Fuquay-Varina Business Resource Guide

BUSINESS RESOURCE

G U I D E

Dear Business Owner,

Whether you are starting, opening, or expanding a business, it can be exciting yet challenging The Town of Fuquay-Varina is here to assist you through the process. We look forward to assisting you and are very pleased that you have picked the thriving community of Fuquay-Varina to invest in! We hope you find this Business Resource Guide most helpful as you navigate various channels from starting your business, writing your business plan, accessing capital to finance your business, to questions regarding licenses, permits, or zoning, this guide is developed to point you to the right resource. Thank you again for choosing Fuquay-Varina, we hope you too find that our community is truly a dash more!

Sincerely,

Town of Fuquay-Varina

BUSINESS CHECKLIST

The business checklist is provided to help you organize and structure how to start your business This list addresses several questions to consider when starting your business.

Do you have a business plan?

Do you know what form of legal ownership (sole proprietor, partnership, or corporation) is best for your business?

Do you know whether your business will require a special license or permit and how to obtain it?

Have you obtained your business's EIN (Employer Identification Number)?

Do you know how to compute your business' financial “break-even point?”

Do you understand how a business loan can impact your credit and are aware of the various loan programs available from banks in your area and the Small Business Administration?

Are you sure your planned business fills a specific market need?

Do you know your target market and where to find demographic data and information about your customers?

Do you have a marketing plan?

Do you understand the tax requirements associated with your business?

Do you know how to learn about your business competitors?

Do you have a payroll process planned for your business?

Do you have a customer service strategy in mind or in place?

Do you know whether your business should have some form of intellectual property protection?

Do you know where to obtain information about regulations and compliance requirements that impact your business?

PLANNING YOUR BUSINESS STRUCTURE

Starting a new business involves careful decision-making and thorough planning to ensure that your operation will remain a viable, successful, thriving business One of the first steps in establishing a business is determining the appropriate structure, which will affect taxation, legal and financial liability, and decision-making authority There are three basic types of business models:

Sole proprietorship

A sole proprietor is someone who owns an unincorporated business by himself or herself However, if you are the sole member of a domestic limited liability company (LLC) you are not a sole proprietor if you elect to treat the LLC as a corporation

Partnership

A partnership is a for-profit business organization comprised of two or more persons. State laws govern partnerships. Under various state laws, "persons" can include individuals, groups of individuals, companies, and corporations. Partnerships vary in complexity.

Corporation

A corporation is a business entity that is owned by its shareholder(s), who elect a board of directors to oversee the organization's activities The corporation is liable for the actions and finances of the businessthe shareholders are not

Which is the appropriate type for your new business? You may wish to consult an attorney or an accountant for assistance For more information on how to choose a legal structure, visit the North Carolina Secretary of State

North Carolina Secretary of State sosnc gov | 919-814-5400

THE BUSINESS PLAN

A business plan serves two primary functions:

It helps secure financing by demonstrating technical competence, marketing knowledge, and organizational ability It helps establish goals, identify risks, recognize financial and physical needs, and provide guidelines to establish performance

A business plan precisely defines your business, identifies your goals, and serves as your firm’s resume The basic components include a current and pro forma balance sheet, an income statement, and a cash flow analysis It helps you allocate resources properly, handle unforeseen issues, and make good business decisions

This business plan serves as a road map for your business success, and a well-thought-out business plan is necessary for obtaining loans and other aid. Additionally, it informs sales personnel, suppliers, and others about your operations and goals.

Before you begin writing your business plan, consider four core questions:

What service or product does your business provide and what need does it fill?

Who are the potential customers for your product or service, and why will they purchase it from you?

How will you reach your potential customers?

Where will you get the financial resources to start your business?

OUTLINE OF A BUSINESS PLAN

7. Sales and Marketing Plan

Describe pricing strategy

Company background and purpose

Mission and vision statement

Core product and service offerings

Target customers

Competition

Unique value proposition

Summarize financial projections for the first couple of years of operations

Financing requirements if applicable

Describe your business

Explain the industry

Describe your product or service and the problem it addresses

List current alternatives

Describe the competitive advantage or unique value proposition of your product in comparison to the alternatives

Define the estimated size of the market

Describe market segments

Describe the projected volume

How will you differentiate yourself from your competitors?

