Plugging In: Entrepreneurs

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. Let us know about your organization by emailing editor@wilmingtonbiz.com.

WBCNC The Women’s Business Center of North Carolina’s mission is to promote economic self-sufficiency for entrepreneurs in North Carolina “by offering tools and support to establish businesses, stabilize their companies, generate sustainable profits, strategize for future growth and contribute to the growth and economic development of the community.” To read about Renee Clauson-Rivera’s recent work to establish a local presence for WBCNC, go to page 24.

Info: theinstitutenc.org/programs/wbcnc

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

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.

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.

Info: sbtdc.org/offices/uncw

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.

Brunswick Community College Small Business Center: brunswickcc.edu/small-business-center

Cape Fear Community College Small Business Center: cfcc.edu/sbc

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.

Info: genesisblockilm.com

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