Author: Ben Foster

How to Finance a New Business in Greensboro/Guilford County

May 11, 2026

Key Takeaways

  • Greensboro’s financing ecosystem spans SBA loans, community banks, and local CDFIs, giving business owners more options than most realize.
  • Matching the loan type to the specific use of funds is just as important as finding the right dollar amount.
  • If a traditional lender has said no, mission-driven CDFIs like Piedmont Business Capital and CSBDF were built specifically for that gap.
  • Free counseling from the GTCC Small Business Center, NC A&T SBTDC, and the Nussbaum Center can meaningfully strengthen a loan application before it’s ever submitted.
  • Equity financing through angel investors or venture capital is a strategic fit for high-growth startups, but most Greensboro small businesses are better served by debt financing first.

According to the SBA’s Office of Advocacy, small businesses make up 99.6% of all businesses in North Carolina, and Greensboro is no exception. Since most of these businesses start without sufficient startup capital, many businesses turn to financing. The options, fortunately, are more varied than most people realize.

From SBA-backed loans to Greensboro-based community lenders built specifically for underserved entrepreneurs, this guide maps the financing landscape in Guilford County so you can find the right fit for where you are and where you’re headed.

When Should a Small Business Consider Receiving Financing?

Financing makes sense when the cost of borrowing is lower than the opportunity, stability, or growth it enables, and when your business can realistically service the debt.

Financing works best when it helps grow your business, solves a short-term problem, or invests in something that will generate revenue. Taking on debt to cover a fundamental viability problem rarely ends well. However, a loan that unlocks real revenue, covers a productive asset, or bridges a temporary gap can be a genuine tool for the business.

What Financing Options Are Available in Greensboro, NC?

Finance companies in Greensboro, NC, range from national SBA lenders with local branches to mission-driven nonprofits operating blocks from downtown. The right option depends on your stage, credit profile, intended use of funds, and how quickly you need capital.

Review the following primary financing options available to small businesses in Greensboro:

1. SBA 7(a) Loans

As the most widely used SBA loan program in the country, the 7(a) earns its popularity through sheer flexibility. Funds can cover working capital, equipment, real estate, or refinancing existing debt, making it one of the few options that work across a broad range of business needs.

Most lenders require a credit score of 650–680 or higher, and because underwriting is thorough, expect 30–90 days from application to funding.

  • Best for: Growing or established businesses needing flexible capital. Startups with strong business plans and solid personal credit can qualify, though the bar is higher without operating history.
  • Less ideal for: Businesses that need capital fast or are navigating credit challenges.

2. SBA 504 Loans (via BEFCOR)

Where the 7(a) is flexible, the 504 is purpose-built for major fixed-asset purchases: commercial real estate, construction, large equipment, or significant renovation. The structure involves three parties, with a bank financing roughly 50% of the project, BEFCOR (a North Carolina nonprofit and SBA Certified Development Company) financing 40%, and the business contributing as little as 10% down.

Fixed rates and long terms of 10, 20, or 25 years keep payments predictable. Loan amounts run from $25,000 to $5.5 million, and startups under two years old can still qualify with a 15% down payment.

  • Best for: Established businesses purchasing property, building out a facility, or making a large equipment investment. Manufacturers, medical practices, logistics companies, and food businesses are frequent users.
  • Less ideal for: Businesses needing working capital or flexible funds, since 504 proceeds are restricted to fixed-asset purchases.

3. Community Bank and Credit Union Loans / Lines of Credit

Greensboro has a strong community banking tradition, and for businesses with established credit and banking relationships, it remains one of the most straightforward paths to capital. Term loans deliver a lump sum on a fixed repayment schedule, while revolving lines of credit give businesses ongoing access to funds as cash flow demands.

Funding typically arrives in one to three weeks, and the relationship built with a local banker often pays dividends well beyond a single transaction. Conventional underwriting standards apply, so businesses with credit challenges will find this route more difficult.

  • Best for: Established businesses with solid credit and existing banking relationships looking for working capital or moderate growth capital.
  • Less ideal for: Startups without a financial history or businesses that have had credit difficulties.

4. SBA Microloans

The SBA Microloan Program provides up to $50,000 through nonprofit intermediary lenders, making it a dedicated option for early-stage businesses that need a modest capital injection to get moving. Personal credit and business plan quality still factor into approval, and the GTCC Small Business Center can connect Guilford County entrepreneurs with approved lenders and help them build a competitive application.

  • Best for: Startups and early-stage businesses funding operational expenses, initial inventory, or modest equipment needs.
  • Less ideal for: Businesses needing more than $50,000 or those on a tight timeline.

5. Piedmont Business Capital

Founded in 1992 as the Greensboro Venture Capital Fund, Piedmont Business Capital (PBC) is now a Treasury-certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) headquartered in Greensboro, and one of the most important finance companies in Greensboro, NC, for underserved entrepreneurs. Its mission centers on serving businesses that traditional lenders have overlooked.

PBC offers smaller loan amounts suited to early-stage and underserved businesses, along with subordinated debt, equity investments, and credit-builder products, with an active focus on MWBE lending, healthy food businesses, and community-oriented enterprises. For companies incubating at the Nussbaum Center for Entrepreneurship, PBC also runs a Tenant Loan Program in partnership with the Center.

  • Best for: Minority- and women-owned businesses, veterans, and entrepreneurs who’ve been declined by traditional lenders, run food businesses, and or are early-stage companies at the Nussbaum Center. PBC provides meaningful access to business financing for women and small business financing for veterans that conventional lenders often cannot match.
  • Less ideal for: Businesses that qualify comfortably for conventional financing and don’t need the CDFI’s flexibility.

6. Carolina Small Business Development Fund (CSBDF)

A statewide nonprofit CDFI and SBA Community Advantage lender, CSBDF lends up to $350,000 to both startups and existing businesses across North Carolina, with a particular focus on founders who haven’t been able to access traditional financing.