Describe distribution Describe the legal structure of your business

8 Ownership Structure and Management Plan

List the names of founders, owners, advisors, partners, etc

Define the management team’s roles, relevant experience, and compensation

Outline staffing requirements

9. Operations

Describe the physical location(s) of your business

Describe production workflow

Describe materials you need to produce your product or provide your service and explain how they are sourced.

10. Financing

Demonstrate the potential growth and profitability of your business

Create a projected income statement, cash flow statement, and balance sheet

Provide a break-even analysis

11. Appendix

Attach supporting documents, which may include the following:

Market research and competitive analysis

Industry data

Marketing materials samples

Professional references

1. Cover sheet

2. Table of Contents

3. Executive Summary

4. Company Overview

5. Product and Services

6. Competitive and Market Analysis

SITE & BUILDING

The following resources are provided to help you with site and building selection for your business.

Town of Fuquay-Varina Economic Development Department

Manages the Town's economic development program and provides information on available office, industrial, and retail space

fuquay-varina org Search: Economic Development | 919-753-1031

Town of Fuquay-Varina Planning & Zoning Department

Provides guidance for growth, preservation, and development of the Town of FuquayVarina

fuquay-varina.org Search: Planning

919-552-1400

Wake County Economic Development, a program of the Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce

Provides information on available office, industrial, and retail space

raleigh-wake org | 919-664-7048

Wake County Department of Planning, Development, and Inspections

Public planning services for the areas in Wake County lying outside of municipalities' planning jurisdictions.

wakegov.com Search: Planning, Inspections

919-856-6310

LICENSES AND PERMITS

The state of North Carolina has no single business license that will ensure compliance with the numerous state licenses, permits, and regulatory requirements Additionally, your business may be subject to local and/or federal requirements Below is a list of various business resources related to obtaining licenses and permits

Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina

Provides information and assistance in locating and applying for business licenses

edpnc com Search: Start a Business 800-228-8443

Business Name Registration

Wake County Register of Deeds

Application and information on business name registration.

wakegov.com Search: business name

resources | 919-856-5460

Town of Fuquay-Varina Planning and Zoning

Review and issuance of zoning permits

fuquay-varina org Search: planning 919-552-1400

134 N Main St

Fuquay-Varina, NC 27526

Inspections and Permits

Town of Fuquay Building Code and Inspections

Review and issuance of all building permits, sign permits, and inspections

fuquay-varina org | 919-552-1407

134 N. Main St.

Fuquay-Varina, NC 27526

Wake County Department of Planning, Development, and Inspections

Building permits, sign permits, inspections, and zoning permits.

wakegov com | 919-856-6060

336 Fayetteville St , First Floor

Raleigh, NC 27601

North Carolina Privilege License

North Carolina Dept of Revenue

Corporate and Franchise Tax

Sales and Use Tax Registration

Other Taxes

Excise Tax Division | 877-308-9092

Electronic Services | 877-308-9103

ncdor.gov/taxes-forms/privilege-license-tax

877-252-3052

N.C. Dept. of Revenue

501 N. Wilmington St.

Raleigh, NC 27604

LEGAL RESOURCES

As a business owner, there are many issues that may occur However, there are times when issues become too complex and legal assistance is needed Having access to a lawyer or legal resources can be a wise move that could save you time and, often, money

Campbell University - Innovate Capital Business Law Clinic

The Innovate Capital Business Law Clinic – in partnership with incubator Raleigh Founded –works with clients to help them solve real-world business and legal problems. Legal services are provided at no cost by upper-level students, under the supervision of a veteran licensed business attorney and clinic director

Benji Jones. law campbell edu Search: Business Law Clinic

919-673-4301

North Carolina Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service (LRS)

The North Carolina Bar Association offers a lawyer referral service. The LRS matches attorneys with members of the public who seek attorney referrals via the LRS call center and web-based referral requests

www ncbar org Search: LRS | 919-677-0561

North Carolina Lawyers for Entrepreneurs Assistance Project (NC LEAP)

