Small Business Resources
North Wilkesboro has seen much success thanks to the strong entrepreneurial spirit of its citizens and growth of its small businesses. Here are just a few resources for small business start-ups and small business growth.
Funding
Finding funding for your small business is always a tough task.
- Fueling Your Business in North Carolina (PDF)
- Capital Opportunities for Small Businesses (PDF)
- Industry Analysis Guide (PDF)
- Intellectual Property Guide (PDF)
Town of North Wilkesboro Business Loan
The Town offers a low interest loan to businesses located with the city limits. Loan amounts between $5K-$15K are to be repaid over a five year period. Please see Business Loan Pre-Application and Business Loan Full Application for additional information, or contact us at 336-667-7129. Spanish Version Pre-App. Loan Guidelines Spanish
Carolina Small Business Development Fund
Carolina Small Business Development Fund provides the tools and guidance that allow entrepreneurs to achieve their dreams. They offer Business Coaching, Disaster recovery and relief, Veteran entrepreneurship, Women’s business centers, Latino entrepreneurship and Training opportunities.
Business Link North Carolina
In addition, Business Link North Carolina (BLNC) offers small businesses and start-up businesses consultations, information and referrals: just the help you need to tap into all the State has to offer. Please call BLNC at 800-228-8443 or 919-807-4280 Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST. Then a Business Counselor will discuss your needs and help you find the appropriate resources to accomplish your goals.
Downtown North Wilkesboro Partnership Façade Grant
If your business is within the Historic Downtown (CBD Zoning) or if you are interested in opening a business within the Historic Downtown then you may want to apply for the Downtown North Wilkesboro Partnership Façade Grant, which allows up to a $4,000 matching grant. Visit Downtown North Wilkesboro for guidelines and an application.
Small Business Administration
Created in 1953, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) continues to help small business owners and entrepreneurs pursue the American dream. The SBA is the only cabinet-level federal agency fully dedicated to small business and provides counseling, capital, and contracting expertise as the nation’s only go-to resource and voice for small businesses.
Wilkes Economic Development Corp Entrepreneurial Grant
This program provides funds to Existing Businesses for Expansion, and those who plan on Starting a Business in Wilkes County. Visit here for more.
Navigating Business Services in North Carolina
A great resource for understanding the business services that the State of North Carolina offers is the Navigating Business Services in North Carolina booklet, which discusses every aspect of business creation and growth.
Learn more about Navigating Business Services in North Carolina (PDF).
Business Plans
A business plan is an essential element of your business development. Developing a business plan will help you be more aware of the market, your product or service, your competition, and yourself. For small businesses start-ups, please refer to the Business Plan Guide for a Start-Up Business, while existing businesses can refer to the Business Plan Guide for an Established Business.
- Business Plan Guide for a Start-Up Business (PDF)
- Business Plan Guide for an Established Business (PDF)
Small Business Center
The Small Business Center Network (SBC), comprised of 58 Small Business Centers throughout North Carolina, supports the development of new businesses and the growth of existing businesses by being a community-based provider of training, counseling, and resource information. Services provided by the Small Business Center Network can be customized to suit your specific business needs. Local contact for the SBC is Laurie Brintle-Jarvis, MA Director of Small Business Center at Wilkes Community College, Phone: 336-838-6166 lsbrintle336@wilkescc.edu .
North Carolina Division of Employment Security
Division of Employment Security helps people understand and apply for unemployment benefits and helps employers fulfill their responsibilities related to unemployment.