CNBC ranks the states across the country each year, based on a number of factors related to business operations and the attractiveness of the state to new business.
The organization explains that they “scored all 50 states on 135 metrics in 10 broad categories of competitiveness.”
They add that fundamentals of the study identify “the factors companies consider year after when making site selection decisions, and that states pitch in their efforts to woo business.” New metrics for the 2025 study included “metrics to gauge the states’ risks from a trade war and a shrinking federal budget.”
CNBC emphasizes that they “ use data from a variety of sources to measure the states’ performance.”
North Carolina Governor Josh Stein’s office issued the following release in response to CNBC’ s announcement:
"This confirms what we have known for a long time – that North Carolina is the best state in the country for business,” said Governor Josh Stein. “Our people, state’s business climate, top research universities and excellent community college system, infrastructure, and high
quality of life help both companies and workers thrive. I want to thank leaders like former Governor Roy Cooper and state legislators of both parties who have helped North Carolina create a welcoming climate. I am proud of the progress our state has made, and we are just getting started.” “This recognition reflects our relentless commitment to building a competitive, welcoming, and dynamic economy that creates opportunity for everyone,” said N.C. Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley. “From our world-class workforce to our strategic investments in infrastructure, education, and innovation, North Carolina continues to lead the way as a place where businesses thrive, and communities prosper. We share this success with all of our partners across the public and private sectors and look forward to building on this momentum."
“North Carolina’s recognition as the best state for business for the third year in the last four is a testament to an economic development strategy that relies on the power of partnerships,” said Christopher Chung, CEO of the EDPNC. "Our strength lies in our ability to connect companies with the workforce,
infrastructure, sites, industry ecosystems, and innovation resources needed to support their growth, as well as a business-friendly environment that’s especially valuable in times of economic uncertainty. From one of the nation’s top community college systems and the nation’s oldest public university to our modern transportation networks and robust utility capacity, North Carolina is built for growth.”
The CNBC study measures states across 10 categories of competitiveness. Weights are assigned to each category based on how frequently states cite it as a selling point. States can earn a maximum of 2,500 points, and North Carolina scored 1,614 to take the top spot. North Carolina has been the stop state for business for three out of the last four years, and the state’s biggest strengths this year are Economy, Workforce, and Business Friendliness.
Making a difference for businesses in and around the Greater Onslow County area: Jacksonville, Swansboro, Richlands, Camp Lejeune, Holly Ridge, Hubert, Sneads Ferry, North Topsail Beach, Surf City, and beyond.
Swansboro Focused on Sustained, Regulated Growth
The population of Swansboro has doubled in the last 10 years and, although many new businesses have also moved in during that time, Mayor Bill Justice emphasizes that the town wants to maintain “sustained and regulated growth and do it in a responsible manner.”
Swansboro currently has about 4,000 people. Justice emphasizes that they don’t want to lose their small-town feel and their fishing village heritage, even though there is “no lack of people wanting to build here.”
Most businesses in Swansboro today are “geared toward tourism,” Justice says. He adds that they have worked with the Jacksonville-Onslow Economic Development (JOED) team to develop a light industrial park that “would be a good opportunity to provide a different type of sector of jobs.”
The light industrial park, known as Project Coffee, is on hold for now but Justice states, “ we ’re still going to proceed with that, with some involvement from the county.” Businesses that are ideal for a light industrial park include light manufacturing and warehousing, which generally have lower levels of noise and pollution associated with their operations.
Although the town is comparatively small, Justice says about 35,000 to 40,000 cars a day travel through Swansboro on Hwy 24. He also says, the “business environment is pretty strong.”
Justice notes that the town is building a new public safety building that will “allow us to have a better operating facility” and which will also help businesses in emergency situations. Another “positive for the business environment,” Justice says, is the fact that “ we
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Swansboro’s lower waterfront historic district features a number of small businesses. Larger businesses have also established a presence in the town, mostly along Hwy 24, but the majority of the businesses in the town remain local entrepreneurs.
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New Laws Affect North Carolina Businesses
Do these new laws affect you?
Several new laws became effective July 1 in North Carolina. These might impact you as an employee, an employer, or a business owner. Non-compete agreements: The "Workforce Freedom and Protection Act" says that "any contract that restrains anyone from exercising a lawful profession, trade, or business of any kind is to that extent void and unenforceable."
