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News & Media

Mapping Indigenous Food Systems as Economic Development

Sep 2, 2026 • News & Media • 2 min read

The Native American Traditional Indigenous Food Systems (NATIFS) is a Minneapolis-based organization that helps tribal communities develop the infrastructure necessary to implement and support a range of Indigenous food production. Today, only 3% of food markets and 1% of restaurants in the United States are owned and operated by Indigenous peoples. Food insecurity, a reliance on non-traditional foods, and under-representation in food systems have contributed to disproportionately high rates of diabetes, obesity, and early death amongst Indigenous peoples. NCGrowth has completed an Indigenous Food Systems Report to help NATIFS establish an Indigenous food lab in North Carolina.
A woman with curly gray hair wearing glasses and a floral print shirt holds a flyer with a QR code and a microphone, speaking to an audience. A man in a suit and tie is seated to her right. A poster with "FEB 24 2026" and "MOVING FORWARD TOGETHER" is in the background.

Moving Forward Together: Building Resilience of Small Businesses and Communities

Apr 20, 2026 • News & Media

On February 24 we hosted our annual Carolina Engagement Week Showcase event, gathering partners, clients, students and community and business leaders to connect and reflect on building the resilience of small businesses and communities.  We are honored to do this work alongside businesses and organizations across the Carolinas, and beyond, several of whom shared their stories about what this support means to them.
2025 Annual Report cover featuring multiple inset images and large text.

NCGrowth 2025 Annual Report

Apr 20, 2026 • News & Media • 1 min read

NCGrowth’s 2025 Annual Report captures 13 years of bold, place-based work to build an economy where opportunity is not limited by geography, race, or income. From advancing inclusive procurement and rethinking economic distress metrics to supporting small businesses, Tribal nations, and rural communities across 25 states, the report highlights how actionable research, hands-on technical assistance, and cross-sector partnerships translate into real impact—new jobs, stronger local economies, and shared prosperity. Explore the stories, data, and outcomes that show what’s possible when economic development is rooted in equity and driven by community.  
Aerial view of a brick building complex with a parking lot in the foreground, and a town with mountains in the background under a blue sky with white clouds.

NCGrowth Partners with Eastern Eight CDC to Address Small Business Capital Gaps in Eastern Tennessee 

Apr 15, 2026 • News & Media

NCGrowth is now working on the ground in Tennessee, helping Eastern Eight CDC with the development of a new Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI).    Eastern Eight is seeking to provide commercial lending services to small businesses and improve regional economic development efforts in eight counties in northeastern Tennessee.  However, to be successful, Eastern Eight needs a broader and deeper understanding of local capital access challenges–that’s where NCGrowth comes in!
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Creating Pathways to Legacy: A Vision for Small Business Resiliency, Longevity, and Impact 

