4 Ways Greensboro Chamber of Commerce Supports Local Small Businesses

April 10, 2025

If you’re a small business owner who’s considering joining the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce, you might be wondering how the Chamber supports businesses like yours. From hosting networking events and helping new companies receive business licenses in Greensboro, NC, to supporting minority-owned businesses and advocating for Greensboro-centric legislation, we do our best to ensure businesses have all the support they need to succeed.
As you consider partnering with the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce, find out more about the four primary ways the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce helps small businesses.

1. Hosting Entrepreneurship and Educational Programs

When you’re planning on starting a new small business or already have a business that you want to improve, you can likely benefit from our Launch entrepreneurship programs. LaunchCamp is a weekend-long training program for entrepreneurs who are introducing new products/services or planning to launch a business. In the program, you’ll learn how to use the Lean Startup approach while creating a framework for growing your business.
LaunchLab 101 is another one of our programs for new business owners. This five-week program (held once a week) covers setting up a corporate and financial structure, developing customer personas, determining whether a business has intellectual property, and creating marketing strategies. Established business owners looking to grow their business can take part in LaunchLab Growth, which is a 14-work program that aims to accelerate your business’s growth. You can also receive advice about receiving business loans in Greensboro if you need more capital to scale.

2. Providing Networking Opportunities

The best business owners know that who they know can be just as important as what they know. Since having a diverse network of fellow business owners and leaders to rely on can be essential to a business’s success, the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce offers multiple networking opportunities to professionals and business leaders in Greensboro. Our most popular network events include Coffee & Conversation, WE Connect, and our new On the Go series. We even offer Networking Bootcamps to help business leaders make stronger connections.
With a wide variety of businesses and leaders attending these events, you can pick their brains for advice and information you’re not familiar with. For example, if you’ve realized you need small business IT support in Greensboro, you can talk with other participants about who they’ve worked with for their IT needs. You might also want to talk about business insurance in Greensboro, NC, or any other topic you’re looking for greater clarity on. Whatever your question, networking events are great ways to get answers!

3. Advocating for Greensboro-Centric Legislative Agendas

We’re proud to advocate for Greensboro small businesses and residents at the NC General Assembly, Greensboro City Council, and other relevant legislative bodies. For example, we supported North Carolina’s $8b 2021 infrastructure investment that aimed to modernize transportation, broadband, sewer, and public education infrastructure in the state. We also supported the 2019 Small Business Healthcare Act and Senate Bill 228 in 2021, which allowed employers to offer EPO Benefits Plans.
Alongside our past accomplishments, we’re currently advocating for the Eastern Triad Workforce, Ready Ready’s development of an Integrated Data System for children’s educational programs, and a variety of other initiatives, partnerships, and programs. If you believe your business could benefit from new legislation, the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce can help walk you through that process and give you additional support if the new program or initiative is implemented.

4. Helping Minority-Owned Businesses Scale

If you operate a minority-owned business in Greensboro, our Scale to Excel program is designed to help your business scale. The cohort-based program provides a business support system, executive education, and management know-how, helping business owners improve their business while making last connections with other entrepreneurs.
While the tuition cost for this program is $10,000, the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce and community partners subsidize the total tuition cost, making the program extremely accessible. Based on 2022 Assessment data, businesses that have taken part in the program have seen an average 36% growth rate in revenue, $2,400,000 in new contracts (per firm), and a 4x job creation rate compared to the private sector.

Join the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce

Due to the many ways we support many local Greensboro small businesses, we’re confident we can help you reach your goals. Whether you’re looking for entrepreneurship classes, advocacy for your business, minority-owned business assistance, or networking opportunities, we have a program or event for you. If you have an idea about how the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce could better serve businesses in the area, we’re always looking for ways to improve our efforts, and we’ll be happy to speak with you.
Learn more about our entrepreneurship programs and how to join the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce today.

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

How GTCC Creates a Family-First Campus Culture

March 26, 2025

As Guilford Technical Community College (GTCC) celebrates its Family Forward NC® Employer Certification, the institution is strengthening its commitment to creating a supportive environment for faculty and staff.