The North Carolina Lawyers for Entrepreneurs Assistance Project exists to assist low-wealth entrepreneurs with their legal needs in starting or expanding their businesses through pro bono service by North Carolina business and transactional lawyers.

ncbarfoundation org Search: LEAP

919-677-0561

STARTING YOUR BUSINESS

Small Business & Technology Development Center (SBTDC)

The SBTDC is North Carolina’s leading resource for growing and developing businesses The skilled professionals, their position as a program of the University of North Carolina System, and their partnership with the U S Small Business Administration make them a unique and valued asset in the economic development of North Carolina

sbtdc org | 919-715-7272

Wake Tech Small Business Center

The Wake Tech Small Business Center (SBC) is a state-funded organization that is part of the Small Business Center Network of North Carolina (SBCN). The SBC provides small business owners with the information they need for starting or expanding a small business through confidential, one-on-one counseling along with various seminars, workshops, classes, and access to a resource library at zero cost to the participant

waketech edu Search: Start & Grow a Business 919-335-1019

Business Link North Carolina

Business Link North Carolina (BLNC) offers a central source for consultations, information, and referrals and is just the help you need to tap into all the State has to offer

BLNC counselors provide:

One-on-one client consultations at no cost

Customized licensing information

Employer and business structure forms

Referrals to State Agencies and State

Occupational Licensing Boards, Local Governments, and Federal Agencies

Contacts for Local, State & Federal business services, programs, and resources

A Small Business Ombudsman to work on your behalf to resolve issues with State Government Agencies

edpnc com Search: Start a Business 800-228-8443

CO-WORKING SPACES

Fuquay Coworking

Provide small businesses, solo entrepreneurs, startups, remote employees, and nonprofits with flexible, affordable, and creative work environments

fuquaycoworking com | 919-346-1735

Fuquay Works

A co-working and private office space dedicated to serving the local community Cultivates a space where startups, entrepreneurs, and established businesses can thrive

fuquayworks.com | 919-762-6578

ACCELERATORS

Bunker Labs

Bunker Labs is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with a national network of veteran entrepreneurs dedicated to helping new veteran entrepreneurs start their own businesses

bunkerlabs org

CED GRO

The Council for Entrepreneurial Development (CED) is a North Carolina non-profit organization dedicated to connecting regional entrepreneurs with resources. CED GRO offers an online incubator. cednc.org | Search: GRO

LaunchHER 'Hack The SheSuite'

LaunchHER is a virtual women's business accelerator program whose mission is to enable marginalized and underserved women to build successful businesses through state and federal government contracting launchher org

NC State Acceleration Fund

The NC State Acceleration Fund is designed to accelerate economic development by increasing the propensity of new ventures to survive and grow through equity-free grants Acceleration grants provide up to $50,000 and pro bono support services to entrepreneurs who complete the Andrews Launch Accelerator

entrepreneurshipclinic ncsu edu Search: Entrepreneurship Clinic | 919-515-2011

RIoT Labs

RIoT is a 501(c)(3) brought to you by the Wireless Research Center and others. It is a hardware, wireless, and software prototyping lab with all the tools for full-stack IoT prototyping. In addition, RIoT Labs also connects entrepreneurs to industry, government, and university networks. ncriot org

The Wireless Research Center

The Wireless Research Center is an independent, private nonprofit research center dedicated to applied research and engineering

The WRC fosters global collaboration among companies, industry groups, academic institutions, and other research organizations wirelesscenter-nc org

ANGEL INVESTOR ORGANIZATIONS

Bootstrap Advisors

Bootstrap Advisors focuses primarily on very early-stage, pre-revenue companies Bootstrap has considerable expertise in working with tangible, differentiated, and low-tech products, and with startups that allow for branding opportunities

bootstrapadvisors com | 919-251-9549

Carolina Angel Network

The Carolina Angel Network screens earlystage companies with early revenue or customers, performs due diligence for the members through dedicated resources, and allows members to make their own choice of investment.

carolinaangelnetwork.com

Cofounders Capital Lab

Cofounders Capital is an early-stage seed fund focused on software ventures in the Triangle. The company helps with prototyping, vetting, and lining up beta customers The most promising of these ventures are then funded through Cofounders Capital’s $12M seed fund Cofounders Capital provides free lab space to entrepreneurs who receive expert help modeling and vetting their startup ideas cofounderscapital com | 919-244-3048

