PLUGGING IN BIZ RESOURCES

Each issue, WILMA includes a Plugging In directory to help you connect locally. This time, we’re focusing on organizations that help current or aspiring small business owners, entrepreneurs, and even those just looking to brush up on their skills. Keep an eye out for future lists to tap into support for wellness groups, networking opportunities, and more. Let us know about your organization by emailing editor@wilmingtonbiz.com.

BCC’s Small Business Center

Brunswick Community College’s Small Business Center offers free confidential business counseling, coworking and incubator space, free webinars and seminars, and more. Read more about the center’s services and its director, April Scott, on page 34.

INFO: brunswickcc.edu

CFCC’s Small Business Center

Cape Fear Community College also hosts a Small Business Center that offers free, confidential counseling to potential business owners to help them start their businesses as well as counseling to existing small business owners to help improve their success rate and profitability. In addition, it offers education via business-related seminars, free to the general public.

INFO: cfcc.edu/small-business-center

Elevate Coworking

Elevate is primarily a coworking and shared office space geared toward women. But it also hosts workshops and community events. Recent ones included a women’s health summit this summer and a small-business skills series.

INFO: elevatecoworking.info

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.

INFO: score.org/capefear

UNCW CIE

UNCW’s Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE) identifies and nurtures fast-growth, highimpact business ventures from the campus and the community. It provides 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: uncw.edu/research/centers/ innovation-entrepreneurship

Sbtdc

The Small Business Technology Development Center (SBTDC) 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.

INFO: sbtdc.org/offices/uncw

Channel 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 a coworking space downtown, with access to technical advisers, professional services, and networking opportunities at no cost.

INFO: liveoakbank.com/channel