The act "prohibits an employer in NC from: (1) entering into a non-compete agreement with an employee; (2) requiring an employee to enter into a noncompete agreement as a condition of employment; (3) enforcing or attempting to enforce a non-compete agreement; (4) threatening to enforce a non-compete agreement; and (5) in the case of a franchise operator,
entering into an agreement that restricts an employee from moving between locations. Defines an employee as an employee providing labor or services to another for pay of less than $75,000 per year."
Mandatory training for rental management businesses: The Department of Labor has been required "to develop human trafficking awareness training, requiring lodging establishments, accommodation facilitators, and property managers for vacation rentals to implement human trafficking awareness training."
This new mandate "requires property managers, along with their employees and thirdparty contractors involved in listing, supervising, maintaining, housekeeping, and check-in/check-out services for vacation rentals, to undergo human trafficking awareness training."
https://onslowbusiness.com/conference/
Streamlined State job application process: The Office of State Human Resources (OSHR) is now required "to streamline the job application process for State positions by allowing applicants to upload resumes or website profiles, using an electronic tool to import information from these documents into the job application format. Allows agencies to collect additional information that is not typically found on resumes and that is not needed for initial screening, later in the process."
The bill also makes it "State policy that State departments, agencies, and institutions should simplify job postings to make it easy for potential applicants to reach the postings, understand essential qualifications and management preferences, and then apply. Requires approval of the
agency head for a vacancy to add more than five knowledge, skills, and abilities to the class specification of the vacancy being filled. Defines essential qualifications."
Chamber Corner—Back in Full
By Laurette Leagon Executive Director Jacksonville-Onslow Chamber of Commerce
After a well-deserved summer breather, we're back in full swing at the Chamber!
Following a relatively quiet summer when our hardworking Chamber staff enjoyed some much-needed downtime, family vacations, and a chance to recharge, we’ re now gearing up for a busy season filled with some of our most anticipated signature events.
Whether you're able to attend one or all, these upcoming Chamber celebrations are a meaningful and rewarding way to stay connected, support our community, and share in the spirit that makes Jacksonville and Onslow County such a special place to live and work.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Honoring Our Community Heroes, Celebrating Culture, and Welcoming the Holidays!
Since 2010, the Jacksonville Onslow Chamber of Commerce has proudly recognized the dedication and service of outstanding individuals in four
vital fields: law enforcement, emergency medical services, emergency communications, and firefighting. This year’ s Public Safety Awards Ceremony & Luncheon will be held at the Jacksonville Rotary Conference Center (800 New Bridge St, Downtown Jacksonville) on Thursday, August 21, 2025
Join us as we honor all nominees and present awards to one distinguished professional in each category. These nominees are selected for their exceptional service to the citizens of Onslow County, its municipalities, Jones County, Marine Corps Installations East –Camp Lejeune, and MCAS New River over the past year. Luncheon begins at 11:30 AM, followed by the awards ceremony at 12:00 Noon. A delicious lunch will be catered by Mission BBQ. Tickets are $26 and can be reserved at www.jacksonvilleonline.org or by calling 910-347-3141
Coming Up in September:
Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration
Mark your calendar for a vibrant celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month on Saturday, September 20, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM at Kimbrell’s Home Furnishings parking lot (1370 Western Blvd, Jacksonville)
Now in its fourth year, the Hispanic Heritage Month Vendor Fair is a joyful tribute to the culture, traditions, and businesses of our Hispanic community. Enjoy live music, delicious food from local trucks, children’s activities, unique vendors, and captivating performances. Admission is free, and the entire community is invited. Vendor applications are open and available at www.jacksonvilleonline.org
for the 2025 Jacksonville Christmas Holiday Parade, happening Saturday, November 22. This year’ s theme is: “A Storybook Christmas.”
Whether you want to march, walk, dance, cheer, or ride, applications are now being accepted! Visit our website to apply or stop by the Chamber office at 1099 Gum Branch Road to pick up a paper application, or give us a call and we’ll get one to you.
And Yes... It’s Time to Think About the Christmas Parade!