NC IDEA

NC IDEA is a private foundation with a mission to help the people of North Carolina start and grow high-potential companies. They foster economic development with competitive grants and programs for entrepreneurs and funding to strengthen the North Carolina entrepreneurial ecosystem.

ncidea.org | 919-941-5600

Triangle Angel Partners (TAP)

Triangle Angel Partners (TAP) is an experienced group of angel investors who invest their time, analysis, and money into early life cycle companies in the high-tech and life sciences industries TAP members are executives, PhDs, successful entrepreneurs, and professional investors triangleangelpartners com | 919-904-4565

Wolfpack Investor Network

The Wolfpack Investor Network (WIN) brings together the NC State entrepreneurial community, NC State alumni network, and innovative private companies to empower the businesses that drive the future. WIN supports the global NC State entrepreneurial community with an angel investing platform and co-investment fund (the Seed Capital Endowment Fund) that engages and leverages the power of the NC State alumni network wolfpackinvestornetwork com | 919-513-3546

Triangle Venture Alliance

Triangle Venture Alliance, a partnership between Duke University, the University of North Carolina, NC State University, and North Carolina Central University, is a network of alumni angel groups created to fund startups founded by alumni, students, staff, faculty, and families

VENTURE CAPITAL / VENTURE BANKS

All Raise

All Raise is on a mission to accelerate the success of female founders and funders to build a more prosperous, equitable future All Raise programs arm women with access, guidance, and support to advance their professional growth allraise org

BLCK VC

BLCK VC is a nonprofit with the goal of doubling the representation of Black investors by 2024 They provide Black investors with the access, education, and community they need to accelerate their careers in venture capital. blckvc.org

Bull City Venture Partners

BCVP is a venture capital firm investing $250K to $2 million in software and internet companies bcvp com

Cherokee Investment Partners

Cherokee is an investment company that blends capital with creativity, experience, and resolve to provide superior financial, environmental, and social returns for investors, partners, and communities cherokeefund com | 919-743-2500

CornerSquare Community Capital

CornerSquare Community Capital is a partner and resource for the CDFI and MDI sectors. They are designed to increase investment in communities through small businesses and entrepreneurs that are underrepresented. 919-250-4314

Excelerate Health Ventures

Excelerate Health was founded by experienced entrepreneurs with extensive startup and investment experience The venture capital company works exclusively with healthcare startups to fund, incubate, and accelerate their ventures exceleratehealth com

Founder Gym

Founder Gym is the leading online program training underrepresented founders on how to raise money to scale their tech startups. The leadership team is comprised of founders, startup advisors, professional educators, and seasoned tech ecosystem builders foundergym com

Hatteras Venture Partners

Hatteras Venture Partners is a venture capital firm formed to invest primarily in early-stage companies with a focus on biopharmaceuticals, medical devices, diagnostics, healthcare IT, and related opportunities in human medicine. The firm will typically invest in companies located in the research-driven regions of North Carolina and the Southeastern United States hatterasvp com

HBCUvc

Rooted in the legacy of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU), the mission of HBCUvc is to direct how capital is formed and distributed to enhance opportunities for underrepresented populations. They accomplish this by developing, connecting, and mobilizing the next generation of venture capital leaders in communities where entrepreneurs face barriers in accessing capital, and by empowering institutions to employ raceconscious investing practices hbcu vc

IDEA Fund Partners

IDEA Fund Partners, an active seed and earlystage venture investment firm in NC, is focused on high-growth sectors, such as software, technology with IP protection, and medical devices IDEA Fund Partners typically provides the first institutional money for the companies in which it invests, making small initial investments and setting aside plenty of follow-on capital for future rounds. IDEA Fund has invested as little as $100,000 and as much as $750,000 in a round and can invest up to $1.5M over the life of a company.

ideafundpartners com | 919-808-4000

Intersouth Partners

Intersouth Partners is an experienced team of investors in the technology and life science sectors They have experience in complex matters such as investing in fledgling companies including technology assessment and transfer, management team development, corporate partnering, sales growth, and successful exits. intersouth.com | 919-493-6640

