Plugging In: Business Resources

Each issue, WILMA includes a Plugging In directory to help you connect locally. This time, we’re focusing on local entrepreneur groups that business owners and future business owners can tap into for help. Keep an eye out for future lists about volunteering opportunities and networking groups. Let us know about your organization by emailing editor@wilmingtonbiz.com.

UNCW CIE

UNCW Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE) identifies and nurtures fast-growth, high-impact business ventures from the campus and the community. In collaboration with other business and economic development organizations, the CIE supports growth in the regional entrepreneurial ecosystem by providing student, faculty, and community entrepreneurs with education, networking opportunities, flexible workspace options, experienced mentors and advisers, and connections to resources. CIE events are open to members and the general public.

INFO: CIE@uncw.edu

SMALL BUSINESS CENTERS

Small Business Centers provide local, experienced counselors as advisers for new and existing businesses. Available on an as-needed basis, this confidential service acts as a sounding board for new ideas and/or concerns that business owners might have. The center’s staff helps business owners find solutions to challenging business questions, and there is no charge for this service. Small Business Centers offer a wide variety of seminars and workshops to help small businesses become successful.

INFO: Brunswick Community College Small Business Center: brunswickcc.edu/small-business-center | Cape Fear Community College Small Business Center: cfcc.edu/sbc

SCORE CAPE FEAR REGION

SCORE’s local chapter is a nonprofit association dedicated to helping small businesses across Southeastern North Carolina launch, grow, and achieve their goals through education and mentorship. SCORE Cape Fear Region mentors new and existing small businesses by providing confidential advice, consultation, and education from experienced business experts who volunteer their time and expertise. Services are delivered through in-person and electronic counseling and free or inexpensive workshops and provide complementary business tools, webinars, templates, and tips online at SCORE.org. SCORE is sponsored by the U.S. Small Business Administration and is supported by local donations.

INFO: wilmingtonscore.org

SBTDC

The Small Business Technology Development Center is a business advisory resource for growing and developing businesses. Its professional advisers provide services statewide from offices hosted by campuses of the University of North Carolina system. The local office is affiliated with UNCW and serves Brunswick, Columbus, Duplin, Onslow, Pender, and New Hanover counties (read more here).

INFO: sbtdc.org/offices/uncw

CHANNEL POWERED BY LIVE OAK BANK

Channel is a business resource center, powered by Live Oak Bank, designed to strengthen the regional economy by increasing diversity in business ownership throughout the Wilmington region. Learning programs and community support systems are offered in Class A coworking space, with access to technical advisers, professional services, and networking opportunities at no cost.

INFO: liveoakbank.com/channel 

GENESIS BLOCK

Genesis Block is a professional services company founded with a mission to build the entrepreneur class and advance prosperity in communities block by block. Genesis Block operates three brands to advance entrepreneurship and economic development. Block Eatz is a food hall incubator for local chefs to train and serve a local audience. Genesis Block Academy provides entrepreneur skills training and workshop support. Genesis Bridge is a supplier diversity platform targeting increasing revenue for minority firms.

INFO: genesisblockilm.com

Want more WILMA? Click here to sign up for our WILMA newsletters and announcements.