Worth knowing before you apply: CSBDF requires an initial counseling session with their Business Solutions Team, a step that adds time but helps founders identify the right financing structure before they commit to one.

  • Best for: Startups, businesses that don’t meet conventional lending criteria, and entrepreneurs who would benefit from technical guidance alongside their capital.
  • Less ideal for: Businesses that need funding quickly, since the required counseling step extends the timeline.

7. Angel Investors and Venture Capital

Equity financing differs from debt in one fundamental way: investors provide capital in exchange for an ownership stake, sharing both the upside and the risk. For high-growth startups with scalable business models, that exchange can make good strategic sense. However, for lifestyle businesses or service operations without significant growth ceilings, other financing types are almost always a better fit.

North Carolina’s venture capital ecosystem is concentrated in the Research Triangle, which means Greensboro founders often need to cast a wider net. The NC SBTDC’s private equity services actively connect growth companies with angel funds and VC networks statewide, and Launch Greensboro’s ecosystem, including Greensboro Startup Week, puts founders in front of investors already looking at Triad companies.

  • Best for: High-growth, scalable startups in tech, advanced manufacturing, biotech, or SaaS willing to exchange equity for capital and strategic investor relationships.
  • Less ideal for: Founders who aren’t prepared to share ownership and control, or businesses without a clear high-growth trajectory

How to Finance a New Business: 6 Tips

  • Know what you’re financing before you apply: Lenders want specifics. “Working capital” is too vague, so come prepared to name the exact expense, the timeline, and the expected return.
  • Get your documents ready before you need them: Most lenders require 2–3 years of tax returns, recent bank statements, a P&L, and a business plan. Get ahead of it before the clock starts running.
  • Match the loan to the asset: Use long-term financing like an SBA 504 for long-term assets like real estate. Mismatching loan type and asset life is one of the most common cash flow mistakes small businesses make.
  • Don’t overlook mission-driven lenders: If a bank has declined you, or if you’re a minority, woman, or veteran business owner, CDFIs like Piedmont Business Capital and CSBDF exist specifically to fill that gap, often with technical support built in.
  • Talk to free local resources first: The GTCC Small Business Center, NC A&T SBTDC, and the Nussbaum Center all offer free counseling. A conversation before you apply can save you from the wrong product and strengthen your application.
  • Understand the real cost of fast capital: Online lenders and merchant cash advances offer speed but often carry significantly higher costs. APR is the number that matters, so always ask for it in writing before committing.

How to Choose the Right Financing for Your Business

Match your financing type to your business stage, intended use of funds, credit profile, and timeline for capital needs, because no single option works for every situation.

Practically, that means starting with a few honest questions before approaching any lender. How long have you been operating? Is this a long-term asset purchase or a shorter-term working capital need?

A startup with credit gaps is usually best served by a CDFI or microloan, while a business with years of operating history buying its building is almost certainly in SBA 504 territory.

Are There Grants Available for Small Businesses in Greensboro?

Alongside the many financing options, Greensboro has several small business grants worth knowing about. Top options include:

Check out our guide to Greensboro grant opportunities to learn more about your options.

Turn to the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce for Financing Advice and Entrepreneurial Training

Starting a business can feel overwhelming, especially when financing enters the picture. Through Launch Greensboro, the Chamber connects entrepreneurs with training, mentors, and other business owners who have been through it before. Programs like LaunchLab and Scale to Excel help support businesses at different stages of growth, whether you’re just getting started or preparing to scale.

Learn more about our small business educational programs and explore Chamber membership today.

Greensboro Startups Take the Stage: A Live Pitch Event for Founders and Investors

April 24, 2026

Greensboro’s entrepreneurial community is growing, and Greensboro Startup Week is where that growth gets its moment in the spotlight. Every spring, founders, investors, operators, and business leaders gather for one of the region’s most dynamic innovation events — five days of real conversations, hands-on sessions, and direct access to the people and capital shaping what comes next.

If you haven’t attended before, review our guide to everything you need to know about the week before you register.

Capital Connects: A Live Pitch Event for Startups

The week’s signature event, Capital Connects gives Greensboro startups a live stage at the Carolina Theater on April 30 to pitch bold ideas to investors and community leaders and compete for prizes. Similar to Shark Tank, this Greensboro-based pitch event has run for more than 20 years, launching some of the region’s most recognized companies, with past winners including Sarilla, F3TCH, Blue Recruit, Storage Scholars, and LivWell.

Picture the energy of a live pitch competition television show, applied to the startups shaping your own backyard. High-energy, high-stakes, and free to attend.

Badge registration is free, so there’s no reason not to claim your spot early.

If you’re building something, this event is for you. Startup Week as a whole draws early-stage founders, seasoned operators, venture investors, corporate leaders, and professionals from manufacturing, legal, finance, and beyond.

Students exploring entrepreneurship and experienced executives looking to connect with Greensboro startups are equally at home here. Anyone curious about the Greensboro startup investing scene will find the region’s most promising companies under one roof, alongside the investors and mentors already backing them.

What Is Greensboro Startup Week?

Greensboro Startup Week is a five-day summit built around the theme “Startups That Build Things, Industries that Matter.” Programming focuses on providing entrepreneurial and startup advice at the intersection of advanced industry, with sessions covering aerospace, advanced manufacturing, battery technology, and tech commercialization.

With 400+ attendees and 40+ sessions across the week, the event is designed for people doing the work. Conversations here turn into partnerships, pitches, and next steps. Whether you’re scaling a company, exploring a new venture, or looking to plug into the region’s growing innovation ecosystem, Startup Week was built with you in mind.

Greensboro Startup Week 2026 runs April 27 through May 1 at Launch Greensboro, 111 Bain St, Greensboro, NC. Most sessions take place at Transform – BAIN, the coworking and event space serving as home base for the week.

