Small Business

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.

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.

Practical AI, Real Results: Bringing AI to Rural Business

Oct 1, 2026 • News & Media • 3 min read

For many small and rural businesses, keeping up with emerging technology can feel less like an opportunity and more like a challenge. While larger organizations often have access to dedicated training, tools, and technical support, smaller firms are frequently asked to adapt with far fewer resources. This summer, NCGrowth worked to help close that gap through the AI for Small and Rural Businesses Cohort — a practical, accessible learning experience designed for nontechnical business owners exploring how artificial intelligence can support day-to-day operations and long-term growth.

From Training to Transformation: Field Ready’s Next Chapter

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

Field Ready Training Academy is doing more than teaching skilled trades. Based in Hampton, South Carolina, the organization is building a broader platform for workforce development, entrepreneurship and storytelling in the trades — one designed to open doors for future workers while honoring the value and history of hands-on careers.

EXTRA, EXTRA…WESTERN NC NEWS

Oct 1, 2026 • News & Media • 4 min read

Some of the most promising projects in Western North Carolina begin with a simple conversation: a business owner, community leader, or local partner saying, “We’ve got an idea, but we’re not quite sure how to make it happen.” That is often where NCGrowth’s work begins. This quarter, NCGrowth is partnering with businesses and communities across the region on projects that support small-business growth, strengthen local planning, and help communities move ideas toward implementation. From financial strategy and wholesale expansion to downtown reuse planning and retail market analysis, the work reflects a common goal: helping Western North Carolina build stronger local economies with solutions shaped by local needs. NCGrowth is also working with a cohort of regional businesses preparing for post-Helene opportunities, with a focus on recovery, resilience, and long-term growth.