We may still be in the dog days of summer, but Chamber staff and volunteers are well underway making preparations
https:// swansborochamber.org/ Mike McHugh Executive Director
Networking Opportunities
Check with each organization to verify dates and times.
Pop-up Networking
Caffeine and connections
Hosted by Onslow Business
Friday, August 8, 8:30am Iron Wolf Coffee 754 Ramsey Rd, Jacksonville
Greater Topsail Area Chamber of Commerce
To register visit the Chamber’ s website: topsailchamber.org/ events
Coastal Masterminds
Tuesday, August 19
4:00 PM - 5:30 PM Chamber Office
WomenConnect
All events are free. Attendees order from menus at their own expense.
WomenConnect in Hampstead August 14, Noon, at Nineteen
Restaurant, located at Olde Point Country Club
Mornings with WomenConnect in Holly Ridge Will not meet in August
Mornings with WomenConnect in Hampstead
August 7, 7:30 a.m., at Taste of Sunrise Coffee House
WomenConnect in Sneads
Ferry August 5, Noon, at Rick’ s Restaurant
Jacksonville Onslow Chamber of Commerce
Small Business Council
Thursday, August 7
9am-10am
Antique 2 Chic 2501 Onslow Dr, Jacksonville
Brainstorming
Monthly networking session for sales professionals, sharing ideas and encouragement
August 28, 5:30pm-7:30pm Uncork Unwine 754 Ramsey Rd, Jacksonville
Veteran Business Collective Chapter Meeting
Thursday, August 21 6:00pm-9:00pm Blackbeard’s Triple Play Restaurant, Jacksonville
veteransbusinesscollective.org/ chapters-events
Richlands Chamber of Commerce
July 30, 9:00am 200 S. Wilmington Street All local business owners invited
www.richlandschamberofcom merce.com/
Swansboro Area Chamber of Commerce
Holds “networking events yearround, including our Business After Hours and General Membership Meetings held monthly.” Contact the chamber for more info. swansborochamber.org/
Professional Book Club
The Five Second Rule By Mel Robbins
August 13, 10am Blend Café 109 Marine Blvd, Jacksonville
Public Speaking
Think Fast - Speak ClearlyLead Boldly with Jacksonville Toastmasters
Every Tuesday at 7pm Miller-Motte College 105 New Frontier Way Jacksonville 3478.toastmastersclubs.org/ directions
Blending Coffee, Cold Drinks, and Community in Holly Ridge
Coastal Blends in Holly Ridge is not just a place to enjoy a healthy beverage and locally made snacks. It is a place for the community to gather, to participate in weekly events, and to support many other small businesses.
Chris Davis describes the store as “more than just a coffee shop.” He and his wife, Rhonda, launched Coastal Blends in 2023. Davis says after they both worked in corporate environments for years, they were ready to do something different and something they could do together.
Davis explains, “so we had the opportunity to buy this little shop right here, selling nutritional drinks and things and we’ve kind of grown from there.”
Coastal Blends offers an extensive selection of teas, coffees, and fruit smoothies. They also feature locally sourced food items such as bread, fruits, vegetables, honey, and local produce. Davis says, “We know how important it is for local businesses to survive, so we help support one another.”
They bought the shop from a friend, “changed the name, the logo, the type of products that we have.” Coastal Blends now has 970 different recipes, all with natural ingredients, Davis emphasizes. Their products include “really good Guatemalan coffee, protein shakes, smoothies, mega teas, and Boba tea.” They also make protein bites in house.
Davis says they have recently added gelato and sorbet, made by a local vendor who spent five years in Italy learning the recipes. They also look for “local crafters to continue to develop” as part of the shop’ s offerings. Their expanded menu and local offerings are “based on feedback from customers and research.”
They are also “developing a community,” Davis says. The shop is home to a number of one-time and weekly events, including line dancing and painting parties.
Davis adds, “We have line dancing here. We have had bluegrass bands come in. We've had acoustic guitar sessions here. We've celebrated birthdays here. We have a local youth-led Bible study that's beginning here. We have different civic groups that come here, and we will create a safe place for them to come.”
A third-generation veteran and part of a Gold Star family, Davis says, “We like to do things here to help support service members.” Rhonda Davis also comes from a military family. They partner with a local health services agency to host support meetings for local Marines and veterans.