4 Other Key Events to Attend at Greensboro Startup Week 2026

With 40+ sessions on the calendar, these five are worth putting on your radar first:

  • The Future of Tech Transfer in NC: Kicking off the week on Monday, April 27, NCInnovation CEO Michelle Bolas, NC IDEA President Thom Rhue, and NC IDEA VP Tom Snyder discuss how research institutions and startups are collaborating to turn breakthrough ideas into fundable, scalable companies.
  • The Founders Panel: On Tuesday, April 28, Andy Zimmerman of AZ Development, Detara Williams of Made For Locs, and Matt Hanan share honest perspectives on building and scaling ventures within Greensboro’s ecosystem, covering everything from national retail expansion to downtown revitalization.
  • Fundraising Rules for Raising Capital: Paul Clark of Venture South takes attendees inside the venture capital process on Tuesday afternoon, covering what investors actually look for and how to move from first pitch to closed deal in today’s market.
  • Triad Women in Manufacturing: Leaders from P&G, Honda Aircraft Company, and Banknote Corporation of America gather on Wednesday, April 29, to discuss how modern manufacturing teams drive results across safety, quality, delivery, and beyond. This session is among the week’s sharpest panels for women operating or investing in the region’s industrial sectors.

Register for Greensboro Startup Week

Learn more about Greensboro Startup Week today. If you’re interested in attending, please book your free tickets online.

North Carolina Small Business Help: A Comprehensive Guide

June 10, 2025

Whether you’re opening a business or want to grow an existing one in North Carolina, you can find many resources available to give you the support you need to succeed. From new business counseling and funding resources to hiring support and mentorship programs, North Carolina offers a great deal of assistance to small businesses.
Let’s review the primary support services available to help North Carolina small businesses.

6 Types of Support Services Available for Small Businesses in North Carolina

North Carolina has many small business resources you can access to receive assistance with launching, funding, developing, and managing your business. Review the following top support services for small businesses in North Carolina:

1. Support for Opening Your Business

When you want to start a business in North Carolina, you’ll want to contact Small Business Advisors from the North Carolina Department of Commerce. These advisors offer one-on-one phone consultations for people interested in starting a business, counseling them through each step of the process.
You’ll also want to review the advice and resources the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina offers new businesses. With their team, you can learn how to create a small business plan, decide on a business structure, meet license requirements, and gather tax information. They can also help you identify sources of funding and understand your responsibilities as an employer. Your local chamber of commerce may also offer startup assistance and education programs.

 

2. Funding Resources

Whether you’re launching a business or trying to grow, you’ll likely need outside funding to reach your full potential. The primary funding resources available to North Carolina business owners include:

  • Small Business Center Network (SBCN) Funding Advice: Before you look for funding for your business, you can review funding advice from the SBCN. They have multiple resources for business owners who want to be fully informed while they search for funding.
  • SBTDC’s Funding Resources: SBTDC has a full guide for capital opportunities that provides information about financial resources available to small businesses. They also have private equity initiatives that help companies receive counseling assistance when they’re seeking funding from venture capitalists and/or angel investors.
  • Technology Funding: If you operate a business that performs research and development, you may be qualified for technology-related Federal funding. For example, the Small Business Technology Transfer and Small Business Innovation Research programs offer grants to businesses.

3. Hiring Support

Need help hiring top-tier talent for your organization? The following resources can help you find new hires and receive hiring-related grants or tax credits:

  • NCWorks.gov: If you’re looking to hire new employees, NCWorks.gov is a free job search site designed for business owners and those looking for employment in NC. The site gives businesses the tools they need to access labor market data, search for ideal candidates, post job listings, review resumes, and track applicants.
  • Grants and Tax Credits for Hiring or Training Employees: North Carolina offers several workforce grants for businesses that want to upskill their employees to better meet their industry’s needs. The Federal government also offers the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC), which provides a tax credit to businesses that hire people from eligible groups who face barriers to employment but are qualified for the position. Alongside the WOTC, employees can receive tax benefits when they hire and accommodate people with disabilities.
  • Local Chamber of Commerce Resources: Your city’s chamber of commerce should have resources for businesses looking to hire new talent. For example, the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce has a talent and workforce guide for finding and retaining employees.

4. Business Development and Marketing Assistance

After you’ve launched your business, business development resources and marketing advice can help it grow. North Carolina business owners can access the following marketing and business development programs:

  • Training Programs From SBTDC: SBTDC provides several online training programs for businesses that employers can access.
  • Thomas Entrepreneurship Hub Events: The Thomas Entrepreneurship Hub hosts a variety of events designed to help North Carolina businesses grow their business. These events and webinars cover topics like financing, time management, using social media to market a business, and bookkeeping basics.
  • Market Research Support: SBTDC and SBCN both offer market research services for small businesses. SBTDC’s marketing analysts can help you better understand and analyze data while creating a marketing plan. SBCN’s marketing research program focuses on ensuring small business owners understand their market.
  • Local Chamber of Commerce Business Development Programs: If you’re looking for local business development assistance, your chamber of commerce should have programs available to you. The Greensboro Chamber of Commerce offers a variety of business development programs, such as Launch Greensboro, which aims to accelerate growth for small business owners and entrepreneurs.

5. Networking Opportunities

Knowing other business owners and entrepreneurs in your area can be huge for your business’s overall success. Your local chamber of commerce should offer networking events and opportunities for you to meet other entrepreneurs in the area. Whether you want to talk shop or develop connections with others in your industry, you won’t want to pass up networking opportunities in your area.

6. Mentorship Programs

Some mentorship programs are available for small businesses in North Carolina. Partially funded by the U.S. Small Business Administration, SCORE mentoring is a free service offered to U.S.-based businesses or entrepreneurs with a business idea. Once you fill out a mentoring request form and provide your zip code, you’ll be matched with a local SCORE mentor right for your business.
If you’re looking for a mentor who knows your area and target demographics, you’ll also want to check if your local chamber of commerce offers mentorship programs. The Greensboro Chamber of Commerce, for instance, has mentorship opportunities for college students and local entrepreneurs.

