NCGrowth is launching a free, seven‑month cohort program designed to help businesses in Western North Carolina recover, rebuild, and scale to meet post‑disaster demand. This program provides participants with practical tools, expert guidance, and meaningful connections to support long‑term growth.
We encourage partners, organizations, and community leaders to help us spread the word and identify strong candidates to apply.
This complimentary event is designed to deliver meaningful impact, practical resources, and high‑value insights for the small business community. We would love your help in sharing it broadly across your networks, including:
This drop-in style event explores how NCGrowth is building an economy with opportunities for all to prosper by building resilience of small businesses and communities. The event will feature a panel discussion and informal networking tables highlighting the community-based work of NCGrowth and the Kenan Institute for Private Enterprise.
Public institutions spend more than $1.3 trillion annually—a powerful lever for advancing equity and driving local economic growth. This webinar explores strategies from NCGrowth’s "Guide for Building Inclusive Economic Opportunity Through Strategic Purchasing," offering actionable insights for expanding supplier diversity and engaging historically underutilized businesses. Join NCGrowth for a conversation on how anchor institutions can use procurement to strengthen communities, foster innovation, and create sustainable economic opportunity. Panelists: Deborah Diamond, Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia Swati Ghosh, New Growth Innovation Network (NGIN) Dell Gines, International Economic Development Council (IEDC) Alyse (Alvord) Polly (moderator), UC Berkeley & NCGrowth Mark Gabriel Little (host), NCGrowth The webinar will also include a presentation of NCGrowth's guide and NGIN's "Inclusive Procurement Advocacy Brief." Presenters: Alyse (Alvord) Polly Cody Taylor, Appalachian State University & NCGrowth Jacqueline R., NGIN
Whether you’re a small business owner or part of a local organization, this session will provide actionable guidance and resources to support your growth. Register Here to secure your place!
Small business owners across Western North Carolina are invited to join us for a full-day, interactive workshop series designed to help you successfully navigate government and institutional contracting opportunities. Whether you’re new to procurement or looking to strengthen your bidding strategies, these workshops will give you the tools, strategies, and connections you need to grow.
The nation is on the brink of the largest intergenerational wealth transfer in history. With an estimated $84 trillion set to flow from baby boomers to younger generations the economic stakes have never been higher. Dubbed the Silver Tsunami, this demographic shift presents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to shape the future of small businesses, local economies, and community wealth.
Do you have legal questions about your small business? We're here to help.
NCGrowth, UNC School of Law, and our law firm partners are proud to host a free Small Business Law Clinic this fall in Western North Carolina. This event is designed to support entrepreneurs and small business owners who are looking for trusted guidance to navigate the legal aspects of running and growing a business.
NCGrowth invites you to join us in Maysville for our Annual Fall Showcase & Lunch — a gathering that shines a spotlight on the progress and partnerships driving inclusive economic growth across the Carolinas.
Our showcases provide a platform to share the exciting work happening in collaboration with small businesses, local and tribal governments, and anchor institutions. You’ll hear about recent projects, learn about upcoming initiatives, and see firsthand how these partnerships are helping communities build stronger, more resilient economies.
Join NCGrowth and U.S. Bank for an informative webinar focused on succession planning strategies for small business owners and community leaders. This kickoff session will provide practical tools and expert insights on preparing for leadership transitions that support long-term business sustainability and local economic resilience.
NCGrowth is proud to host the Contract Ready Cohort: Institutional Vendor Certification Program, a specialized workshop series designed to support small and minority-owned businesses in becoming vendor-ready for institutional contracts.
Over the course of six in-depth sessions, participants gain essential knowledge and tools to navigate the certification process, understand institutional procurement, and position their businesses for growth through contract readiness.
Dennis Wicker Civic Center | Sanford, NC
Workshop Dates: May 21, June 18, July 16, August 20, September 17, October 15
Time: 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Please Note:
This cohort is currently closed and no longer accepting new registrants.
Stay tuned for future Contract Ready cohort opportunities! Email for more information.
Dive into innovative solutions for justice-involved individuals as Dr. Darlene Deberry examines the opioid crisis and the transformative potential of entrepreneurship. Don't miss this keynote session as a part of the Conference on Market-Based Solutions for Reducing Wealth Inequality on April 10-11 in Chapel Hill. Register today here: https://lnkd.in/e5JPQDEV
Small business owners, interested in becoming a vendor to large institutions in Central North Carolina? If yes, join us April 8-10, 5:30PM-7:30PM at the Dennis Wicker Civic Center in Sanford, NC to learn the process for becoming a vendor and connect directly with purchasers like Central Carolina Community College, Lee County, TriRiver Water and others.
Register: https://go.unc.edu/CNCPS
This drop-in style event will showcase the work of NCGrowth and the Kenan Institute for Private Enterprise, partners of the UNC Kenan-Flager Business School. Stations will be set up spotlighting client projects with small businesses and communities, new economic research initiatives, and student involvement. Tribally-led tourism development, outdoor recreation economies, Hurricane Helene recovery, and small manufacturers innovating in rural North Carolina – these are a few topics you can expect to dive into!
Lunch will be available for the first 100 attendees. The event is part of Carolina Engagement Week.
REGISTER HERE: https://uncch.givepulse.com/event/544411
This is event is generously sponsored by Partner Community Capital, a CDFI that supports businesses and non-profits located in underserved communities across Central Appalachia and the Southeast. Learn more at https://partnercap.org/.