How Can We Help You Grow Today?
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We're not robots. We're experienced entrepreneurs, ready to answer your critical how-to questions so you can slingshot your growth and development.
Connect to Local 1:1 Counseling
We make it easy for you to connect with seasoned local mentors who can provide personalized, 1:1 support, training, and assistance—all for free!
Local Entrepreneur Spotlights
Your community is filled with entrepreneurs out there making their dreams come true, just like you. Check out what they're doing and get inspired for the journey through these entrepreneur spotlights.
Looking For Local 1:1 Support?
Wilkes Community College Has It!
Did you know your local Small Business Center provides personalized support, training, and assistance—all for free? Seasoned mentors are standing by and can help you start or grow your business today!
Connect With Wilkes Community College Small Business Center
Learn From Experienced Entrepreneurs
We call it Entrepreneur-To-Entrepreneur training (E2E for short)

Clips
Quick insights & advice from entrepreneurs on planning, starting, and growing businesses.

Compilations
Experienced entrepreneurs offer their most valuable lessons-learned on a variety of essential topics.

Journeys
Entrepreneurs share stories about starting & growing their ventures, being an entrepreneur, & more.
Trust Your Gut When It Comes to Your Business
Michelle Tompkins, DVM, owner of Glade Creek Animal Hospital in Sparta, North Carolina, discusses the joy of running her veterinary clinic in the supportive community of Alleghany.
Finding Local Support As A New Business Owner In WNC
Jordan Schindler relocated his business to Conover, North Carolina and is located in the Manufacturing Solutions Center. He discussed the unique support available to entrepreneurs starting their businesses in the Catawba region.
When Starting A Business, Always Have More Money Than You Need
Brian Leonard of Appalachian Ironworks in Marshall, North Carolina discusses why he loves owning a business in the Western North Carolina region.
Entrepreneur Advice For Personal Development and Wellness
Listen to these experienced entrepreneurs talk about their best practices and advice on tackling the tricky task of taking care of yourself while taking care of your small business. From making time for exercise to balancing family and work, these small business owners share their stories of struggle when it comes to separating their business…
Entrepreneur Advice On Getting And Keeping Customers
Hear from experienced entrepreneurs on how to get and keep customers for your small business. They cover everything from being as transparent and honest as possible with them to not being afraid to pick up the phone and give them a call.
Entrepreneur Advice For Managing Risk
Listen to these entrepreneurs talk about their best advice when it comes to managing risk. They discuss writing down your ideal outcomes, finding the right consultants, having alternative streams of income, anticipating every scenario, and more.
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Please login below. If you do not have an account yet, you can register for free here.Connect & Collaborate With Startup Wilkes on Facebook!
Collaborate with fellow local entrepreneurs, support providers, and our team for all your business needs. Ask questions, get advice, and find a mentor.

Featured Training
How Innovation and Resiliency Can Reinvent Your Small Business
Business models have shifted tremendously over the past several years and consumer behavior has drastically changed. But with any challenge comes new opportunities to reevaluate, recommit, and grow. Entrepreneurs with the ability and vision to innovate are able to step forward during these challenging times to solve problems and strengthen connections. At the end of this training, you'll be one of those entrepreneurs. You'll understand how struggle can be a pathway to resiliency and clearly define the steps you can take to ensure your small business, and your community, thrive in the long term. Note: This training was pre-recorded and is presented by the A-B Tech Small Business Center.
Plug into the Largest Entrepreneur
Resource Directory.
Ever.
Need money? (Is the Pope Catholic?) What about local connections, coaching, spaces, tools, talent, and skills that can help your business grow?
We've got all that and a bag of chips within our directory of entrepreneurial resources. Just click on one of the tabs to the right to get started.