Dr. Anthony (Tony) J. Clarke, Ph.D., president of GTCC, learned about the certification in 2023 through the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce. After several months of consideration, he decided to move forward with the process.

His motivation was twofold:

He wanted to support the Chamber’s efforts to enhance Greensboro’s reputation as a destination for talent. “We want Greensboro to be a place where people start and continue their careers,” Dr. Clarke says. “By getting certified, we knew we could contribute to the economic development initiatives aimed at strengthening Greensboro’s workforce.”
He saw value in taking inventory of GTCC’s existing family-friendly practices. “I knew we were doing a lot of different things, but this certification process allowed us to evaluate our benefits and identify both strengths and potential opportunities for improvement,” Dr. Clarke says.

How healthcare benefits make a big difference

GTCC provides substantial healthcare coverage, contributing $674.62 per month for each full-time employee’s medical insurance. Employees pay as little as $25 or $50 monthly for their coverage, depending on the plan selected and completion of a non-smoking attestation.

“This type of plan would be almost impossible to find outside of state government,” says Dr. Cheryl Bryant-Shanks, associate vice president of human resources at GTCC. “Some of our more experienced employees recognize the value of that. Some of our employees who haven’t worked in many places don’t realize that it is not unusual to pay a few hundred dollars a month for your healthcare.”

In addition, GTCC’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provides extensive support that extends to employees’ family members and continues up to 90 days post-employment. Services address a wide range of needs, from mental health concerns like depression and anxiety to practical matters such as childcare referrals, financial wellness, and credit counseling.

Parental leave that supports family bonding

GTCC’s parental leave policy provides eight weeks of paid leave after a parent gives birth to a child and four weeks of paid leave when the qualifying event occurs, which means an employee becomes a parent to a child (through adoption, foster care, and other legal placement). Employees may use additional accrued paid or unpaid leave beyond these periods with approval, potentially extending their time away to 12 weeks or more while maintaining job security.

“As a college that supports the development of students, we certainly understand the importance of family bonding,” Dr. Bryant-Shanks says. “Also, for nursing moms, we provide spaces across our campuses that are comfortable, private, and have refrigerators for storage.”

Navigating academic flexibility challenges

One of the challenges for educational institutions is balancing workplace flexibility with the demands of face-to-face instruction and student services.

“In academics, everyone is working for the same goal, but the job descriptions and hours for faculty and staff are different,” Dr. Clarke says.

GTCC has implemented creative solutions, including summer hours that allow employees to leave earlier on Fridays during summer months, and a flex-time program for exempt employees. The institution also offers a personal observance day, allowing employees to select a day of personal significance — religious, cultural or otherwise — for paid time off.

What’s next?

As GTCC refines its approach to supporting employees, Dr. Clarke sees the Family Forward NC® certification as an internal assessment tool and an external recruitment advantage.

GTCC is also looking at ways to measure the impact of their family-friendly policies, potentially modifying their annual employee survey to “get a little more granular into people’s perception of the benefits and how to use them,” Dr. Clarke says.

By placing people at the center of its mission, GTCC continues to create a workplace where employees can bring their best selves to work — ultimately benefiting both staff and the students they serve.

“We help people move forward,” Dr. Clarke says. “And as we say, we make amazing happen.”

Sample Benefits:

Medical: Medical insurance is subsidized for employee-only coverage, with employees contributing $25 or $50 per month, depending on the plan option selected and completion of the non-tobacco attestation.
Dental: 100% college-paid employee-only dental coverage for eligible employees.
Disability Leave: Short-term and/or long-term disability coverage for eligible employees.
Employee Support: Mental Health/Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
Family Leave: Paid parental leave is up to 8 weeks; employees may use additional accrued paid or unpaid leave (12+) with approval.
Health and Wellness: Activities throughout the year (relaxation, healthy eating, yoga, walking club/challenges, financial planning and access to extensive educational resources).
Other Leaves: Paid sick, annual, personal leave (for faculty), personal observance leave, and voluntary shared leave (for eligible employees).
Regular part-time employees earn leave on a pro-rated basis.
Supplemental Retirement: 401(k), 403(b) and NC 457 plans available for all employees.

