Resources

The U.S. Small Business Administration has delivered millions of loans, loan guarantees, contracts, counseling sessions and other forms of assistance to small businesses.

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 Business Plan Competition provides an economic incentive to small business owners and other entrepreneurs both from within and without the redevelopment areas to create or expand small business enterprises and create jobs within the bounds of the Center City – West Greenville Redevelopment Areas. Grant awards range between $15,000 and $30,000, which can be used toward working capital or operating funds, equipment purchases, improvements to owner occupied property, leasehold improvements, expansion of business services or products, or other uses in a business plan. If you have an idea for locating, relocating, or expanding business in Greenville’s urban core, consider applying to this program. ​

Fostering the development of technology-based businesses, the Technology Enterprise Center offers office, laboratory, and light manufacturing space to technology-based companies on a short-term lease basis. If you are a technology-based company and wish to discuss leasing space, contact Brad Hufford at (252) 902-2077, brad.hufford@pittcountync.gov.

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.

The North Carolina Lawyers for Entrepreneurs Assistance Project (NC LEAP) is a public service program of the North Carolina Bar Association to provide legal assistance to low wealth entrepreneurs and small business owners.

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.

Commercial lending office

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 N.C. Small Business Credit Initiative is helping make capital available for business startups and expansions across the state.

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.

ECU’s Office of Innovation and Economic Development (OIED) delivers and supports regional transformation by fostering community enhancement & regional development, a regional innovation workforce, cluster-based economic development, and the proliferation of innovation, entrepreneurship and small business.