Mentoring

Business Link North Carolina (BLNC) is a free resource for anyone seeking to start a small business in the state. We offer one-on-one phone consultations to hundreds of individuals interested in establishing a business start-up, small business owners in need of general support, and small-business entrepreneurs interested in moving to North Carolina. Our team of business counselors offers straightforward, easy-to-understand guidance in both English and Spanish on topics including regulatory requirements, licensing stipulations, small-business training and more.

Thorough resource for the early stages of starting a business in NC. BLNC provides checklists and links to statewide services for entrepreneurs including help writing business plans, licensing, help determining business structures, financing options and taxes, among others.

Provide small business loans and financial training to start-ups and existing businesses along with lending services to community-based organizations.

East Carolina University’s Operation Reentry North Carolina (ORNC) is a national research support organization developing novel technologies and approaches that address the resiliency, rehabilitation and reintegration concerns of our nation’s service members, veterans, their families, as well as the civilian and military healthcare providers who care for them.

ECU Technologies that are available for licensing

Community and Regional Development (CRD) takes an innovative approach to program development that focuses on building a comprehensive menu of products and services that fosters strong regional partnerships around community and economic development priorities and projects. CRD programs include the Municipal Management and Innovation initiative, the Talent Enhancement and Capacity Building program and the Rural Community Consortium.

To assist East Carolina University faculty, staff & students develop technology companies and take products and services to market in collaboration with public and private regional organizations. And, to assist in building a broad regional support system for entrepreneurs that includes funding, training, education, networking and building sustainable assets.

The Innovation Design Lab (IDL) is a collaborative venue for leading edge research and design-driven innovation. A best-in-class facility, the IDL was one of three national finalists in the category of Community Connected Campus Awards of Excellence by the University Economic Development Association.

The Middle School Innovators Academy, the Innovators Design Academy, and the Global Innovation Workshop demonstrate the culture of innovation that ECU is creating on campus and in the community. Through these academies, ECU teaches participants, particularly the younger students, that it values innovation, creative thinking and risk-taking and realizes the integral role of design in successful innovation for economic growth.

The Office of Public Service and Community Relations is responsible for the quality improvement of public service through strategic planning and strategic assessment, coordination of ECU’s public service endeavors, and the development of students, faculty and staff who conduct quality public service. Using collaboration as a strategy, the office enhances ECU’s relationships with communities.

The mission of the Office of Technology Transfer is to promote innovation, enhance research, and facilitate economic development through protecting and commercializing intellectual property in an efficient manner that benefits the University, the region, and society as a whole.

The Minority and Women Business Enterprise (MWBE) Program is a joint venture launched by the City of Greenville and Greenville Utilities (the City’s public utilities) to provide minority and women-owned firms an equal opportunity to do business with the City and GUC. The MWBE program offers one-on-one mentoring to coach firms on how to best position themselves for success in government contracting. The MWBE Program also provides training opportunities on a variety of topics, including “How to Submit Responsive Bids,” “Certification Made Easy,” and “Understanding Local Preference.” In the Fall and Spring, the MWBE Program hosts events to directly connect firms with government purchasers and to provide marketing and promotion of MWBE firms to the larger Greenville community. Visit our website to search our directory of local, state, and federal government opportunities.

The Greenville SEED @ ECU is a business incubator providing flexible space and support on a fee basis to qualified entrepreneurs and start-up companies. Programs exist for students (college and high school), start-up companies, and emerging technology businesses. Office space is designed to encourage collaboration and networking. The Greenville SEED @ ECU provides space, mentoring, technical support, access to 3D printing for rapid prototyping (subject to review, training, and availability), and networking events. Facilities include: turn-key offices; co-working space; large conference room; large auditorium; idea room; and entrepreneurs’ lounge. The Greenville SEED @ ECU collaboration space is a project of City of Greenville, ECU, and Greenville-Pitt County Chamber of Commerce.

NCBC connects the company and university researchers; the funders and the small companies; the job seekers and job providers. We provide funding when few others do. We keep an eye on emerging biotech sectors. And we make sure North Carolina leads the way.

The N.C. Community Development Initiative leads North Carolina’s collaborative community economic development effort, driving innovation, investment and action to create prosperous, sustainable communities.

NC IDEA serves as a catalyst for young, high-growth, technology companies in North Carolina. We help these innovative companies mainly by providing early financing in the form of grants. NC IDEA knows that money alone does not drive success. The management team at NC IDEA understands the needs of startups. The staff at NC IDEA has experience in building and advising young companies and is available as a resource for those companies that are awarded one of our grants.

The Institute is a nonprofit management consulting and services firm focused on business diversity. We are trusted advisors to businesses large and small, government agencies, policymakers and organizations that understand the key role diversity plays in ensuring business and economic success.Our client services include customized one-on-one assistance, training, knowledge, networks and solutions that create diverse, globally competitive companies.We are a leading voice and constant advocate for public policies and business practices that promote marketplace diversity.

The state of North Carolina is home to more than 800,000 small businesses and Commerce is strongly committed to their success. Commerce serves as a one-stop resource for small businesses and start-up companies with big ideas. Many partners and allies support Commerce’s work in assisting North Carolina’s small businesses, but Commerce provides a centralized point of contact to assist them. Services include planning and feasibility assessment, licensing, individualized research-based products around change management, strategic performance and leadership development; help accessing and acquiring government contracts; and assistance in commercializing new technologies and accessing innovation research. Through marketing and outreach activities, Commerce reaches small business owners and those considering a start-up to offer services and support designed to ensure these businesses are afforded the best opportunity to Thrive in North Carolina.

Mark Phillips is responsible for directing and promoting biotechnology-related growth and development activities for the Biotechnology Center’s Eastern Office in Greenville. Phillips serves as the regions’ contact to the Biotechnology Center’s grant and loan funding programs, while working with companies, schools and institutions throughout a 27-county region to strengthen biotechnology research, business, education and workforce training, and to identify new opportunities for commercial biotechnology

The Small Business Center (SBC) is dedicated to the training of potential and existing small business owners. Training sessions are offered as free seminars as well as customized individual business training events. The Small Business Center offers more than 125 free seminars each year on various business topics including: Financing, Management, Marketing, and Accounting/Record Keeping. The SBC also offers free, confidential one-on-one business consulting services to assist you in the daily operation of your business. These services can include: a Financial Analysis of Your Company, Market and Industry Research, Loan Packages, Business Plans, Marketing Plans, and Strategic Planning.