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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.
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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.
Learning Your Limits As A New Entrepreneur
Esther Blakely, owner of Cataloochee Valley Tours in Waynesville, sheds light on finding funding, learning about your limits as an entrepreneur, and overcoming unexpected administrative obstacles.
How To Give Customers A Unique Experience At Your Business
Keisha Dockery, founder of Black and White Market shares her experience of owning a business in beautiful downtown Murphy, North Carolina.
How To Turn Weakness Into Opportunity For Your Business
Robbie Freeman, Owner of Freeman Family Chiropractic discusses how to deal with weaknesses as an entrepreneur and gives advice about just getting started.
Entrepreneur Advice For Growing Your Small Business
Listen to these entrepreneurs talk about the challenges, setbacks, and successes they experienced while growing their businesses. From finding funding to pitching your small business to investors, to knowing when it’s time to hire more team members, they give their advice as business owners with thriving companies.
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.
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.
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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
Things To Consider When Building Your Brand
Your brand is so much more than just your logo — it's your story and reputation. That's why it's important to focus on building your brand when you're building your small business. In this training, you'll learn why having a consistent look and feel throughout your marketing campaigns helps create a professional, relatable brand that your customers will keep coming back to. You'll also discover why your voice, mission statement, and value proposition are crucial parts of your brand. Note: This training was pre-recorded and is presented by the A-B Tech Small Business Center.