Greensboro Chamber of Commerce: Supporting Small Businesses in NC

If you’re looking for small business support services in Greensboro, North Carolina, the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce has you covered. With networking and mentorship opportunities, resource information, educational programs for entrepreneurs, community events, and talent development advice, we’re confident we can help your business reach its full potential.
Learn more about how the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce can serve your small business today.

5 Marketing Strategies and Tips For Small Businesses

February 6, 2025

If you own a small business in Greensboro, NC, getting your name out is essential for your business’s success. Whether you’re opening up a new bakery or launching a private practice, you need to have a plan for how to reach your target audience. As you focus on improving your advertising efforts, take a moment to review our top marketing tips for small businesses.

How to Market a Small Business: 5 Small Business Marketing Tips

From researching your competition and setting up a Google Business profile to partnering with local influencers and diversifying your marketing channels, you have lots of ways to improve your marketing strategy. If you want to learn more about how to market a small business, review our top five advertising tips for small businesses below:

1. Research Your Competition’s Marketing Efforts

Before you launch your marketing efforts, it can help to know what your competitors are doing to advertise their businesses and how they’re pricing their products or services. For instance, if you find that they’re selling their product for a higher price than you were planning on, you could make your lower prices a key part of your marketing efforts. You could also evaluate how effective a competitor’s marketing strategies have been, using that information to help you know what you should focus on.

Doing this research can also help you find gaps in your competitors’ marketing strategies. If they’re not advertising to consumers you think would actually benefit from your business, you can start focusing on addressing that gap and bringing in new customers. Alongside helping your marketing strategy, you can use competitor information to create a more successful business plan.

2. Set Up a Google Business Profile

Setting up a Google Business is free and one of the easiest ways you can get your business’s name out in your community. With a Google Business profile, you can make sure your business shows up on Google Maps and in search results.

This profile also allows Google users to immediately see your website, hours, location, and phone number, raising the chance they visit your business or browse your site. Make sure to verify ownership and optimize your My Business account to raise the chance your company shows up higher in local search results.

Since Google states that verified businesses are twice as likely to be considered reputable, an added bonus of a Google Business profile is that it helps you gain credibility quickly. Your Google Business profile also makes it possible to interact with customers who left reviews, showing future users that you care about your customers’ experience. Additionally, you can post photos that showcase your products or services to attract consumers to your business.

3. Make Sure You Diversify Your Marketing Efforts

While going through traditional marketing channels can still be effective, you don’t want to pigeonhole your business into a restrictive marketing strategy. For example, if you only promote your business with physical media, like signs, billboards, and print ads, you’ll miss out on reaching lots of customers who are more likely to be swayed via digital marketing efforts.

When you market your business on social media, make sure you have a diverse marketing strategy as well. Don’t get stuck only using one social media platform or one type of content. Since short video content is very popular right now, you wouldn’t want to just produce written content (e.g., blogs, how-to articles, etc.). Instead, you’d want to pair your written content with video content on TikTok, YouTube Shorts, Facebook Stories, and Instagram Reels.

4. Collaborate With Local Influencers and Media Outlets

Unless you’re a national brand, it’s probably not worth paying a celebrity or influencer to advertise your products or services. However, collaborating with local influencers can be well worth it, as they’ll give your business credibility with followers who actually live in your city. Before you collaborate with an influencer, make sure their audience matches your target demographic and that the influencer matches your brand values.

Even though legacy media outlets aren’t as popular as they once were, it can still be worth engaging with them. Whether you take out an ad in your local newspaper, do an interview with your news station, or have your CEO appear on a local radio station, reaching out to local media makes sure more people start to notice your business. Additionally, many local media options can be free or low-cost, meaning you won’t be taking much of a financial risk, if any.

5. Put Quality Ahead of Quantity Online

When you’re working on your online marketing strategy, you might be tempted to try to create as many blogs as you can to start getting your business to rank higher. While it’s great to have a strong web presence, many businesses try to off-source their articles and other types of content to LLMs, like ChatGPT, or they try to have one person write more blogs than they can handle a day.

Both options often lead to low-quality work, inaccurate information, and lost trust from potential clients or customers. Search engines like Google also penalize sites that publish low-quality content and have spammy practices, causing these sites to rank lower in search results.

As you drive traffic to your website with original content, focus more on producing a few high-quality, well-researched blogs or articles every month rather than multiple blogs a day. You’ll usually want to stick to blog topics that relate to your business, and it can pay to work with SEO experts who can find the right keywords to target and help you develop a more effective online marketing strategy.

Turn to the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce for Small Business Marketing Advice

If you’re looking for more small business marketing advice in Greensboro, the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce can help. We regularly host networking events where new business owners can connect with marketing professionals and other business owners to pick their brains about advertising. Launch Greensboro also includes multiple programs designed to help small business owners develop an effective marketing strategy. With our many resources and network of local entrepreneurs, we’re confident we can support your business’s growth.

Learn more about Launch Greensboro today. If you have any questions about the ways we can help you improve your marketing efforts, please contact us.

How to Obtain a Certificate of Origin for North Carolina Businesses

January 15, 2025

If you own a business that ships products internationally, you’ll need a Certificate of Origin for the products you plan to ship out of the United States. These certificates are vital for global trade, helping businesses sell their goods internationally and governments better control the flow of trade into their countries. As you prepare to ship your products from North Carolina to another country, you should know how to obtain a Certificate of Origin from your local Chamber of Commerce.

What Is a Certificate of Origin for a Business?

A Certificate of Origin is an important document used in international trade. This document shows which country an imported good comes from, determines whether a product qualifies for preferential treatment under trade agreements, and verifies that businesses are following tariff and customs requirements. It also confirms that goods aren’t being imported from countries under trade sanctions or other restrictions. Finally, a Certificate of Origin protects worker’s rights by verifying that products haven’t been produced under exploitative or unethical conditions.