LOUD Capital

LOUD Capital is an early-stage venture capital firm providing capital, entrepreneurship, and education to grow impactful companies across the globe. Their strategic location at Raleigh Founded in downtown Raleigh marks the earlystage venture capital firm's first dedicated office in the US South, and will serve as a base for outreach across the region to fund and cultivate promising new startups.

loud vc

New Voices Foundation

New Voices Foundation has invested more than $1 4 million in non-dilutive capital and matched support dollars in companies owned by women of color, and more They help women of color entrepreneurs get the capital, access, expertise, and resources they need newvoicesfoundation org

Pappas Capital

Pappas Capital is a venture capital firm that focuses on investing in the life sciences sector Pappas invests the largest share of its capital in companies whose lead products are at the phase 1 or phase 2 stage of development. The products their companies have brought to market treat conditions such as melanoma, ovarian cancer, and hemophilia just to name a few.

pappas-capital com | 919-998-3300

Resilient Ventures

Resilient Ventures is joining the historic and contemporary movement against economic injustices and disparate barriers to capital through intentional investments in founders of color and their high-growth businesses

resilientventures org | 919-403-9459

River Cities Capital Funds

River Cities Capital Funds is one of the most active and experienced growth equity funds in healthcare and information technology. They grow companies that enable clinicians to improve the delivery of care and the experiences and outcomes for patients.

rccf.com | 919-374-5600

Silicon Valley Bank

SVB’s diverse financial services knowledge, global network, and world-class service increase its clients’ probability of success With $23 billion in assets and more than 1,600 employees, SVB provides commercial, international, and private banking through 34 locations worldwide

svb com | 800-774-7390

SJF Ventures

SJF Ventures is comprised of experienced venture capitalists that invest in high-growth companies creating a healthier, smarter, and cleaner future. Its mission is to catalyze the development of highly successful businesses driving lasting, positive changes. The SJF team has invested in over 50 ventures since 1999.

sjfventures.com | 919-530-1177

True Bridge Capital Partners

Established in 2007, TrueBridge Capital Partners is an alternative asset management firm focused on generating superior returns in the venture capital industry

truebridgecapital com | 919-442-5201

FINANCIAL PROGRAMS

Town of Fuquay-Varina

Facade Improvement Grant

The Town of Fuquay-Varina's façade grant program is intended to enhance existing façade structures in the Downtown Commercial-1 (DC1) & Downtown Commercial-2 (DC-2) Zoning Districts by providing financial assistance to property owners and business operators. The goal of the façade grant program is to bring the exterior of the buildings visible by the public right of way up to the requirements of the DC-1 and DC-2 districts by enhancing the look of the neighborhoods through façade improvements

A matching grant of up to $2,500 will be provided for façade projects including, but not limited to:

Incorporation of exterior facade (front of the building) visual characteristics that add to the visitor/or patron experience. Painting the exterior of the building. Awnings and canopies meeting the requirements of the DC-1 and DC-2 Districts.

Replacement of windows and/or doors meeting the requirements of the DC-1 and DC-2 Districts

Signage may be considered but must be reviewed

Ineligible costs: awnings with logos, outdoor seating, benches, fencing, landscaping, and lighting (unless part of the overall façade project) Other ineligible costs are to be determined by the Town

Business Incentives

The Town of Fuquay-Varina (“Town”) has the capacity to provide economic development incentive assistance for companies seeking to relocate and expand business within the Town’s Corporate Limits. The Town’s economic development incentive policy has been created to encourage the following types of development within Fuquay-Varina:

Recruitment of new manufacturing facilities

Expansion of existing manufacturing facilities

Commercial/retail development

infrastructure investment

Downtown new in-fill development

Downtown rehabilitation/renovation in-fill development

Town of Fuquay-Varina - Economic Development Department

134 N Main Street

Fuquay-Varina, NC 27526

fuquay-varina.org Search: Business Incentives

919-753-1031

Downtown Development Office

fuquay-varina org Search: Downtown

919-753-1040

State Programs

Job Development Investment Grant (JDIG)