GTCC Guilford Technical College

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 Start a Business in North Carolina

January 31, 2025

If you’d like to start a business in North Carolina, it can be overwhelming to think about, especially if you’re not even sure what type of business you want to start. Once you know what steps to follow, however, starting a business in North Carolina isn’t all that difficult, with the state very friendly to entrepreneurs (NC has a 2.5% corporate tax rate, the lowest in the country!).

Whether you’re looking for a new business idea or want to know what you should do to launch your business, review our guide to starting a business in North Carolina.

What Is a Good Business to Start in North Carolina?

Small business entrepreneurs have lots of exciting opportunities in North Carolina. If you’re still trying to decide what your business should do, review the following business types that are perfect for entrepreneurs early in their careers:

Moving Company
Professional Services (e.g., doctors, architects, engineers, dentists, geologists, and social workers can all start a Professional Limited Liability Company).
Bed & Breakfast
Recruiting Agency
Virtual Assistant Business

Regardless of the type of business you start, you’ll be in the right state to do it, as CNBC has named North Carolina one of the top three states to do business in for five years straight.

Do You Need a Business Plan to Start a Business in North Carolina?

Small business entrepreneurs need a business plan before they launch their company in North Carolina. This type of plan will give your business a direction to follow, guiding your business’s growth and helping you meet challenges. A detailed business plan should include the following information:

The product or service your business plans to offer
The amount of funding you have, where that funding is coming from, and how much it’ll cost to launch and run your business
Your business’s primary competitors
The target audience of your business and how large that audience is

Does a New Business in North Carolina Need a Business Name?

Before you register your business, you need a name for it. The best business names will let customers know what your business does while also being unique enough that the name doesn’t get lost in the crowd. You’ll also want to look up competitor names to get a sense of naming conventions in your industry and how professional-sounding your business’s name needs to be.

Once you have a name, you need to do a business name search to make sure someone else doesn’t already have the same name. You can conduct your search here.

Where Can You Receive Funding From a New Business?

If you have enough personal savings to launch your business and fund operations for a stretch of time, you’ll likely want to stick to those funds so that you can retain full ownership and control of your business. However, most small business entrepreneurs will need funding from outside sources. Besides personal funds, you can receive funding from the following sources:

Family and Friends
Small Business Loans
Outside Investors (e.g., other entrepreneurs and venture capitalists)

How to Register a Business in North Carolina

Once you’ve decided on a small business idea, have a name, and know your funding sources, it’s time to register it. During registration, you’ll need to decide whether your business is a Sole Proprietorship, Limited Liability Company (LLC), a C corporation, a Nonprofit, or a Doing Business As (DBA). Each option has different benefits and requirements, so do your research first and talk to other business owners before deciding.

Next, you’ll officially register the business with the North Carolina Secretary of State. When you register your business, you’ll need to file paperwork that contains information about basic business details, the business’s name, and the registered agent.

How to Start a Business in North Carolina After You Finish Registering

Once you’ve finished registering your business, you’ll need to follow the rest of North Carolina’s requirements for launching a business. Based on nc.gov’s page on starting a business, new businesses must do the following after registering:

Obtain necessary licenses and permits
If applicable, apply for sales and use tax number
Apply for an Employer Identification Number
Prepare for any applicable taxes
Obtain insurance
Comply with regulations (E.g., OSHA, ADA, and Environmental Regulations)
Arrange for business financing
Open a business bank account
Protect your business’s intellectual property

What Should You Do After You’ve Launched Your Business?

Once you’ve launched your business and have started its operations, one of the best ways you can continue to improve is by working with your local Chamber of Commerce. For instance, the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to serving small business entrepreneurs in Greensboro, NC. Some of the ways the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce helps business owners include:

Join the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce

Launching a business is incredibly rewarding, but it can also be stressful if you do it alone. The Greensboro Chamber of Commerce understands the pressures on small business entrepreneurs, and we have a lot of resources to help. Whether you’re interested in taking a small business class or are looking for entrepreneurs near you in Greensboro to network with, we have you covered.

