Raleigh, N.C.
As North Carolina gears up to celebrate the vibrancy and resilience of its entrepreneurial landscape, Governor Josh Stein has announced the designation of May 3-9, 2026, as Small Business Week. This proclamation highlights the significant contributions of small businesses to the state’s economic fabric.
“North Carolina communities are energized by the one million small businesses that innovate, create jobs, and spur growth,” said Governor Josh Stein. “As we celebrate Small Business Week, we recognize the immense contributions of entrepreneurs statewide and reaffirm our commitment to supporting their success and resiliency by fostering opportunity in every corner of the state.”
Small businesses form an integral part of the local economy, employing nearly half of the private sector workforce, according to N.C. Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley. “Even as we face shifting economic conditions, our commitment is clear: We must continue creating the conditions that allow these entrepreneurs to grow, adapt, and lead,” Lilley emphasized.
In North Carolina, small businesses—defined by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) as firms with fewer than 500 employees—make up more than 99% of all businesses. A 2025 report indicates these businesses employ 1.8 million people across the state.
The entrepreneurial spirit of North Carolina also extends beyond state borders. In 2023, over 9,500 small businesses exported goods, contributing $8.8 billion to the state’s export figures. Such achievements underscore the state’s economic prowess, further highlighted by its recognition in 2025 as the Top State for Business—a testament to its conducive business climate.
Support for small businesses in North Carolina is robust, thanks in part to initiatives like the NCWorks Small Business Work-Based Learning grants. Financed by the American Rescue Plan Act, these grants have aided 480 small businesses, providing training for more than 1,210 individuals.
Another vital program, the One North Carolina Small Business Program, offers nondilutive grants to innovative tech-based firms seeking federal research and technology awards. Over 20 years, the program has supported more than 520 companies, leading to the creation of over 2,000 high-paying jobs and attracting an additional $10 billion in investments. Applications remain open through June 30.
The Rural Economic Development Division plays a pivotal role in bolstering rural small business development. Through various programs, such as the Rural Building Reuse Program and the Main Street and Rural Planning Center, the division aided 2,077 businesses in rural North Carolina in 2025.
Programs like Creating Outdoor Recreation Economies (CORE) help rural areas craft economic strategies that boost tourism and small business growth. CORE has resulted in strategic plans for 26 communities—with one more underway.
In response to Hurricane Helene’s impact, focused efforts have been launched to support small businesses in Western North Carolina. The Commercial District Revitalization (CDR) Program now offers grants to local governments and nonprofits aimed at rejuvenating commercial areas. Applications will be accepted until August 4. Additionally, the Small Business Infrastructure Grant Program has invested nearly $30 million in recovery efforts for business districts, bolstered by the WNC Strong: Helene Business Recovery Fund, which offers flexible loans up to $100,000.
The state’s Division of Workforce Solutions contributed to recovery initiatives with the $500,000 “Hurricane Helene Business Edge Fund,” providing services to help small businesses retain jobs and stabilize the economy post-storm.
A collaborative network of public agencies, educational bodies, and private organizations supports small business growth through training, mentorship, financial aid, technical support, and export services. Resources like NCWorks, community college small business centers, the N.C. Small Business and Technology Development Center, SCORE, the Veterans Business Outreach Center, and the Rural Center together with the Small Business Advisors hotline, offer vital services to the entrepreneurial community.
To learn more about Small Business Week and view Governor Stein’s proclamation, click here.
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