The Job Development Investment Grant (JDIG) is a performance-based, discretionary incentive program that provides cash grants directly to new and expanding companies to help offset the cost of locating or expanding a facility in the state of North Carolina The amount of the grant is based on a percentage of the personal income tax withholdings associated with the new jobs This grant applies to companies that have a hundred or more employees

edpnc com Search: JDIG | 919-447-7777

One NC Fund

The One North Carolina Fund (OneNC) is a discretionary cash-grant program that allows the Governor to respond quickly to competitive jobcreation projects. Awards are based on the number of jobs created, level of investment, location of the project, economic impact of the project, and the importance of the project to the state and region. This grant applies to companies that have a hundred or more employees

edpnc com Search: OneNC 919-447-7777

SBIR/STTR Small Business Technology Funding

The One North Carolina Small Business Program is comprised of two programs:

SBIR/STTR Phase I Incentive Funds

SBIR/STTR Phase I Matching Funds

The SBIR/STTR Phase I Incentive Funds Program provides reimbursement to qualified NC businesses for a portion of the costs incurred in preparing and submitting Phase I Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) or Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) proposals to federal agencies The goal of the Incentive Program is to increase the number, quality, company, and technology diversity, and geographic breadth of NC applications for Federal SBIR and STTR Phase I awards.

The SBIR/STTR Phase I Matching Funds Program awards matching funds to NC businesses that have received a federal SBIR or STTR award. The goals of the Matching Program are to help NC companies bridge the funding gap period between the final Phase I payment and the first Phase II payment in the Federal Program, and to increase the intensity of the research conducted under Phase I, making NC small businesses more competitive in the competition for Phase II funds commerce nc gov Search: SBIR/STTR 919-814-4600

Transformative Project – Job Development Investment Grant (JDIG)

To qualify as a transformative project, the grantee (company) must create at least 3,000 jobs and invest at least $1 billion within the base period, which can now be up to ten years Once the minimum transformative project requirements are met and maintained, the company can receive annual grant payments of up to 90% of personal income tax withholdings of eligible employees for up to 30 years. In addition, if the company maintains the minimum requirements, all jobs created over the term of the grant – again, up to 30 years, can be included in the annual grant payment calculations Workers employed in North Carolina who fill expansion positions with the company because of a merger or acquisition occurring during the term of the agreement are not eligible employees for the grant

edpnc com Search: Transformative Project 919-447-7777

Wake County Programs

Business Investment Grant

Wake County’s Business Development Grant offers a series of five tiers with investment and job thresholds. Special consideration may be provided for corporate, regional, or Fortune 500 companies’ divisional headquarters projects and large international companies.

Wake County Economic Development

800 S Salisbury St, Raleigh, NC 27601 raleigh-wake org | 919-664-7000

RESOURCE ORGANIZATIONS

Carolina Small Business Development Fund

Carolina Small Business Development Fund is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit and certified community development financial institution (CDFI), supporting communities by providing small business loans, training, and research to support entrepreneurs.

carolinasmallbusiness.org | 919-803-1437

Capital Area Workforce Development Board

Capital Area Workforce Development ensures the local workforce has the skills, training, and education to meet the needs of local employers The organization oversees workforce solutions in Chatham, Lee, Johnston, and Wake counties designed to serve businesses, individuals, and youth capitalareancworks com | 919-856-6040

Council for Entrepreneurial Development

The Council for Entrepreneurial Development provides programs and services in four major areas: education, capital formation, mentoring, and communications.

cednc.org | 919-549-7500

Economic Development Partnership of NC

EDPNC drives the state of North Carolina’s economic development efforts by marketing the state as a leading center for business, working to recruit new businesses while retaining and fostering growth for existing NC companies, helping people start their businesses, and attracting tourists and visitors from around the globe

edpnc.com | 919-447-7777

EntreDot

EntreDot provides professional mentoring and business education programs that maximize the opportunity for success, resulting in incremental economic growth in revenue and jobs.

entredot org | 919-369-7031

Environmental Stewardship Initiative

The NC Department of Environment and Natural Resource’s Environmental Stewardship Initiative provides technical assistance and networking opportunities to stimulate the development and implementation of programs that use pollution prevention and innovative approaches to meet and go beyond regulatory requirements deq nc gov | 919-707-8126

