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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
The purpose of our showcase events is to highlight recent NCGrowth projects and upcoming work with businesses, local and tribal governments, and anchor institutions across the Carolinas. Clients are invited to share their experiences and the impact our work has had on their community, business, or organization.
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.