Other health-related activities at Coastal Blends include chair yoga and a stroke support group that meets once a month.
Their community development efforts extend to supporting local ball teams at Dixon and Topsail schools and supporting the non-profit organization, Able Buddies of NC. Davis says, “we help where we can and how we can. ”
Davis adds that he and his wife both came from a big family so “it’s easy for us to want to give back.” They have been married 39 years and Davis refers to his wife, who is a realtor with a master’s degree in business and marketing, as the “mastermind” of the business. Moving here from West Virginia after leaving their corporate positions, they decided they wanted to make
this area their home. Davis and his wife are “continually learning and adapting,” he says, adding “ we ’ve been blessed.”
Coastal Blends of Holly Ridge 1061 E Ocean Rd, Holly Ridge www.coastalblendsandfriends. com/
Open 7am-5pm 7 days a week 7am-7pm Tuesdays and Thursdays
In addition to their Holly Ridge, NC, location, Coastal Blends has opened a new shop in Sissonville, West Virginia: 1060 Lakewood Drive Sissonville, WV
Chris and Rhonda Davis
Photo provided by Rhonda Davis
UNCW Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship’s Third Annual Ocean Innovation Conference
By Lydia Thomas Program Manager, Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE)
The University of North Carolina Wilmington Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship will host our Ocean Innovation Conference on September 30, 2025, at the Burney Center on the campus of UNCW from 8:30AM4:00PM.
The Ocean Innovation Conference unites the deep research expertise of UNCW, the dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem of southeastern North Carolina, and the passion of people who care deeply about our ocean and coastal communities.
The goal? To spark something great, whether it’s marine biotechnology, alternative materials, living shoreline projects, ocean data science, or emerging innovations we’ve yet to imagine. Attendees will hear from various speakers, including Shaun Tomson, former World Surfing Champion, and bestselling author Deborah Westphal.
An Innovation Fair will be set up as a networking opportunity to connect with North Carolina’s innovative businesses and programs. The event will convene leaders from business, government and
academia. By bringing together leaders in the industry and the region, the CIE hopes to inspire a more collaborative process in developing new ideas and innovation in the blue economy and to create a vibrant blue economy hub in Southeast North Carolina.
The 2025 conference will also have a virtual attendance option that includes live stream, interactive activities, and networking with other attendees for those unable to travel or for those wanting to stream into a classroom.
The Ocean Innovation Conference is endorsed as a Decade Activity by the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development. This event aims to advance ocean science and support the Decade's goals of achieving a healthy and sustainable ocean.
Sponsors for this event include NC IDEA ENGAGE, NOAA Sea Grant, North Carolina Biotechnology Center, the City of Wilmington, NC Innovation, Acme Smoked Fish, Friends of UNCW, and the NC Small Business and Technology Development Center (SBTDC).
Early bird tickets are on sale for $99.00 until July 31. For registration and more information, please visit CIE’s website. https://uncw.edu/research/centers/ innovation-entrepreneurship/events-programs/ programs/ocean-innovation .
2024 Ocean Innovation Conference Participants Images provided by the The University of North Carolina Wilmington Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship.
Gulfstream Anchors Camp Davis with More Than Steel
From its beginnings as a trading company, to focusing on structural steel, to offering value-added services, Gulfstream Steel has grown into a world-class supplier of metal products and services. Along the way, owner Tom Rollins helped establish what is now known as the Camp Davis Industrial Park in Holly Ridge.
Rollins’s father launched Gulfstream Steel in 1990 as a trading company, specializing in the metals commodities market. Rollins was in college at the time, studying business.
After graduation, he joined the company but “looked at a way to find a more stable business model but kind of staying in the metal industry because my father knew the metal industry and I did as well.” Rollins adds, “We ended up choosing what we call the structural steel long goods market that Gulfstream is now in today.”
The re-focused company operated in Pender County for 10 years after Rollins came onboard as President in 1993. In 2003, he saw an opportunity to purchase an abandoned plant in Holly Ridge. That plant became the cornerstone of the newly established Camp Davis Industrial Park.
The plant had been owned by Tyson Foods and operated as Carolina Brand Foods. Once one of the largest bacon processing plants in the country, it was closed when the company decided the facility was getting too old and was too far away from available raw materials.