Fuquay Varina Chamber of Commerce

The Chamber focuses on building and sustaining Fuquay-Varina's economy through robust, public/private partnerships. fuquay-varina.com | 919-552-4947

Fuquay Varina Downtown Association

FVDA is a non-profit organization dedicated to building a community that supports local businesses and private investment in the historic core of the Town fuquay-varinadowntown com | 919-552-0848

Manufactured in North Carolina

A resource available through NC State’s Industrial Extension Service, ManufacturedNC helps companies find world-class manufacturers and suppliers in North Carolina. manufacturednc.com

MCNC

MCNC, a nonprofit organization, is committed to building partnerships among academic, research, government, and business communities. These partnerships enable and advance education, innovation, and economic development throughout North Carolina by delivering the world’s foremost information technology services through the North Carolina Research and Education Network

mcnc org | 919-248-1900

NC Biotech Center

The North Carolina Biotechnology Center connects companies with university researchers and introduces entrepreneurs to potential funders.

ncbiotech.org | 919-541-9366

The North Carolina Center for Innovation Network

The North Carolina Center of Innovation Network (NC COIN) fosters economic growth through support for an array of scientific disciplines and sectors. COIN serves businesses, researchers, entrepreneurs, students, and institutions via its Virtual Center of Innovation and is a leading source of networking opportunities, information, and tailored innovation services for members

nccoin org | 919-369-0380

NC Clean Energy Technology Center

The North Carolina Clean Energy Technology Center advances a sustainable energy economy by educating, demonstrating, and providing support for clean energy technologies, practices, and policies.

nccleantech.ncsu.edu | 919-515-3480

NC Restaurant and Lodging Association

NCRLA brings together restaurant and lodging establishments and partners to impact legislation and policies, cultivate relationships, and provide resources to help members run their businesses

ncrla org | 919-844-0098

NC Rural Center

The NC Rural Center’s mission is to develop, promote, and implement sound economic strategies to improve the quality of life of rural North Carolinians The Rural Center serves the state’s 80 rural counties, with a special focus on individuals with low to moderate incomes and communities with limited resources.

ncruralcenter.org | 919-250-4314

NC State Industry Expansion Solutions

IES offers a broad portfolio of solutions and industry expertise to help organizations grow, innovate, and prosper. Their unique partnerships provide access to expertise, research, and technology ies ncsu edu | 919-515-2358

NC Tech Association

The North Carolina Technology Association is the premier statewide leadership organization that represents the technology industry. NCTA helps its members grow regionally and compete globally by actively connecting business decision-makers, educating government officials on issues relevant to the technology industry, and providing invaluable educational and executive networking events

nctech org | 919-856-0393

NC Textile

NC Textile Connect is a website designed to connect textile complex companies, events, resources, and product and market information from various government, industry, and academic sources to the North Carolina textile complex

nctextileconnect com

NSF ASSIST

The NSF Nanosystems Engineering Research Center (NERC) for Advanced Self-Powered Systems of Integrated Sensors and Technologies (ASSIST) creates a culture that links scientific discovery to technological innovation through transformational engineered systems research and education assistcenter org | 919-515-7356

Operation HOPE

Operation HOPE serves adults, youth, disaster survivors, and employees with financial dignity programming and coaching to equip them with the financial knowledge and tools to create a secure future Programs and services are offered at no cost to the client operationhope org | 919-807-9924

Research Triangle Cleantech Cluster

The Research Triangle Cleantech Cluster (RTCC) is an initiative of business, government, academic, and nonprofit leaders focused on accelerating the growth of the Research Triangle Region’s cleantech economy. researchtrianglecleantech.org | 919-334-4076

Research Triangle Institute

The Research Triangle Institute provides contract research to federal, state, and local government agencies, as well as to private industries and foundations

rti org | 919-541-6000

Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE)

