Resources for Communities & Entrepreneurs

Business Resources Directory Looking for business capital? Technical assistance? Other help? The directory has been expanded and updated for 2007.
NAVIGATING BUSINESS SERVICES Subtitled Your "Where to Go for What" Guide, this booklet provides pointers to help entrepreneurs and small business owners find the services that fit their needs.
Fueling Your Business Subtitled A Guide to Financing for Small Businesses
County Business Data Using the North Carolina map, click on any county to view information on population and employment, business activity and other indicators of business climate.
Education & Training Directory Want to learn how to write a business plan or manage employees better? This directory lists business education and training programs in all 100 counties.
BUSINESS FINANCE The new Rural Venture Fund joins two long-established programs in the Rural Center's business finance offerings. Learn more about these programs or check out other capital opportunities.
E-NC Business and Technology Telecenters E-NC telecenters offer on-site high-speed internet access, business services and computer training programs. Locate a center near you.

Stimulating enterprise development in North Carolina's rural communities

The Institute for Rural Entrepreneurship was established in October 2003 to stimulate and support the development of micro, small and medium-size enterprises in North Carolina's 85 rural counties. The institute is housed within the N.C. Rural Economic Development Center and draws from a range of resources to serve the needs of rural entrepreneurs, community and economic leaders, and state policy makers.

The Institute
Learn about the organization, goals and activities of the institute.

Rural Entrepreneurship
Small businesses account for a large portion of North Carolina's rural economy, but does the current business climate support them? Read more here.

Current Initiatives
Learn about four special projects supporting entrepreneurial development in North Carolina.

North Carolina Business Resource Alliance
An organization of business resource providers, the alliance advises the Institute for Rural Entrepreneurship and works to develop a comprehensive network of business services.