In the United States, most Certifications of Origin are digital and issued by a Chamber of Commerce. To receive one, you’ll need to register with your local Chamber of Commerce, apply for a Certificate of Origin, and wait for your local chamber to verify your Certificate of Origin and issue it to you.

How to Obtain a Certificate of Origin in North Carolina

If you need a Certificate of Origin, you can follow a few simple steps to receive one. Below, you can find the six steps for receiving and using a Certificate of Origin in North Carolina below:

1. Find Your Local Chamber of Commerce

Since Chambers of Commerce are responsible for issuing Certificate of Origin documents, you’ll want to start by visiting your local chamber’s website or office to see how they can help. Your local Chamber of Commerce should provide you with the necessary documentation and provide instructions on how to complete your application.

If you have a business in Greensboro, North Carolina, the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce has a Certificates of Origin program to help local businesses. While visiting this program’s page, you can find out how to register and apply for a Certificate of Origin electronically or through the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce’s office.

2. Register Your Business With Your Chamber of Commerce

Your next step will be to register your business with your local Chamber of Commerce. Since most chambers provide electronic Certificates of Origin, you can likely register online.

3. Apply for the Certificate of Origin

After you’ve registered your business with your local chamber, you should be able to submit an application for a Certificate of Origin through your local chamber’s online system. While filling out the application, you’ll need to provide information about the importer’s and exporter’s details, the goods being shipped, and the country of origin.

If you’re importing identical goods over multiple importations, you’ll need to apply for a blanket certificate, so you don’t have to apply for multiple COAs for identical goods. This blanket certificate will allow you to import identical products over a 12-month period without having to apply for another COA.

4. Wait for Your Chamber of Commerce to Review Your Application

Once you’ve turned in your Chamber of Commerce Certificate of Origin application to your local chamber, you’ll need to wait for them to review it. While they review it, they’ll make sure your product meets various international guidelines and rules for trade. Part of their verification process will involve checking that all your documentation is completed and verifying that your goods were actually produced where you said they were.

5. Receive Your Certificate of Origin

After your local chamber has verified your Certificate of Origin application, they’ll issue a Certificate of Origin to you electronically. When you first receive your certificate, it will have a unique identification number, and you’ll likely have to enter a QR code for verification.

6. Wait for the Importing Country to Verify Your Certificate of Origin’s Authenticity

Before the country you’re exporting your goods to lets you bring your products across their borders, they’ll check that your Certificate of Origin is authentic. Typically, they’ll just need to scan the Certificate of Origin’s QR code or enter its unique identification number while using the Internal Chamber of Commerce’s verification platform for Certificates of Origin. After verifying the authenticity of your certificate, the importing country should allow your goods to be shipped to customers or distributors within their borders.

Receive a Certificate of Origin Through the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce

If you have a business based in Greensboro, NC, and need a Certificate of Origin, the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce can help. Our Certificate of Origin program makes it easy for businesses to register their business and apply for a Chamber of Commerce Certificate of Origin online. When you’re a member of the Chamber, our Certificates or Origin cost $25, while non-members can receive one for $50. Alongside providing Chamber-stamped Certificates of Origin, our collaboration with the American World Trade Chamber of Commerce allows us to offer other export-related documents.

Learn more about our Certificates of Origin program and register your business today. If you have any questions about your registration or application, you can call us at (336) 387-8301.

What to Look for in a Small Business Class

November 12, 2024

Whether you’re a seasoned business owner or just getting started, a small business class can be a great way to develop your skills, network with other leaders, and improve your business’s operations. As a business owner, however, you’re likely busy and don’t want to waste your time in classes or business seminars that won’t help.

Fortunately, you can narrow your search and ensure you attend a class worth your time by knowing a few qualities to look for in excellent small business classes.

5 Things to Look for in Small Business Classes

Maximizing the value you receive from a small business class begins with knowing what to look for. For example, making sure the material is relevant and the instructor has relevant experience can both be ways to verify the class will be actually useful to you. As you search for a class, review the top five qualities to look for in a small business class below:

1. Material Relevant to Your Business or Weaknesses

While it might seem obvious, the first thing you should look for in a small business class is its relevance to your business. Typically, you’ll get more out of the class if you choose one that aligns with your industry or the specific challenges you face in your business. For example, a small retail business may benefit from a class that focuses on inventory management and e-commerce strategies, while a service-based business might need more guidance on client acquisition or project management.

Alongside looking for classes that focus on your industry, it can be beneficial to consider your weaknesses. For example, if you make a great product but struggle to sell it, taking a class on marketing could help you address the issue and better advertise your product to your target customers.

2. Educators With Strong Backgrounds in Your Field

A good small business class should have an experienced and knowledgeable teacher. After all, you don’t want to show up to a class only to realize that the instructor doesn’t have any real-world experience running a business.

Before you sign up for a course, read over the bios of featured speakers and educators for the class. You might also want to look them up online to learn more about their accomplishments, grants they’ve received, past business seminars they’ve spoken at, and their experience with the subject matter they’re teaching. If you can find online reviews for past versions of the class that mention the instructor’s quality, checking them can be useful for deciding if the class is worth your time and money.

3. Opportunities to Network With Other Business Owners in Your Area or Industry

Success often comes down to who you know, and a small business class should encourage you to connect with other attendees. Meeting other local business owners can help you better understand your community and create long-standing relationships that could lead to collaboration. Additionally, it can give you the chance to develop a support network of other like-minded business owners who are dedicated to improving their businesses just like you.

If the class doesn’t take place in your area, it can still be useful to meet other business owners in your industry. They can likely give you new insights on how to grow your business, attract new customers, receive a business license, acquire talent, and better manage your finances or operations. Since networking can be so beneficial, check if the class provides time to mingle and has dedicated networking times. In-person classes may also be more useful for networking than those offered virtually.