SCORE is dedicated to educating entrepreneurs and encouraging the formation, growth, and success of small businesses by providing free counseling and low-cost educational workshops for start-ups and small businesses

raleigh.score.org | 919-869-4151

Self-Help Credit Union

Self-Help Credit Union lends to small and large businesses as they grow, and to institutions that help communities thrive Self-Help contributes to the growth of communities by helping small businesses grow, supporting home ownership and supporting real estate development all while fighting against predatory lending

self-help.org | 800-476-7428

The Institute NC

The Institute NC is a statewide nonprofit organization focused on strengthening the asset base of diverse populations through policy, education, and economic opportunities. theinstitutenc.org | 919-956-8889

Thread Capital

Launched in June 2018 by the NC Rural Center, Thread Capital gives NC’s small businesses and entrepreneurs access to the resources they need to thrive. Thread Capital provides lending services and technical assistance to small businesses

threadcap org | 919-212-4950

TiE Carolinas

TiE Carolinas is a not-for-profit organization with a mission to foster and support entrepreneurship in the Carolinas. This organization is chartered by entrepreneurs, corporate executives, and senior professionals with the explicit goal to benefit entrepreneurs. carolinas.tie.org | 408-567-0700

U.S. Small Business Administration

Launched in 1953, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) supports small business owners and entrepreneurs through business counseling, providing access to capital and much more sba gov | 800-827-5722

EDUCATION AND TRAINING

Wake County Public School System –Career and Technical Education

The Career and Technical Education (CTE) program promotes best practices that enhance teachers' efforts to improve student achievement and encourage responsible career choices Middle school students are offered exploratory courses in business and information technologies, life skills, technology systems, and career decisions High schools offer introductory courses that are available in grades 9 and 10, with advanced and specialized instruction in 11 and 12. There are agriculture, business and information technology, career development, health occupations, family and consumer sciences, marketing, technology, and trade and industry.

wcpss.net Search: Career and Technical Education | 919-413-7400

Wake Technical Community College –Workforce Continuing Education

The College's Workforce Continuing Education programs provide courses for those who need to train, retrain, and upgrade skills in a vocational or professional area. Programs include customized training for corporations and businesses, small business counseling and support, public safety officer training, information technology, vocational training, as well as barbering and cosmetology instruction Wake Tech also works with those who need to learn English as a second language and those individuals whose education stopped short of high school graduation.

waketech.edu Search: Workforce Continuing Education | 919-866-5000

Incumbent Worker Training

The Incumbent Worker Training Program is designed to make a difference in your bottom line, whether your organization is creating jobs, investing in new machinery and equipment, or streamlining processes for efficiency The resources offered support training needs, assessment, instructional design, development, and delivery

nccommerce com Search: Incumbent Worker Training | 919-814-4600

NC Community College SystemCustomized Training Program

The Customized Training Program provides education, training, and support services for new, expanding, and existing businesses and industry in North Carolina through its network of 58 community colleges, serving all 100 counties of the state.

www nccommunitycolleges edu Search: Customized Training | 919-807-7100

Wake Tech - Customized Training Program

Wake Tech's Customized Training Program provides training assistance that supports fulltime production and direct customer service positions created in North Carolina Via this program, the growth potential of eligible NC companies is enhanced while simultaneously preparing North Carolina's workforce with skills essential for successful employment in emerging industries.

waketech.edu Search: Customized Training

919-866-5000

Wake Tech - WakeWorks Propel

WakeWorks Propel is a new training initiative to assist residents with job transition and economic recovery. Funded by the Governor’s Emergency Education Relief program, Propel offers scholarship awards of up to $750 for accelerated non-degree Workforce Continuing Education courses leading to industryrecognized or state credentials for high-demand jobs in five career fields. Most of the courses can be completed in 3 to 6 months

waketech edu Search: Propel | 919-866-5000

College and University Career Planning and Placement Offices:

Meredith College

meredith.edu Search: Career Planning

919-760-8600

North Carolina State University

ncsu.edu Search: Career Services

919-515-2011

Saint Augustine’s University

st-aug edu Search: Professional Development

919-516-4000

Shaw University

shawu edu Search: Experiential Learning

919-546-8200

William Peace University

peace.edu Search: Career Services

919-508-2000

Campbell University – Norman Adrian

Wiggins School of Law

law.campbell.edu Search: Career Center

800-334-4111

Wake Tech Community College

waketech edu Search: Explore Careers

919-866-5000

FUQUAY-VARINA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

fuquay-varina.org