Rollins saw an opportunity in the 132,000-square-foot building and the surrounding property. He notes that “ we were excited about the amount of warehousing square footage that was available in this, by purchasing this facility.”
In addition to moving Gulfstream Steel to Onslow County, which
Rollins says has been “ pro business” from the start, he formed a real estate company, Camp Davis Industrial Park, Inc., that facilitated the sale of parcels that would become Phase One of the park.
He also worked with the Jacksonville-Onslow Economic Development (JOED) team to help them establish and develop Phase Two.
Today, Gulfstream Steel includes in its product line, angle iron, I-beams, plates, sheets, pipes, tubes, valves, nuts and bolts, and pipe fittings. Rollins adds, “We stock just shy of 5 ,000 SKUs, so that's quite a broad range of metal products.”
The company offers “valueadded services” as well, Rollins says, “that's not only selling the metal, but we also have the ability to fabricate the metal, to shear it, to break it, to burn it, drill it, mill it, weld it, blast it, prime it, paint it. And our client base uses those services on an as-needed basis, and it allows us to fulfill their needs, but also bring value to them in the supply chain.”
Gulfstream began as a family venture and continues so today. Rollins says his two brothers have been involved in the business. A younger brother, Bernie, is now retired. His older brother, Mel, is half owner in the real estate company and works as a draftsman and detailer for Gulfstream.
Two sons, both studying business at Elon University, may become the third generation who “choose to follow the footsteps.”
Tom Rollins emphasizes, “Metal is our product. Give us a call if you need a piece of metal.”
Gulfstream Steel
https://gulfstreamsteel.com/
301 U.S. Highway 17 South, Holly Ridge 800-316-1288
Above, Gulfstream Steel President Tom Rollins Below, Gulfstream Steel at Camp Davis
Gulfstream Steel at Camp Davis
Supporting Nursing Mothers at Work During National Breastfeeding Month
Submitted by Onslow Memorial Hospital
August marks National Breastfeeding Month, a nationwide campaign to raise awareness, offer support, and advocate for policies that help families thrive. While breastfeeding provides welldocumented health benefits for both infants and mothers, many women face challenges continuing to breastfeed after returning to work often due to a lack of time, space, or support in the workplace.
For working moms who want to maintain their breastfeeding goals, planning ahead can help ease the transition and set the stage for long-term success. Here are a few practical tips:
1. Communicate Early and Clearly
Have a conversation with your employer before returning to
work. Share your intention to continue breastfeeding and discuss your needs for a private, clean space to pump, along with a place to store breastmilk. An unused office, conference room, or storage space can often be repurposed with minimal effort.
2. Plan Your Pumping Schedule
Create a schedule that aligns with your workday, and aim for pumping sessions during morning and afternoon breaks, and at lunchtime when possible. A consistent routine helps maintain milk supply and reduces stress.
3. Be Prepared
Pack your essentials: a breast pump, clean milk containers, sanitizing supplies, and a cooler bag if refrigeration isn’t
available. Keep a checklist to track what you need each day, and consider using a large tote or backpack to keep everything organized.
Creating a Pump-Friendly Workplace Benefits Everyone
The decision to breastfeed is deeply personal, and continuing that journey at work can be challenging without the right support. Employers who invest in lactation-friendly policies not only comply with federal law (including the Break Time for Nursing Mothers provision under the Fair Labor Standards Act) they also boost employee satisfaction, retention, and productivity.
For more information, tools, and support, visit:
• Office on Women’s Health –womenshealth.gov/ breastfeeding/breastfeedingresources
• La Leche League International – llli.org
• NCDHHS Breastfeeding Promotion and Support –ncdhhs.gov/ncbreastfeeding
On the Rize in Richlands
Just over three years ago, Lavonne Speight was searching for a location for her new business when three different people sent her messages about an open space in Richlands. Speight says, “it was just like it was meant to be, for me and what I had set forth and said I wanted for my life.” Rize Nutrition launched in that spot in April 2022.
Several years earlier, Speight had been working as a dental assistant when a friend introduced her to protein shakes. Speight said she supported her friend by trying her products and “ended up really loving it.” She cites the clean energy that she felt, particularly as she was “not really a breakfast eater.”