Apr 15, 2026 • News & Media

On March 18, 2026, NCGrowth and U.S. Bank’s Business Access and Wealth Management team convened their third collaborative summit in Charlotte, North Carolina. Titled “Creating Pathways to Legacy,” this installment focused on defining what it means to build a resilient, enduring small business in today’s evolving economic landscape. More than 130 guests gathered to engage in substantive dialogue around three pillars: operational resilience, capital readiness, and legacy and succession preparedness. Since 2024, U.S. Bank/NCGrowth’s ongoing collaboration has consistently centered on the urgency of succession planning and sustainable business development. A driving force behind this work is the “Silver Tsunami” — the anticipated wave of Baby Boomer retirements that threatens to erode payrolls, displace jobs, and diminish community wealth if businesses are not thoughtfully transitioned to the next generation of owners. A Collective Approach to Economic Vitality The summit placed collective planning at the center of its agenda, drawing together a diverse group of ecosystem partners and thought leaders to offer both strategic context and actionable resources. Dr. Cody Morris, Ph.D., of the Kenan Institute of Private Enterprise opened with an economic overview, providing important context and market outlook for small and medium-sized enterprises navigating today’s environment. Representatives from Mecklenburg County’s Office of Economic Development and the City of Charlotte offered insights into the region’s growing economy, highlighting the significant transportation and infrastructure opportunities embedded in the Charlotte Future 2040 Plan. Charlotte’s broader ecosystem was well represented, with contributions from Next Street, BEFCOR, Prospera, and the Charlotte Women’s Business Center. These partners shared practical guidance on how business owners can remain actively engaged with their communities as they grow and detailed the range of resources available — including small business lending, technical assistance, and advisory support. Voices from the Field: Business Owners and Practitioners The summit provided a valuable forum for business owners themselves to share their experiences. Representing industries spanning healthcare, technology, and finance, these entrepreneurs offered candid perspectives that grounded the day’s broader themes in lived reality. Among the most compelling presentations was a conversation with Michael and Jason Stier of Focus CFO, a father-and-son team who shared an honest account of the challenges and rewards of transitioning a business from one generation to the next. Their story illustrated both the complexity and the possibility inherent in thoughtful succession planning. U.S. Bank concluded the event by presenting its full suite of wraparound services; spanning wealth management, lending, retirement planning, and relationship banking — demonstrating the breadth of support available to business owners at every stage of their journey. Key Takeaways The summit affirmed a central truth: building regional economic vitality is a shared responsibility. Attendees left with firsthand knowledge of Charlotte’s local economy and a clearer picture of the resources available to support business expansion and successful exits. Perhaps most powerfully, the day reinforced that sunsetting a career does not have to mean sunsetting a business. With access to knowledge, capital, and a supportive community, business owners can chart transitions that create lasting value; for themselves, for their employees, and for the Charlotte region at large. A collaborative initiative of NCGrowth and U.S. Bank Business Access & Wealth Management

NCGrowth Hosts National Webinar on Purposeful Purchasing with IEDC and NGIN

Jan 5, 2026 • News & Media • 2 min read

Alyse Polly, formerly of NCGrowth and now at UC Berkeley, moderated a conversation with Deborah Diamond of the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia, Swati Ghosh of the New Growth Innovation Network, and Dell Gines of the International Economic Development Council on how anchor institutions can turn everyday spending into engines of inclusive growth. Diamond outlined how universities and hospitals shape local prosperity through employment, procurement, and construction, and described tools that quantify both direct impacts and ripple effects across jobs, income, and GDP. Ghosh emphasized inclusive procurement as a practical pathway for small and diverse businesses to build wealth—especially in smaller cities where a handful of large buyers dominate demand—while Gines framed anchors as catalysts in a broader, modern approach to economic development that centers communities, small firms, and shared prosperity.

Client Feature: All Hearts Transportation Services – Strengthening Rural Mobility

Jan 5, 2026 • News & Media • 4 min read

In the rural communities of eastern North Carolina, access to reliable transportation can be the difference between receiving essential care and going without. All Hearts Transportation Services LLC, founded by the dedicated and mission-driven Shielda Forrest, is working to close that gap. Based in Williamston, All Hearts provides safe, dependable transportation for elderly adults, people with disabilities, and children who require accessible transit options—particularly in counties where transportation resources are scarce.

Reimagining Workforce Training in Rural South Carolina

Jan 5, 2026 • News & Media

In the quiet, tight-knit town of Hampton, South Carolina, one family-owned business is making an outsized impact on both local homes and local careers. Freedom Air Heating and Air Conditioning, a trusted service provider in Hampton and Bluffton, has long been known for its commitment to keeping residents comfortable. But the company’s vision reaches far beyond HVAC systems—it’s also dedicated to empowering people.

Border Belt Independent Features Insights from Carolyn Fryberger 

Nov 18, 2025 • News & Media

NCGrowth’s Associate Director of Economic Development, Carolyn Fryberger, was featured in a recent Border Belt Independent article highlighting both the opportunities and challenges in revitalizing downtown Lumberton. Carolyn emphasized the importance of fostering vibrant, walkable downtown areas and the role they play in attracting residents, visitors, and businesses. Her insights underscored how thoughtful planning and investment can drive long-term economic growth and community vitality. 

