Business Resources from Wilkes EDC 

The Wilkes EDC staff is here to support you through the process of starting a new business. With the help of our Resource Partners, Economic Insight Data, and Up-to-Date Retail Reports, we can help navigate you through your next adVenture. One of the most valuable tools provided by the EDC are Labor and Retail Market Reports.

Retail Market Potential WilkesCounty 2021 2 Page 1Retail Market Potential WilkesCounty 2021 2 Page 2

Click here to download the full Retail Service Expenditures and Demand Outlook. 

 

Small Business Center at Wilkes Community College

As you plan a new business venture, or expand on an existing one, take advantage of the helpful resources provided by each local Small Business Center. The Small Business Center at Wilkes Community College supports the development of new businesses and the growth of existing businesses by being a community-based provider of training, counseling and resource information. It is part of North Carolina’s Small Business Center Network, comprised of 58 centers throughout the state, each offering:

  • Confidential business counseling services and access to resource libraries are free of charge. Counseling topics may include business plan development, funding and investment, human resources, international trade, marketing, government procurement and more.
  • Seminars and workshops on a variety of topics to help properly start and successfully manage a business. some require a minimal registration fee.
  • Customized services to suit your specific business needs.

All SBCs offer a series of core seminars essential to every business owner:

  • How to Start a Business
  • How to Write a Business Plan
  • Financing Your Business
  • Marketing Your Business
  • How to Find Your Customers
  • Basics of Bookkeeping
  • Small Business Taxes

Check out upcoming seminars and events at the WCC SBC or stop by the SBC for more information.

Laurie Brintle-Jarvis
Director, WCC SBC
Wilkes Community College, Beacon Hall
336-838-6166
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

 

Small Business Technology Development Center (SBTDC)

Are you considering starting a business, but aren’t sure where to begin? Do you have questions like: Where do I get funding?, How do I write a business plan?, and Are any licenses or permits needed? If so, the SBTDC has several tools to help you start your business.

Resources

SBTDC Business Start-Up & Resource Guide

This free downloadable publication has it all. Assess yourself to see if you have what it takes to be a business owner. Learn how to write a business plan people will read cover to cover. Find the legal structure best suited for you. Check out our list of state and federal resources, including local and state licenses/permits. Download the business start-up guide.

Trying to write a business plan?

Besides our Business Start-Up & Resource Guide there are excellent websites with information on how to write an impressive business plan.

How to fund your business?

Did you know most businesses are started primarily with owner financing? If that is not enough money to get your business going, our Capital Opportunities for Small Business guide is the most comprehensive financing resource describing all the funding options available to North Carolina companies and startups. This continuously updated 135-page guide also has contact information to learn more about each funding opportunity.

Confused about business grants?

You are not alone. Click here for answers about grants and other frequently asked questions.

 

How to investigate industry information?

There are many places on the internet to get demographic data, target market analysis, competitor information, industry data and more. We have found the best websites so you can get the information you need faster. See a list of all SBTDC Resources

 

See all SBTDC online training or contact the SBTDC for more information.

 

David Henson
General Business Counselor
SBTDC at Appalachian State University
130 Poplar Grove Rd. Connector
Boone, NC 28607
828-262-2492 or 800-258-0862
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

 

Business Link North Carolina (BLNC)

The Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina offers a 1-800 hotline called Business Link North Carolina (BLNC) for business questions. This resource is available to any new or existing businesses. Get in touch with a BLNC business counselor toll-free at (800) 228-8443  or contact us online. BLNC counselors are available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. To learn more click here.

 

Get Engaged with the Wilkes Chamber of Commerce

wilkes-chamber.jpg

  How to Start a New Business in North Carolina

 

Get Plugged into WilCoNGE