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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.
Make Sure You’re Prepared To Put The Effort Into Your Small Business
Bob Merrill talks about starting and growing his machining business in Brasstown North Carolina.
How Patience Can Pay Off For Your Business
Johnny Wishon of Wishon Evergreens gives us a peek into the world of agri-business and what it takes to start and grow a Christmas tree, wreath, and garland farm in Alleghany County North Carolina. Here's a hint...it takes at least 10 years of patience, hard work, and an awesome staff to keep it going!
Creating A Small Business With Longevity
Ryan Settlemyre, owner of Xscape Attractions in Hudson, NC, lends advice on creating a business with longevity, how to keep your employees happy, and finding success in Caldwell County.
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
Grant Writing for Your Small Business
Finding funding to start or grow a business is, by far, one of the biggest challenges entrepreneurs and small business owners face. Grants are rare, but they’re not unattainable — the right research, skills, and strategy are all crucial components to increasing your application approval odds. During this training, you’ll learn how to harness each of those key components to craft a successful application. You’ll also learn about who provides funding, what they look for in grant candidates, and how the application process works from beginning to end. Note: This training was pre-recorded and is presented by the A-B Tech Small Business Center and Western Women’s Business Center.