Improving Business in the Wilmington Region
Local Resources
Wilmington Chamber of Commerce The oldest Chamber of Commerce in the State of North Carolina serves the Wilmington area business community by: strengthening the business environment; providing members with benefits and services to support their success; advocating a position on those business-related issues most beneficial to its members and the community; and participating in initiatives that positively affect the quality of life in the community. The Mission is enhanced through proactive leadership and partnerships throughout Southeastern North Carolina. www.wilmingtonchamber.org/
UNCW Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship The mission of the UNCW Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship is to be a catalyst for entrepreneurial growth in Southeastern North Carolina by linking together emerging and high-growth ventures, entrepreneurs, and relevant support organizations to create business growth, jobs, and innovation. 910-962-2237 www.uncw.edu
Small Business Center at Cape Fear Community College Offers free classes and counseling for small businesses. 805 N. 3rd Street www.cfcc.edu/sbc
Wilmington Downtown, Inc. Promotes economic growth and development in downtown Wilmington. 221 North Front Street, Wilmington, NC 28402 910-763-7349 www.wilmingtondowntown.com
North Carolina Biotechnology Center Provides long-term economic and societal benefits to North Carolina through support of biotechnology research, business, education, and strategic policy statewide. Headquartered in Research Triangle Park, the Center has five regional offices to spur economic development statewide, including the Southeastern Office in Wilmington, which focuses on clinical research, agricultural biotechnology, industrial biotechnology, next-generation bioenergy, and marine biotechnology. www.ncbiotech.org
UNCW CREST Research Park Open and collaborative research community. Public-private partnerships. Flexible lab space designed by scientists for scientists. UNCW CREST Research Park is one of the most advanced biotechnology research centers on the East Coast of the United States. Operated by the University of North Carolina Wilmington, the park offers leasable research space for established firms, entrepreneurial start-ups, government agencies and universities focusing on biotechnology, analytical and environmental sciences. 910-962-2330 uncw.edu/research/major-programs/marbionc
Wilmington/Cape Fear Coast Convention & Visitors Bureau Promotes Wilmington and the surrounding beaches as a tourist destination. 505 Nutt Street, Unit A, Wilmington, NC 28401 910.341.4030 800.222.4757 www.wilmingtonandbeaches.com
Cape Fear Community College Center for Business, Industry, and Government Offers seminars and customized industry training for individuals and businesses in New Hanover and Pender counties. 910-362-7170 cfcc.edu/business-and-industry-services/
North Carolina’s Southeast – Regional Data Book With the help of UNC Wilmington, UNC Pembroke and Fayetteville State University, the organization prepares a regional data book to aid their mission of securing new jobs and investments for the region. This extensive demographic information on the region can be found on their website: www.ncse.org
NC Works is a one-stop online resource for job seekers and employers in North Carolina. Job seekers can search for jobs, create resumes, and find education and training. Employers can find candidates, post jobs, and search labor market information. www.ncworks.gov
EDPNC The Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina (EDPNC) is focused on recruiting new businesses to the state, supporting the needs of existing businesses, connecting exporters with customers around the globe, helping small business owners get their start, and attracting tourists and visitors from all over the world. www.edpnc.com
Small Business Technology Development Center The SBTDC is a business development service of the University of North Carolina system, operated in partnership with the US Small Business Administration. It helps established firms, high-growth companies, and start-up businesses meet today’s challenges, manage change, and plan for the future by offering free one-on-one counseling and workshops. 803A S. College Road, Wilmington, NC 28403. 910.962.3744 www.sbtdc.org
Wilmington SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives) Nonprofit association dedicated to the education, formation, growth and success of small business nationwide. SCORE offers free and confidential advise and mentoring from experienced volunteer business counselors. 4010 Oleander Drive, Wilmington, NC 28403 https://capefear.score.org/ 910-452-5395
Wilmington Minority Professional Networking Group Addresses the challenges facing Wilmington’s Minority Professionals and Business Owners. The organization is dedicated to bringing together people who live and work in Wilmington, NC, and share similar backgrounds and experiences for personal and professional awareness, interaction, and development. 910.398.2811 https://www.facebook.com/groups/wmpng/
Port City Young Professionals Provides young professionals who live and work in New Hanover County to make connections with other young professionals (under age 40). https://www.portcityyoungprofessionals.com/
EDPNC Small Business Advisors, A free service of the NC Department of Commerce, which offers a central source for consultations, information and referrals…just the help you need to tap into all the State has to offer. 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 & Federal Agencies; contacts for Local, State & Federal business services, programs & resources; and a Small Business Ombudsman to work on your behalf to resolve issues with State Government Agencies. Call toll-free at 1-800-228-8443 or (919) 807-4280 Monday-Friday 8:00am – 5:00pm EST. A Business Counselor will discuss your needs and help you find the appropriate resources to accomplish your goals. s[email protected].
Small Business/Self Employed Tax Center SB/SE serves taxpayers who file Form 1040, Schedules C, E, F or Form 2106, as well as small businesses with assets under $10 million. http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/index.html
Small Business Tax Calendar https://www.irs.gov/Businesses/Small-Businesses-&-Self-Employed/IRS-Tax-Calendar-for-Businesses-and-Self-Employed
Virtual Small Business Tax Workshops http://www.irsvideos.gov/SmallBusinessTaxpayer/virtualworkshop
Better Business Bureau of Coastal Carolina BBB is a resource for objective, unbiased information on businesses. 1121 Third Avenue, Conway, SC 29526 843.488.2227 bbb.org/local-bbb/bbb-of-coastal-carolina