4. Track Record of Helping Business Owners Succeed Following the Course

Another way to verify that a class will provide you with valuable information is to see if past attendees have gained greater success after completing the class. A good class will usually advertise success stories or have a testimonials section on their website to showcase how past students have applied what they learned to their business. If the class has online reviews, review them for any red or green flags.

If possible, speaking with past attendees is a great way to get a more accurate perspective on the class. Whether it’s talking to other business owners who have taken the class or requesting contact information of past attendees from the course, doing your due diligence can be well worth it. By knowing the pros and cons of the class, you can make a well-informed decision about whether to attend.

5. Resources and Opportunities for Post-Class Support

When you’re looking for a class, see if they offer resources you can take with you after the course is over. For example, recordings of lectures, copies of PowerPoints, and any guides they’ve presented can all be useful to remind yourself of what you learned years after taking the course. You might also want to attend a class that provides additional readings and materials that you can take advantage of to learn more about the topic after the class ends.

Classes that offer some form of support after the class ends can also help you continue to apply the material you learned to your business. Post-class support might include an opportunity to meet with other past students monthly to hold each other accountable. Some instructors might also offer mentorship opportunities, which can be incredibly useful when you’re still learning the ropes.

Attend a Small Business Class at the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce

At the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce, we’re dedicated to helping small business owners and entrepreneurs through a variety of classes and networking events. Our LaunchCamp and LaunchLab 101 are two programs perfect for those who need assistance starting a business. If you’re looking for help growing your business, LaunchLab Growth is a 14-week entrepreneurship program focused on accelerating a business’s growth. Scale to Excel is another flagship program that offers minority business owners the chance to receive executive education, management know-how, and a business support system.

Learn more about Launch Greensboro and our other small business advisory programs today. If you have any questions about our educational programs, please contact us.

A Guide to Greensboro Networking: Everything You Need to Know

October 3, 2024

Whether you’re a seasoned business leader or a young professional based in Greensboro, North Carolina, you’ll want to take advantage of the city’s many networking events and groups. As you search for networking opportunities in Greensboro, take a moment to learn more about how the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce helps business leaders, community members, and professionals connect!

What’s the Business Networking Culture Like in Greensboro?

Greensboro has a welcoming and vibrant business networking culture where you can grow professionally and meet others who will inspire you to reach new heights. Unlike traditional networking events, where you might meet someone quickly and exchange business cards before moving on, networking events hosted by the Chamber of Commerce focus on developing long-lasting connections. Due to this focus, we offer multiple chances for community members, business leaders, and professionals to meet and support one another.

How to Find Greensboro Networking Events and Groups

When you’re looking for Greensboro networking groups, the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce is ready to help. We regularly host networking events and groups you can attend, such as Coffee & Conversation, Lunch with Leaders, and WE Connect. If you’d like to stay up to date on the latest Greensboro networking groups and events, review our networking page and keep an eye on our event calendar.

Networking Events in Greensboro, NC

Whether you’re interested in growing professionally, connecting with other business leaders, or finding new career opportunities, you can take advantage of many networking events in Greensboro. Review our top Greensboro networking groups and events below:

1. impact.Lunch With Leaders

impact.Lunch With Leaders is presented by Leadership Greensboro and gives attendees the chance to learn from trailblazing business leaders. While attending these lunches, you’ll hear from leaders committed to collaboration, positive change, and inclusivity in their community and the world at large.

Past speakers include Glenn Dobrogosz (CEO of the Greensboro Science Center), Clay Campbell (President of Martinsville Speedway), and Brent Christensen (President & CEO of the Greensboro Chamber). These lunches take place quarterly at various locations throughout Greensboro.

2. Coffee & Conversation

Held monthly and sponsored by Cone Health, Coffee & Conversation combines educational programming with networking to give attendees an opportunity to connect with others and learn more about important economic issues affecting Greensboro. At these meetings, community members, organizations, and businesses discuss a wide range of topics, such as the following:

  • Talent development
  • Entrepreneur support
  • Local agendas
  • Economic growth
  • City and county-wide initiatives

During the networking portion of these meetings, participants are encouraged to share information about their business or organization. By sharing this information with one another, attendees can receive invaluable advice, connect with like-minded business leaders, and create meaningful connections with community members. If you’re interested in attending, Coffee & Conversation is held at Sagewell Health & Fitness on the third Thursday of every month.

3. WE Connect

WE Connect is the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce’s women’s networking group that aims to maximize the impact of strategic connections and strong leadership for women in Greensboro. As a women-led group, all of the topics discussed at this networking group are chosen for women, by women. Typically, meetings focus on empowerment, leadership development, and education.

If you’d like to attend, WE Connect usually takes place once a month and is hosted at the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce. Additionally, meetings are open to all female-identifying individuals.

4. Networking Bootcamp

Don’t feel confident networking? Our Networking Bootcamps are great opportunities to develop your skills, build your confidence, and network with other attendees. At these bootcamps, we provide training and table discussions designed to prepare you for future events and improve your ability to make strategic connections. Our Networking Bootcamps take place quarterly, and we encourage anyone who’s new to networking to join us!

Find Greensboro Networking Groups and Events with the Chamber

When you’re looking for additional support and the opportunity to network with other professionals, turn to the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce. We’re always looking for new ways we can help businesses, professionals, and community members connect with one another and grow together. Alongside the networking groups we highlighted above, we offer various talent development resources you can use to grow as a young or seasoned professional!

Learn more about our networking opportunities. If you have any questions or want to find an event, please review our calendar or contact us.

5 Greensboro Small Businesses Making an Impact on Our Community

September 10, 2024

As part of our efforts to highlight outstanding businesses in Greensboro, North Carolina, the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the winners of our 2024 Small Business Awards. After thousands of votes poured in, GreensboroBLACK, Griswold Home Care, Charles Aris Executive Search, Greensboro Power Studios, and Epic Chophouse came out as winners.