Learn more about our entrepreneurship programs and other entrepreneurship resources today. If you have any questions, you can call us at (336) 387-8301.

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, 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, 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.

From Childcare to Talent Retention: North Carolina’s Economic Update on Family-Friendly Workplaces

October 3, 2024

More than fifty business leaders recently attended our “North Carolina Economic Update” discussion with Chris Chung, Executive Director of the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina. The event also featured a panel discussion with Family Forward NC Certified Employers, including:

Gary Graham, President, Graham Personnel Services
Elizabeth Bostian, Chief Financial Officer, First Bank
Damali Orozco, HR Senior Director, Procter and Gamble
Theresa Roedersheimer, Executive Director, NC Early Childhood Foundation

The message was clear: Family-friendly workplaces aren’t just a nice perk — they’re the bedrock of North Carolina’s strong community and competitive economy.

“What we’ve learned as an industry in the economic development sector is that childcare is probably one of those most pronounced barriers that hold people back from employment,” Chung says.

Roedersheimer, Executive Director at NC Early Childhood Foundation, added early childhood development plays a role in shaping future workforce capabilities because 90% of a child’s brain develops in the first five years of life.

“Forming secure relationships and having a safe place for your child to go when you’re at work matters so much,” Roedersheimer. “Just having the child know that when their caregiver drops them off and is going to come back — and they feel safe and happy where they’re at — can make a big difference in a child’s life.”

Access to quality child care matters so much because in North Carolina, almost 70% of young children aren’t reading proficiently by the end of third grade, she said. This underscores the importance of supporting families and providing access to quality early childhood education.

Real Stories, Real Impact

The panelists shared the challenges and successes of creating workplaces where parents and caregivers can succeed.

Bostian, Chief Financial Officer at First Bank, shared her journey as a working mom, navigating the balance of career and family. She emphasized the importance of a supportive culture, where employees feel empowered to voice their needs without fear of judgment.

“We’ve created a culture where everyone knows they can say what they need,” Bostian says. “These policies have created a place where people are proud to work. I also encourage fellow leaders to mention their children at work because we need to set the tone that models work-life balance.”

This attitude has led to improved talent acquisition and retention. Bostian said they’ve been able to attract high-level talent from competitors because people are willing to take pay cuts for a more supportive work environment.

“We’re getting a ton of talent from people leaving their old jobs — and willing to accept a pay cut because they know they’ll be treated like human beings with lives outside of their job,” Bostian says.

Orozco, HR Senior Director at Procter and Gamble, said what was most rewarding about going through the certification process was having employees fill out the Family Forward NC employee survey. This survey is required for certification.

“The survey gave us a lot of deep insights that we wouldn’t normally have,” Orozco says. “Now, we have a data set that we can use to build awareness among leaders, managers and employees.”

Because Procter and Gamble’s workforce is 70% men, they wanted to attract more women to the industry. But in the manufacturing industry, the hours typically aren’t traditional or consistent, which can be tough for working moms.

“One of the biggest changes we made was adjusting our shift schedule,” Orozco says. “Instead of rotating days and nights — which was a big competitive disadvantage — we changed it to a fixed schedule.”

Graham, President of Graham Personnel Services, encouraged fellow business leaders to get certified because he’s seen first-hand how it has helped his company grow.

“How can your people take care of your customers if they’re worried about their family? The answer is clear: They can’t,” Graham says. “Talent has the choice. And so I think everyone who is looking to acquire, keep and engage talent — taking care of your people is a core piece of that. We’ve seen a lot of positive revenue growth. And I think a lot of that has to do with the way we treat our people.”

Graham also highlighted the value of the certification process because it caused him to look more closely at internal company policies and make some positive changes for employees. He encouraged employers to apply.

“Getting certified is an easy, straightforward process and it can happen quickly,” Graham says. “I would encourage all business leaders to learn more about getting certified.”

Get Certified!

So far, more than 18,000 employees in Greater Greensboro work for Certified businesses. Do you want to join the list? Learn more.

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. 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!