The shakes helped her lose some weight, even though she says, “I didn't really even know I needed to lose 15 pounds.” Speight adds, “it really opened my eyes to what was possible.”
Supporting her friend’ s business involved sending other friends to get her products until, Speight says, “I woke up one day and I was like, oh my gosh, I think I could do this. I think I could help people.”
The products were Herbalife protein shakes that are usually sold through nutrition clubs. Speight said she “started doing it from my phone, helping friends, using my phone to encourage people to get started on the product or the business.”
That worked out so well that she then decided to quit her job and help her friend open up a brick-and-mortar location. Speight explains, “So I did that. That was five, six years ago and I quit my job as a dental assistant and I went in with her and we opened up a nutrition club in Jacksonville.”
Operating that store was a turning point. Speight says, “I really fell in love with the community that you get to create in a space like this. Get to have a relationship with your customers.” Speight and her now-husband, Brandon, also “reconnected when I was
working at the store in Jacksonville.” She adds, “Fast forward two-plus years, I wanted to open up my own store.”
For her own location, Speight explains, Richlands was “always in the back of my mind.” She describes it as cozy and tightknit. Moving into the new space, that was “meant to be,” Rize Nutrition was launched.
The products at Rize are nutritional and helpful to her customers, but Speight says that “having a nutrition club has really helped me advance in my personal business as well.”
She has moved up with Herbalife and has helped several other people open up their own businesses. She explains, “I have four of these businesses underneath that have opened and are doing very well in the surrounding areas. ”
Speight emphasizes, though, “it's not just about me. It's being able to create an impact and show people what's possible for them as well.” She is passionate about doing something that is also beneficial to her family and her staff’s family.
A native of Jacksonville, Speight says the “small town feel is really important and close to my heart.” Her mother, Esther Roop, and her family are also local. In fact, Speight says, “my mom and dad are always here.”
Her parents are very involved in the community and her dad, John Roop, says he wants to be part of the business “when he’ s done working.”
Involvement in the community is important to Speight and to Rize. In particular, Speight says, “We do a lot with the schools. During the school year we have something called Teacher Tuesday. So, every Tuesday we do delivery to eight schools.”
Beverages available at Rize Nutrition are “not just like a pretty drink,” Speight explains. “It's got a lot of amazing
benefits for you. It's important to remember to take care of yourself and your health. And I think that it's very in line with what you put in your body.”
She adds, “we're just here to help people make healthy choices. You can have everything that you want, just remember balance, balance is health and progress is happiness in my book.”
Rize Nutrition
109 Sylvester St, Richlands (910) 430-0391
Mon-Fri 6:30am-5:00pm Sat 8:00am-5:00pm
The décor at Rize Nutrition is well thought-out. Above, the wall painted by Speight’s best friend. Below, Speight on a pew from her grandparents’ church.
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August: Step Into Your Champion Mindset
By Jessica Marshall Run It Right Business Coaching and Marketing Solutions
As the long days of summer begin to shorten, August brings a natural shift. A reminder to refocus, regroup, and prepare for what’s ahead. Much like the back-to-school season sharpens our focus, this month offers a powerful opportunity to get back to business basics and set ourselves up for a strong finish to the year.
Eric Thomas says it best: "You are a champion. Think like one." Champions don’t wait for the perfect conditions. They prepare, they plan, and they
persist. August is the time to embrace that mindset.
The second half of the year often comes with new challenges, tighter timelines, and big opportunities. The difference between businesses that thrive and those that fall behind isn’t just strategy, it’ s mindset. A champion doesn’t avoid difficulty; they rise to meet it.
So how do you embody that champion energy this month? You prepare with intention and lead with clarity.
Admin Advice: Back to Business Basics
• Review Summer Sales & Inventory: Analyze your sales data from the past few months. What worked? What didn’t? Use those insights to fine-tune your strategy moving forward.
• Plan for the Holiday Season: Now is the time to get ahead. Ensure you have the right inventory, staffing, and systems in place to handle the busy months ahead.
• Revisit Your Business Plan: Goals aren’t just made in January. August is a great moment to recalibrate, refresh your strategies, and make adjustments where needed.