5 Winners of the 2024 Small Business Awards

Our Small Business Awards are awarded annually to Greensboro businesses and are meant to celebrate the remarkable contributions the winners have made to our city. The winning Greensboro small businesses were nominated by community members for their impact on the local economy and voted on by thousands of residents. Find out more about each of these winning Greensboro businesses and how they’re a driving force behind the city’s economic development below:

1. GreensboroBLACK – Winner of the Community Contributor Award

Founded in 2012 by Jackie White, MBA, GreensboroBLACK is the winner of the 2024 Community Contributor Award. As a safe online community for black business owners, GreensboroBLACK highlights black-owned and operated businesses in the Greensboro Triad area. Since their opening, they’ve spotlighted many black-owned businesses in Greensboro, ensuring these companies have the exposure they need to succeed.

GreensboroBLACK’s track record of championing exceptional businesses in Greensboro has made it a go-to source for community members looking for black-owned businesses to support. From retailers and home repair companies to food vendors and realtors, the company has helped a wide selection of Greensboro small businesses get their name out in the Triad. As a result, the company is well-deserving of the Community Contributor Award.

2. Griswold Home Care – Winner of the Small Business of the Year Award

Griswold Home Care of Greensboro has served older adults in the Triad for over 12 years and is the winner of the 2024 Small Business of the Year award. As an award-winning pioneer in the home care industry, Griswold prides itself on helping community members “age in place” by assisting with daily activities while remaining independent and engaged in the community. In 2023, Griswold provided over 351,000 hours of care to community members, showcasing their commitment to aging adults in Greensboro.

They also founded the local chapter of Adult Children of Aging Parents, have staff in leadership roles at the Triad Retirement Living Association, and regularly provide services to Greensboro’s veteran population. Another testament to their excellent care is the many awards their local Greensboro office has received for maintaining high-performance standards, such as winning Home Care Pulse’s “Employer of Choice,” “Leader in Experience,” and “Provider of Choice” awards. Our Small Business of the Year award couldn’t go to a more deserving company in Greensboro.

3. Charles Aris Executive Search – Winner of the Culture Creator Award

As the winner of the Culture Creator Award, Charles Aris Executive Search has established itself as a company dedicated to fostering an equitable and inclusive work environment. Due to their commitment to fostering employee well-being and development, they offer unbeatable support to their employees. They’re also known for creating a family-friendly workplace culture, ensuring parents on their team can maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Alongside creating an incredible workplace culture, they quickly find and deliver world-class leaders to their clients. As a functionally aligned recruiting firm, Charles Aris focuses on finding top talent in five specific roles: sales & marketing, finance & corporate development, executive leadership, engineering & operations, and strategy & go-to-market. Their success in finding top talent among these roles in nine industries makes them a top choice for businesses who want to improve their business operations and grow their company.

4. Greensboro Power Studios – Winner of the Pivot Pro Award

Greensboro Power Studios is a boutique fitness studio that offers a variety of fitness offerings. This woman-owned business is the winner of the Pivot Pro Award and has become a go-to designation for Greensobro residents who want to achieve their fitness goals in an encouraging, fun environment.

When you look for a class at Greensboro Power Studios, you can find a selection of options, such as power yoga and power strength training. This heated power yoga studio also offers unheated and heated classes, ensuring every member can find a group training class right for them. If you’re looking for a physically challenging workout in a safe space, you’ll want to give Greensboro Power Studios a try!

5. Epic Chophouse – Winner of the Ignition Award

As the winner of the Ignition Award, Epic Chophouse Greensboro has grown rapidly since its opening and has become a favorite dining location for many Greensboro residents. Their commitment to delivering the highest-quality fine-dining experience has powered their success, providing exceptional food, drinks, and service to their diners.

They are also quickly contributing to the local economy and giving job-seeking residents an opportunity for a rewarding career in fine dining. Whether you’re looking for a restaurant that only serves the finest cuts of USDA prime & top-choice meats or a classy dining experience for a date night, you’ll want to check out Epic Chophouse. Just make sure to make a reservation, as the restaurant’s tables tend to fill up quickly!

Get Ahead With the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce

If you run a business in Greensboro, the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce is here to serve you. As champions of economic development in the Triad area, our team is always looking for ways we can help small businesses grow and connect with other business leaders. We regularly develop local talent, host networking events, and champion local entrepreneurs, ensuring Greensboro businesses have all the resources and tools they need to reach their goals.

Learn more about how we can help your small business succeed today. If you’d like to get started working with our team, take a moment to review our Chamber membership.

Six Tips for Business Networking as an Intern

August 7, 2024

by Jayla Martin-Beasley

 

Interns are often told by supervisors and mentors that “Networking is key!” and that “Networking will set you up for a good career!” But what does that really mean?

Networking has always been important. Learning how to connect and build a network is essential at every point in a career, from business owners and entrepreneurs to CEOs and other executives. People build connections to find out about opportunities and form mutually beneficial relationships.

So how should you go about networking as an intern? Here are six key principles to keep in mind:

1. Be in the Room Where it Happens

To meet people, you’ve got to be where the people are. Asking to sit in on meetings and attend events with your supervisors lets you be introduced to their associates and connections. You can also look up social and networking events in your area and attend those.

Just putting yourself out there is a great start. The more people see you, the more likely they are to remember you later on, even if it’s just a “Hey your face seems familiar!”

And remember: summer internships can pave the road for a lifetime of success, which is why it can be helpful to learn how to make the most out of your summer internship.

2. Start with Other Interns

If you’re nervous about meeting new people, especially higher-level executives, start your networking journey with other interns in your company or area. It can be much easier to relate and connect since you are in the same place career-wise, so don’t be shy about introducing yourself and asking them about their internship experience.

