Maintaining strong partnerships
In addition to our relationship with NC’s universities, the SBTDC maintains strong partnerships with many federal and state agencies, local, state, and national financial institutions, and non-profit organizations. The SBTDC receives significant financial support and resources from the US Small Business Administration.
Our connections with hundreds of statewide, regional, and local economic development organizations allow us to reach thousands of businesses and entrepreneurs each year. These partnerships also provide valuable resources to the SBTDC and our business clients. By working together, we improve North Carolina’s business climate, help companies grow and create jobs, and provide increased tax revenues for the state.
Primary Partners
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UNC Campuses
The SBTDC is administered by NC State University on behalf of The University of North Carolina system, and our offices are each affiliated with one or more constituent institution campuses.
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Small Business Administration
The SBTDC has been North Carolina’s representative in the US Small Business Administration’s (SBA’s) National Small Business Development Center (SBDC) program since 1984.
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NC Department of Commerce
The SBTDC works closely with the NC Department of Commerce. Specific engagements include support for state credits and incentives for start-ups, and Business Edge, a job loss aversion program funded through the Workforce Division.
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NC Division of Emergency Management
The SBTDC is the State’s designated disaster assistance resource for businesses, and serves on the disaster preparedness team.
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NC Chamber
The SBTDC has a longstanding partnership with the NC Chamber to support North Carolina’s business community. The organizations collaborate around statewide business resources, manufacturing, business recovery and other initiatives that strengthen small businesses across the state.
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NC Bankers Association
The SBTDC partners with the NC Bankers Association to strengthen connections between small businesses and lenders across North Carolina. The partnership helps businesses prepare for and access financing while connecting banking clients with SBTDC counseling and resources to support their growth.
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NC Rural Center
The SBTDC works closely with the NC Rural Center to support small businesses and economic growth in North Carolina’s rural communities. Specific collaborations include the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) Technical Assistance Program, which helps businesses improve financial readiness and access to capital.
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NC Small Business Center Network
The SBTDC collaborates closely with the Community College System’s Small Business Center Network to assure that there is well coordinated access to business assistance services statewide for start up entrepreneurs and existing businesses. The Small Business Centers at the 58 Community Colleges are community based providers of training, counseling, and resource information for new businesses.
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US EXIM Bank
Since 1997, the SBTDC has been the US Export-Import Bank’s North Carolina Regional Export Promotion Partner (REPP). This initiative brings economic development entities together with EXIM Bank in a partnership designed to expand export opportunities.
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ASBDC
The SBTDC is an accredited member of the national Association of Small Business Development Centers (ASBDC), which provides a vehicle for continuous improvement of the Small Business Development Center program.