• Organize Your Financials: Don’t let tax
season sneak up on you. Start prepping now by ensuring your bookkeeping, receipts, and reports are clean and current.
August calls for discipline, vision, and drive. Lean into the back-to-school energy by recommitting to your goals and reminding yourself why you started. Let your actions reflect the truth: you are a champion.
This month, take bold steps, refine your foundation, and prepare to finish the year stronger than ever. The path to success starts with the belief that you’re built for it and you are.
Contact Jessica at: Runitright.llc@gmail.com
How do you tell everyone in Onslow County about your products and services? Check out the affordable ad opportunities for upcoming issues of Onslow Business. Deadline for the September issue is August 25! Learn more at onslowbusiness.com/promote/.
Key E-Commerce Tips for Small Business Owners in 2025
Navigating the world of e-commerce can feel overwhelming, but with the right strategies, your small business can thrive online.
By Bill Rollinson of SBTDC Chapel Hill
Based on my past experience and working closely with current clients that have online stores, I’ve put together some key e-commerce tips for small business owners.
These tips include unique selling propositions, optimizing website user experience (minimizing friction), experimenting with marketing strategies (email & social media), and data analysis. Read on for more details.
Crafting Your Online Presence
Find Your Unique Selling Proposition (USP): Clearly define what makes your business and products different from competitors. This differentiation helps you stand out in a crowded market and attract your ideal customers. Think about what makes your product unique – is it handmade, locally sourced, exceptionally durable, or does it solve a specific problem in a new way?
Optimize Website User Experience: Ensure your website is easy to navigate, visually appealing, and mobilefriendly. A smooth user experience minimizes friction and encourages conversions. Consider conducting user testing or using heatmaps to identify areas where customers might be struggling. One way to improve usability is to focus on having the right payment methods and terms for your customers and making it simple to check out with a minimum amount of clicks. Make sure you stay up-to-date with your closest competitors and how easy (or difficult) it is to buy from their online store.
Focus on Mobile Commerce: Your website and marketing efforts must be optimized for mobile devices. A significant portion of online shopping happens on smartphones and tablets, so a seamless mobile experience is crucial. For example, over 60%
of the shopping on one of my client’s sites is made up of mobile and tablet traffic each day.
Marketing & Engagement
Effective Email
Marketing: Build and nurture an email list to engage customers, promote products, and drive sales. Suggest specific types of emails like a welcome series for new subscribers, abandoned cart reminders, or exclusive discounts for loyal customers. When asking customers for their email, make sure there is a benefit for them (perhaps a discount, or special offers, etc.) to give them an incentive to sign up.
Utilize Social Media: Engage with customers on relevant platforms, run targeted ads, and build relationships with influencers. Consider platforms like Instagram for visual products or Facebook for community building, depending on your target audience.
Test and Experiment: Don’t be afraid to try different marketing tactics and A/B test strategies to find what works best. This iterative approach allows you to continuously refine your marketing efforts for optimal results.
Optimizing Operations & Growth
Prioritize Customer Experience: Offer excellent customer service, make returns easy, and reward loyalty to build customer retention. Happy customers are more likely to become repeat buyers and recommend your business.
Data Analysis: Analyze your sales data, customer behavior, and marketing results to identify areas for improvement. Data-driven insights help expand product offerings and improve overall customer experience. Consider tracking metrics like conversion rates,
average order value, and customer lifetime value. Recently Shopify has added an AI Assistant that can help you analyze your customer data by asking simple questions. Now, you have your own in-house data expert at your fingertips to help improve and grow your business.
Expand Product Offerings: As your business matures and you have a good understanding of your customer base, try adding related products or expanding into new categories to reach a wider audience. This can also include offering a free shipping option, if appropriate for your products and services. Additionally, consider adding bundles and subscriptions to increase average order value and customer loyalty, rather than solely focusing on onetime purchases.
Consider Automation: Use automation tools to streamline processes like inventory management, email marketing, and customer support, which can free up your time to focus on strategic growth initiatives. Try using tools like Buffer or HootSuite for automated social media posting and Nosto or Dynamic Yield for personalized product recommendations.
