United States. Operated by the University of North Carolina Wilmington, the park offers leasable research space for established firms, entrepreneurial start-ups, government agencies and universities focusing on biotechnology, analytical and environmental sciences.
910.962.2330
www.uncw.edu
Wilmington and Beaches Convention & Visitors Bureau
Cape Fear Community College Center for Business, Industry, and Government
Offers seminars and customized industry training for individuals and businesses in New Hanover and Pender counties.
910.362.7170
www.cfcc.edu
North Carolina’s Southeast – Regional Data Book
With the help of UNC Wilmington, UNC Pembroke and Fayetteville State University, the organization prepares a regional data book to aid their mission of securing new jobs and investments for the region. This extensive demographic information on the region can be found on their website:
www.ncse.org
Division of Employment Security (DES)
Promotes and sustains the economic well being of North Carolinians in the world marketplace by providing high quality and accessible workforce-related services. The Commission provides employment services, unemployment insurance and labor market information to the State’s workers, employers and the public.
717 Market Street, Wilmington, NC 28401
910.251.5777
Jobs Line:
800.768.5627
www.ncesc.com
U.S. Small Business Administration
Created in 1953, the Small Business Administration (SBA) is the U.S. Federal Government’s primary advocate for small business. The SBA provides a variety of program lending options for small businesses during the start-up phase by assisting with working capital and improving cash flow, and for business expansion purposes as they grow. Through the SBA loan guaranty program – the SBA works closely with banks and other private lenders to provide guarantees on loans made to small business clients, helping reduce bank lending risk and provide the small business client with longer loan terms to enhance cash flow. Located in Wilmington, the local SBA office provides small business counseling and advice on the SBA lending process and information on area lending resources.
Don R. Spry, II
Senior Area Manager
don.spry@sba.gov
Small Business Technology Development Center
The SBTDC is a business development service of the University of North Carolina system, operated in partnership with the US Small Business Administration. It helps established firms, high-growth companies, and start-up businesses meet today’s challenges, manage change, and plan for the future by offering free one-on-one counseling and workshops.
1612 Military Cutoff Road, Suite 208, Wilmington, NC 28403
910.962.3744
www.sbtdc.org
Wilmington SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives)
Nonprofit association dedicated to the education, formation, growth and success of small business nationwide. SCORE offers free and confidential advise and mentoring from experienced volunteer business counselors.
4010 Oleander Drive, Wilmington, NC 28403
910.452.5395
www.wilmingtonscore.org
Port City Young Professionals
Business Link North Carolina
A free service of the NC Department of Commerce, Business Link North Carolina offers a central source for consultations, information and referrals…just the help you need to tap into all the State has to offer. BLNC counselors provide: one-on-one client consultations at no cost; customized licensing information; employer and business structure forms; referrals to State Agencies and State Occupational Licensing Boards, Local Governments & Federal Agencies; contacts for Local, State & Federal business services, programs & resources; and a Small Business Ombudsman to work on your behalf to resolve issues with State Government Agencies. Call BLNC toll-free at
1.800.228.8443 or
919.807.4280 Monday-Friday 8:00am – 5:00pm EST. A Business Counselor will discuss your needs and help you find the appropriate resources to accomplish your goals.
www.blnc.gov
Small Business/Self Employed Tax Center
SB/SE serves taxpayers who file Form 1040, Schedules C, E, F or Form 2106, as well as small businesses with assets under $10 million.
www.irs.gov/businesses/smallIRS Videos
Better Business Bureau of Coastal Carolina
Reviews of Online Tax Software for Business and Personal Taxes
Online tax software is designed to help people prepare and file their taxes online. The top software providers guide users step-by-step through the preparation and filing process. See which have been rated the best and why.
