NCGrowth
Kenan Institute of Private Enterprise

Black Economic Development

Black Economic Development

Peculiar Pig Farm sign

Rooted in Heritage, Ready to Grow: Peculiar Pig Farm Maps Expansion

Oct 1, 2026 • News & Media • 2 min read

Peculiar Pig Farm has built a loyal following by staying true to its roots. The fifth-generation, family-owned farm in Dorchester, South Carolina, led by Marvin Ross, is known for heritage hogs, pasture-raised beef and regenerative, pasture-based practices that connect customers more closely to where their food comes from. Through direct-to-consumer sales, restaurant partnerships across the Southeast and its farm-to-table catering division, Peculiar Pig Eats, the farm has grown into a regional favorite.
Community leaders discussing a project

What’s at Stake for Minority-Owned Businesses in North Carolina

Oct 1, 2026 • News & Media • 2 min read

North Carolina’s small business landscape changed dramatically this summer when the state’s 2026 Appropriations Act eliminated the Office of Historically Underutilized Businesses, or HUB office, ending a long-running source of training, consultation and procurement support for businesses owned by women, minorities and service-disabled veterans. For many entrepreneurs, the change came with little warning. In an interview with The Charlotte Post, Nicole Outlaw, NCGrowth's Assistant Director of Engagement said the closure “certainly came as a surprise” and raised significant concerns for the businesses that had been working to position themselves for government contracts through HUB certification.
Winston-Salem State University entrance sign made of brick with large black lettering.

Beyond Enrollment: The Economic Footprint of Winston-Salem State University

Oct 1, 2026 • News & Media • 2 min read

For more than 130 years, Winston-Salem State University has been a force for education, leadership and opportunity in North Carolina. Founded in 1892 as Slater Industrial Academy, WSSU today serves approximately 4,972 students across 39 bachelor’s degree programs, seven master’s programs and two professional doctorate programs. As a leading historically Black college and university within the University of North Carolina System, WSSU’s academic strengths in nursing, health sciences, education, business, the arts and sciences continue to shape both student success and regional vitality.
Accelerating Healthcare Training Company in South Carolina

Accelerating Healthcare Training Company in South Carolina

Dec 12, 2023 • News & Media • 1 min read

Located in Walterboro, SC, the ​​LaTrice D. Ferguson School of Nursing Assistants (LDF CNA) has been training nursing assistants since 2016. Currently, the company's marketing is through simple social media posting and word-of-mouth; however, this is a barrier to future growth. LDF CNA engaged NCGrowth to help them develop a formal marketing campaign to reach more potential students with an interest in healthcare careers.​ The detailed marketing plan included market segmentation and a competitive analysis of the career opportunity.
Helping a Medical Spa Attract New Investors

Helping a Medical Spa Attract New Investors

Oct 4, 2023 • News & Media • 1 min read

Founded in 2021 and headquartered in Winston-Salem, Bella Sol Medical Spa focuses on fostering self-care by delivering top-notch, customized, medical-grade services tailored to enhance the well-being and vitality of its clientele. In an effort to attract investments and boost revenue, Bella Sol Medical Spa requested support from NCGrowth on a comprehensive business plan. This plan identifies Bella Sol's strengths and competitive advantages, and provides an overview of the market landscape, including an analysis of top competitors. UNC Kenan-Flagler MBA candidate Yiwen Lin, an NCGrowth analyst, collaborated with Bella Sol owner Jalissa Grier on this project, with additional input from a professional wealth analyst who acted as an external reviewer.
Expanding the Market for a Local Greenville Media Company

Expanding the Market for a Local Greenville Media Company

Oct 4, 2023 • News & Media • 2 min read

ENC96RADIO, Greenville's emerging community radio platform, stands at a crucial juncture. While its grassroots appeal and community-centric vision hold immense potential, the internet radio station grapples with two significant challenges. Firstly, its self-funded model poses constraints on growth initiatives, content quality, and technological advancements, making sustainability an uphill battle. Secondly, differentiation in an industry crowded with giants like Sirius XM Radio Inc. and iHeartMedia, Inc., as well as other local competitors, is imperative. The station's task is not merely to exist as a community radio, but to craft a unique value proposition that resonates deeply with Greenville's residents, ensuring loyalty and regular engagement, all while transitioning from a self-financed passion project to a financially sustainable community cornerstone.
From Abandoned Rural School to Community Hub

From Abandoned Rural School to Community Hub

Oct 4, 2023 • News & Media • 2 min read

The town of Garysburg, located in Northampton County, NC, aims to revitalize its old elementary school by transforming it into a mixed-socioeconomic development hub. This project seeks to provide employment opportunities, educational resources, and foster social and economic growth for the community. NCGrowth analyzed diverse revenue streams and effective cost-management strategies to ensure long-term value for the town. NCGrowth analyst and UNC Kenan-Flagler MBA candidate, Rex Chauhan, developed a robust financial model that projected revenue streams, analyzed costs, and estimated returns on investment. NCGrowth also identified key personnel roles, and qualifications, and provided job descriptions.