By showing solidarity and helping each other grow, you can make connections that will last throughout your growing careers.

3. Move Outside Your Circles

Networking within your industry is a no-brainer, but many roles and positions interact from job to job. You will work with and cross paths with people of all industries and roles, so don’t dismiss a networking opportunity just because it’s not in the industry you intend to work in.

Arming yourself with connections and knowledge from all kinds of people will make you a more well-rounded and knowledgeable person.

4. Keep a Portfolio of Your Success

Throughout your internship, keep a mental list of successes so you can work them into your portfolio. Part of an internship means taking on projects and assignments to build your skillset and develop yourself professionally and being able to share those accomplishments and demonstrate your abilities is a big part of marketing yourself.

It is incredibly rewarding to be able to point to specific projects and successes that you had a hand in, and it will help you to stand out.

5. Keep Track of Information

Even if you talk to a hundred people at an event, it doesn’t help you if you don’t have their names or contact information at the end of it. It can be hard to remember people’s names, faces, and roles, so it’s never a bad idea to keep a list of the people you meet. Always ask politely for a business card or email and offer your own in return.

Social media sites like LinkedIn make this part a lot easier! Most professionals these days exchange LinkedIn profiles like business cards, so it’ll be crucial to have one and keep it updated.

6. Circle Back, Circle Back, Circle Back!

Connections are like plants; Once you’ve got one, keep nurturing it. Coming back to the connections you’ve made thoughtfully and regularly ensures those relationships stay strong and help people remember you. Hit up that Linkedin connection you made a while back when you’re in town and see if they want to get lunch! Even if they aren’t available, it’s good form and shows that you remember them.

Another way to circle back is to put names forward when you can. If your organization has a vendor or other procurement need, reaching out to your connection and putting their name forward is a thoughtful way to stay well-connected.

 

There are many benefits of networking. Being well-connected can help interns stand out in a competitive job market. Maintaining connections with professionals in your industry can make you more memorable and increase your chances of being considered for employment. While you look for other networking events in Greensboro, focusing on these principles will help you connect, stand out, and reap the rewards.

Greensboro Chamber of Commerce: Helping Entrepreneurs of All Ages Succeed

Looking for more advice on networking and getting started in the world of business? Greensboro Chamber of Commerce is here to help, whether you’re starting your own business, looking to expand your referral network, or if you’re getting started in the business world.

Contact our team to learn how we can help you!

5 Greensboro Minority-Owned Businesses You Can Support in 2024

July 31, 2024

One of the best parts of Greensboro, North Carolina, is its diversity, with many black and minority-owned businesses residents and visitors can support. Whether you’re looking for a sweet treat or someone to build your home, Greensboro has lots of options. If you’d like to support the Greensboro community in 2024, take a moment to learn more about some of the best minority-owned businesses in Greensboro.

5 Greensboro Black-Owned Businesses

Greensboro is home to many black-owned businesses that play a vital role in the community and their respective industries. As you look for businesses you can proudly support, check out some of our favorite black-owned businesses in Greensboro below:

1. Sharpe Pursuits Incorporated

Sharpe Pursuits Incorporated (SP3) is an event-planning company founded in Greensboro in 1999. SP3’s full-time staff of wedding planners, event designers, technicians, disc jockeys, and event producers can make any event unforgettable for all your guests. Whether you need high-quality audio, video, and lighting for a corporate conference, a disc jockey for a party, or a wedding planner for your dream wedding, SP3’s team has you covered.

2. Skyline Video Pros

If you need drone photographs or videos, Skyline Video Pros is Greensboro’s premier option. Founded by David Small in 2017, Skyline Video Pros is highly regarded for David’s thorough approach and creative flair. In addition to drone photography and video services, they perform drone pilot training and 2D and 3D mapping. Whether you’re a real estate agent who wants to make your listings stand out or a local musician who needs captivating shots for a music video, you can trust Skyline Video Pros to deliver exceptional results.

3. Savor the Moment Bakery

Savor the Moment Bakery is a three-generation family-owned bakery and dessert cafe. As one of the most popular spots in Greensboro for tasty treats, you can enjoy their signature crunch cheesecakes, decorated cougar cookies, ice cream, cinnamon rolls, pies, milkshakes, smoothies, and coffees whenever you drop by. They can also cater large events, and you can even rent out their space!

4. Monte Edwards Group, LLC

Monte Edwards Group (MEG), LLC was founded with the goal of becoming a leading customer-focused project and program management firm. Since its founding, MEG has brought its executive management skills to over 100 projects. From project management and facilities management to consulting and disaster recovery services, MEG offers a number of services perfect for businesses and municipalities looking to improve.

5. African American Art & More

Since it was founded in 1989 as a gallery specializing in black art and artists, African American Art & More has been a family-owned business in Greensboro. The store has continued to grow over the years and now offers a variety of products, such as body oils, jewelry, books, and other items you won’t find anywhere else in Greensboro. Through their subsidiary Greekstuff.com, you can also purchase clothing, bags, and other Greek/Mason/OES products that highlight your pride in your fraternity or sorority!

Other Minority-Owned Businesses in Greensboro
Alongside the black-owned businesses in Greensboro highlighted above, the city is home to many other minority-owned businesses. If you’d like to support other minority-owned businesses in Greensboro, review our list below:

Learn More About Accelerate Greensboro

Many of the minority-owned businesses highlighted in this article also have participated in Accelerate Greensboro, which connects companies with minority-owned suppliers. This Greensboro Chamber of Commerce program aims to increase the economic vitality of the region while also creating opportunities for underrepresented groups. Since the program launched in 2017, Accelerate Greensboro portfolio companies have seen a $11 million increase in revenue.

Learn more about Accelerate Greensboro today to see how the program can help you grow your business. If you’re looking for other minority-owned businesses to support in Greensboro, the Chamber’s guide makes it easy to find them.

We know and grow Greensboro.