Staying Ahead of the Curve
Explore New Trends: Stay informed about emerging trends like AI-driven experiences that help the shopping process by Perplexity and OpenAI, voice search and payment agents. For example, Visa, PayPal and MasterCard all announced products at the end of May 2025 that will allow consumers
to have an agent purchase on their behalf. Personal shopping agents will go out to numerous sites and do the research and purchasing for you, including paying for the items. These new products could streamline the checkout process and offer more convenience for your customers.
To stay on top of e-commerce trends and new offerings, subscribe to relevant blogs and newsletters like the one from Shopify. There are also numerous online resources that can help with specific questions and e-commerce optimization techniques. For more in-depth learning, I recommend this helpful podcast: 10 Shopify Mistakes Killing Your Sales.
By implementing these key strategies, small business owners can build a robust and successful e-commerce presence in 2025 and beyond.
The Small Business and Technology Development Center (SBTDC) offers free and confidential counseling to help entrepreneurs navigate the many facets of starting and growing a business. Our services include guidance on business planning, financial projections, marketing strategies, and much more.
To register for counseling, visit SBTDC.org, click on “Become a Client,” then select the Wilmington location. From there, fill out a short questionnaire about your business so we can understand your needs and how best to support you.
RFP Issued for Carolina Museum of the Marine Café and Retail Shop
By SgtMaj Steve Lunsford, USMC (Ret) Vice President of Operations Carolina Museum of the Marine
Dear Potential Vendors,
We are excited to announce the release of a Request for Proposals (RFP) to operate the Café and/or Retail Shop at the Carolina Museum of the Marine. This is a unique opportunity to partner with this inspiring mission dedicated to honoring the legacy of our Marines while serving its visitors.
We seek partners who share our dedication to excellence and community engagement. Proposals should demonstrate innovative approaches to operations, customer service, and alignment with the Museum’s vision.
Key Details:
Scope: Operate the Café, Retail Shop, or both, providing exceptional service and products aligned with the Museum’s commitment to honoring the legacy of Carolina Marines and Sailors.
Location: Carolina Museum of the Marine, Jacksonville, NC.
RFP Availability and Details: The full RFP document is now available online.
We look forward to your proposals and the opportunity to collaborate in serving our visitors.
SgtMaj Steve Lunsford, USMC (Ret)
Vice President of Operations Carolina Museum of the Marine
Contact: slunsford@museumofthemari ne.org
All RFP documents are available at: https:// www.museumofthemarine.org /request-for-proposal/
Training Opportunities
Business Success Summit Friday, October 3 8:30am-2:00pm
Sneads Ferry Community Center
https://onslowbusiness.com/ conference/
SBTDC
Taking the Leap
September 18, 25 and October 2 from 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM Center For Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE) 803G South College Rd, Wilmington https://sbtdc.org/events/ taking-the-leap-wilmingtonsept-2025
SCORE
https://www.score.org/ business-education
Stategies to Identify and Reach Your Target Customers
Aug 5, 2025 | 12:00pm | Online
How Much Should I Charge? Setting Pricing When You Are Starting
Aug 5, 2025 | 7:00pm | Online
Marketing Your Business Aug 6, 2025 | 6:00pm | Online
Onslow Business is published on the 3rd of each month (or the business day closest to the 3rd).
This unique and valuable business publication is available free at over 70 locations throughout the county. Want to be a part of it?
Check out onslowbusiness.com to learn how to promote your business, find print copies, and read previous issues.
Thanks for reading!
Business Success Summit Registration Open!
onslowbusiness.com/conference
Business Success Summit Friday, October 3 8:30am – 2:00pm
Sneads Ferry Community Center
The Business Success Summit features a series of engaging, interactive sessions led by experts in their fields, all designed to help your business grow and succeed.
Topics will include digital marketing, the effects of AI on your business, optimizing your finances, attracting and retaining customers, and much more.
Don't miss this opportunity to learn, to grow, to network with other business people, and to get expert insight into moving your business forward to success!
Registration Now Open
Registration includes all sessions, lunch, and a conference workbook.
Business Vendors
Does your business provide a service or product other businesses need?
Vendor space is available but limited.
Sponsorships available
Bronze - $250 Silver - $500 Gold - $750
Sponsorships include conference registration and vendor space. Email onslowbiz@words-working.net for sponsorship details.
