Resources

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.

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.

The Small Business Center Network, comprised of 58 Small Business Centers throughout North Carolina, supports the development of new businesses and the growth of existing businesses by being a community-based provider of training, counseling, and resource information. Confidential counseling services and access to resource libraries are free of charge.Some seminars and workshops require a minimal registration fee. Services provided by the Small Business Center Network can be customized to suit your specific business needs.

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 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 Technologies that are available for licensing

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 NCEast Alliance (The Alliance) is a regional, private, not-for-profit,economic development agency serving more than 1 million residents within several small metropolitan and micropolitan areas from the fringe of the Research Triangle to the Atlantic Coast. The Alliance provides community capacity building and assists companies with site location and expansion decisions.

The North Carolina Biotechnology Center understands the importance of emerging entrepreneurial companies to the state’s biotechnology industry. Through the Business and Technology Development Program, the Center awards low-interest loans to promising emerging life science companies across the state. These loans are designed to help recipients meet meaningful research and commercial milestones.

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.

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

CED is its network. A broad, dynamic array of entrepreneurs, investors, strategic partners, service providers, academics and researchers feed the entrepreneurial success CED has fostered for more than three decades. Their stories are our stories. With their help, CED has become one of the most powerful networks for entrepreneurs in the US.

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 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.

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.

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.

Connect entrepreneurs with mentors