Empowering Growth: Entrepreneurs and Leaders Gather for NCGrowth’s Fall Showcase

Nov 17, 2025 • News & Media • 1 min read

The NCGrowth Fall Showcase hosted in Maysville, NC brought together 40+ community partners, entrepreneurs, and local leaders to celebrate innovative projects advancing inclusive economic development across Southeastern North Carolina. We heard insightful presentations from NCGrowth clients which included: the Town of Maysville (Schumata Brown), the Enfield Alliance Coalition (Larry Perkins), Freedom Org (Kendrick Ransome and Aerhealle Chace), Queen of All Things (Lonyae McClune), and the Lumbee Tribe’s Ag NRD Foodways Initiative (Pat Dial). We were also joined by Thom Ruhe, CEO of NCIDEA, the primary event sponsor.
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Beyond the Hype: Turning AI from Buzzword to Business Tool

Nov 10, 2025 • News & Media

Arthur C. Clarke’s famous quote that “any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic” captures the current zeitgeist of Artificial Intelligence. A rapid proliferation of tools, combined with an outsized mystique, makes AI for business tempting and intimidating. The conflicting narratives about AI can be overwhelming and deter adoption. This hesitation is understandable. It is often rooted in deeply held values about hard work, which can lead to overvaluing effort and undervaluing results. People may resist powerful new tools if they seem too easy, almost like cheating. But working smarter is a reasonable approach for business owners who have more needs than time to meet them. The best tools available can help an entrepreneur address pressing challenges and meet their goals. Businesses can do this by leveraging the knowledge they already have, without the need to become experts in AI. A two-question framework can offer a strategic, low-risk entry point to AI technology. “If I had a magic wand, what one problem would I solve for my business?” The magic wand question helps define future success and set aside perceived constraints like budget or time. Focusing on outcome rather than process grounds the strategy in true business needs. “Is this an area where I am already an expert?” This question is the essential guardrail for any AI tool. Businesses know their own situations best. Applying AI to a problem that an entrepreneur already knows deeply, like a contractor testing a scheduling tool, keeps them in the driver’s seat. Their own expertise allows business owners to evaluate whether the AI results are high-quality, unhelpful, or simply AI “slop.” This process creates a safe sandbox to begin AI experimentation. Ultimately, this two-question strategy provides a focused starting point, empowering the entrepreneur to use their informed judgment as a guide for safe and successful results.

Succession Planning: A Critical Step Toward Sustainable Family Enterprise 

Jul 21, 2025 • News & Media

Succession planning is often one of the last things business owners prioritize—but the case can be made for putting it first. Unfortunately, many only begin thinking about it when it’s too late. With this in mind, we pose the question: How well does your family communicate about succession and leadership transition?  Entrepreneurship, while inherently risky, offers the promise of financial security not only for the current generation but for those to come. It can pave the way for multigenerational wealth and open the door to increased capital investment and long-term ownership. However, when family enterprises fail to communicate a clear path for leadership transition, they risk losing the very wealth and stability they worked so hard to build—not just for their families, but for their communities as well. In the coming years, a large wave of Baby Boomers is expected to retire, creating a significant shift in business ownership often referred to as the “Silver Tsunami.” This term describes the anticipated transfer or sale of businesses owned by individuals aged 55 and older—these businesses represent an estimated $1.3 trillion in payroll receipts. Yet, according to a 2023 study by Project Equity, 60% of these business owners do not have an exit plan in place. This reality places succession planning at the heart of economic development. By initiating conversations early and often and conducting research and outreach that emphasizes the importance succession planning,  we aim to help families preserve the legacy of enterprise-ownership for generations to come.

