Resources

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.

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.

The department writes grant applications, and administers the resulting grants including public works projects, hazard mitigations, public facilities development, CDBG/ED direct loans to companies that result in job creation and Rural Center economic development grants.

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.

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.

Connect entrepreneurs with mentors

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

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.

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.

ACA is a collective of accredited angel investors, North America’s most prolific early-stage investment class. The association is the largest angel professional development organization in the world. ACA provides an insider perspective that can help you make smart investment decisions.

The Small Business and Technology Development Center (SBTDC) has helped North Carolina businesses grow and create new jobs since 1984. We provide management counseling and educational services to small and mid-sized businesses.

ECU Technologies that are available for licensing

“The Pitt County Committee of 100, Inc. is a not-for-profit, charitable organization recognized by the IRS as a 501 (c) (3) corporation. Formed in 1995, the Committee was created to stimulate and provide a broader network of support for economic development throughout Pitt County. The Committee of 100 is a proactive organization that can provide insight and capital funding to help close development deals. The funds are obtained from membership dues and expertise comes from the diversity of its members, which include businesses, business leaders, entrepreneurs, professionals, citizens, and other stakeholders interested in Pitt County’s economic
development future.”