Building Local Power: Highlights from the SC Rural Small Business Workshop  

Jul 21, 2025 • News & Media

Mid-June, NCGrowth hosted a powerful and purpose-driven workshop in Walterboro, South Carolina, designed specifically for small rural businesses in the Lowcountry.  Local entrepreneurs often share a common challenge: limited access to the tools, guidance, and connections they need to grow and sustain their businesses. This workshop aimed to bridge that gap.  Our summer workshop brought together a dynamic lineup of business experts, resource partners, and business support organizations for a full day of learning and networking. A key highlight was the resource fair, which gave rural business owners the opportunity to meet directly with the people and programs that can help take their business to the next level.  In addition to connecting entrepreneurs with expert support, we also opened the door for local small businesses to serve as vendors at the event. This not only gave them visibility in front of peers and resource partners, but also created an opportunity to generate sales, promote their brand, and practice engaging with a larger customer base within a supportive environment.  Of the over 80 participants, there were about 50 small business owners and 12 community resource partners representing a broad cross-section of local small rural business ecosystem partners.  From learning about using social media to build brand awareness to learning about innovative technology in farming and agriculture, to learning about legacy planning and heirs property, this event created space for meaningful connections and actionable next steps.  We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to our panelists, presenters, vendors, and resource partners who made this event possible. Your time, insight, and dedication are helping to reshape the business landscape in rural South Carolina. We cannot wait to see you next summer!  

NCGrowth Analyst Cody Taylor Honored with Prestigious Leadership Award

Apr 15, 2025 • News & Media

Congratulations, Cody Taylor! Recipient of the Thomas A. & Yolanda K. Stith Leadership Award We’re thrilled to celebrate Cody Taylor, an outstanding NCGrowth analyst since 2022, for receiving the Thomas A. & Yolanda K. Stith Leadership Award. Cody’s dedication to equity, service, and scholarship has set a powerful example for all of us. From leading research on supplier inclusion for the UNC System Board of Governors to helping craft a strategic plan that promotes the utilization of historically underutilized businesses, Cody’s work is rooted in inclusive economic development. His efforts have made a meaningful impact not just within our organization, but across communities in North Carolina and beyond. While pursuing a PhD in Public Administration at NC State and serving as a Naval Officer in the U.S. Navy Reserves, Cody has continued to support economic recovery in Western NC post-Hurricane Helene—helping local businesses find stability and opportunity amid challenges. It’s been a privilege to witness Cody’s growth and leadership. His moral compass, resilience, and pursuit of excellence embody the very spirit of the Stith Award. About the Award The Thomas A. Stith III and Yolanda Kaye Stith Award for Leadership is awarded each spring to a graduating graduate student who exemplifies moral integrity, scholarly excellence, and exceptional leadership. Named after the founder of NCGrowth and his wife—leaders in both economic development and public service—the award honors those committed to service, entrepreneurship, and community impact. #FutureLeader #PublicAdministration #NCGrowth #CommunityImpact

NCGrowth: RES 2025 in Las Vegas, NV

Mar 30, 2025 • News & Media • 3 min read

RES is recognized as the premier conference for Native American business and economic development. The summit also provided a unique opportunity for NCGrowth to come together with The National Center to strengthen partnerships and continue building momentum around our joint tribal tourism initiatives. Through the cooperative agreement announced in July 2024 between NCGrowth, The National Center, and the Office of Indian Economic Development (OIED), the Native Edge Tourism Technical Assistance Center (NETTAC) was launched to enhance tourism opportunities in Native communities. Attending RES allowed us to connect in person, share insights, and discuss the next steps for advancing tribal tourism efforts across the nation.

Post-Helene Economic Recovery and Resiliency Planning in Western NC

Jan 9, 2025 • News & Media

NCGrowth is supporting long term economic recovery and resiliency in communities impacted by Hurricane Helene by providing consulting and technical assistance to businesses, local governments and other community organizations.  As a member of several key recovery planning groups at the regional and state level, our team is leveraging our network to support needs in the region as they arise.  NCGrowth Program Manager Stacy J Guffey is based in Macon County and has been active in leading response and recovery efforts since the storm hit including receiving and distributing supplies, search and rescue efforts, and resiliency planning and consulting on small business and economic recovery.  

Learn about the Helene recovery efforts of a past NCGrowth client, Devil’s Foot Brewing

SC Small Biz Workshop: Empowering Rural Entrepreneurs 

Oct 15, 2024 • News & Media • 3 min read

On Saturday, July 27, NCGrowth hosted its annual Small Rural Business Workshop in Walterboro, SC. This year’s event brought together a diverse group of entrepreneurs, community leaders, and industry experts from across the Lowcountry, all committed to the growth and sustainability of rural small businesses. With an attendance of over 100, the event provided invaluable insights on a variety of crucial topics facing today’s rural business owners.