Recently, at the Weatherspoon Art Museum at UNCG, community members and leaders gathered to face a stark reality: child care in Guilford County is in crisis. After viewing Take Care, a documentary on the state of early childhood education, three local leaders shared their perspectives on how this crisis affects families, employers and the community.

The State of Childcare in Greensboro, NC

For starters, high-quality child care for a 2 year old costs more than $12,100 annually, which represents 19% of a median-income household. To put this in perspective, the moderator noted that her daughter’s UNCG tuition costs about two-thirds of what families pay for quality child care.

What’s Driving the Shortage in Filled Childcare Jobs in Greensboro

In addition, 69% of Guilford County children under the age of six live in a household where the sole parent or both parents work, creating an enormous demand for child care. However, only 31% of children, zero to five (not yet in kindergarten), are in licensed child care. Making matters worse, there has been a 10% decrease in the number of child care facilities in Guilford County since 2019.

And let’s talk about early childhood educators: The average hourly wage for someone working at a childcare facility is $13.50 an hour. Almost half of Guilford County’s childhood educators said they’ve used public assistance.

Melissa Slade Smith, director of workforce development solutions at the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce, brings professional and personal experience to the issue. Having worked as a child care educator herself in 2003, making $10 an hour, she witnessed how little has changed over two decades.

Smith recalled a heartbreaking conversation with her child’s teacher.

“She told me that she was going to work at Target because she could make more money,” Smith says. “When she told me her teacher’s salary, it was maybe $3 more an hour than I was getting paid twenty years ago.”

In her current role, Smith sees how the child care crisis is affecting business leaders.

“So many business leaders call me and say, ‘I’m going to lose my employees. What are the resources out there to address affordable child care?’ The number one reason employers are losing their staff is because of child care.”

How Local Business Leaders are Looking to Help

Jon Hardister, former state representative and current president of TREBIC (Triad Real Estate Building Industry Coalition), explained how workforce challenges affect economic development. Representing more than 160 companies, Hardister said that the number one concern that employers have is affordable child care.

With major employers bringing thousands of jobs to the area, Hardister says this is an issue that our community can’t ignore.

“Toyota can afford to provide on-site child care, but not all companies can do that,” Hardister says. “Small businesses are still the backbone of our economy and always will be.”

Meredith Kasten, director of the Early Childhood Center in Greensboro, offered her perspective on what it’s like to run a child care facility. Her program serves 145 children with 48 staff members. She said the only reason she can afford to send her child to the center is because of the staff tuition discount she receives.

Kasten says the current child care system is a “bad business model.”

“Most child care programs rely on private pay,” Kasten says. “Parents can only afford to pay so much. And so those programs can only afford to pay their teachers so much.”

Some families are on waitlists for over a year, and even families with vouchers face challenges because they have to pay the difference between voucher amounts and tuition costs.

“Research shows every dollar invested in early care and education, there’s a return of anywhere from $4 to $16,” Smith says. “If we had more accessible child care in our state, we know that economic output could increase by up to $13.3 billion.”

Looking ahead to what Guilford County could do differently, the panelists shared several new approaches:

• Tri-Share programs: Hardister advocated for expanding the pilot Tri-Share Program, where child care cost is split three ways: the employer, employee and state. “That way everybody’s got a little bit in the game, but if you do the math on that, you’re cutting the cost by two-thirds,” Hardister says.
• Multiple funding streams: Kasten advocates for child care programs with multiple funding streams, including dollars going to child care programs to enable quality improvements and workforce support.
• Employer-led childcare solutions: After Toyota announced onsite child care, many companies expressed interest in doing something similar, Smith says. In addition to on site child care, some companies have explored reserving slots at nearby child care facilities for their employees.
• Learn more about becoming a Family Forward NC® Certified Employer: As North Carolina continues to attract major businesses and compete for talent, companies that prioritize family-friendly policies gain a competitive edge. Greensboro is proud to be recognized as the first Family Forward NC® Certified Community in North Carolina. Find out if your business is eligible.

This event was hosted in partnership with Guilford County Partnership for Children, GenerationEd, Ready for School, Ready for Life, Weatherspoon Art Museum at UNC-Greensboro, and Action Greensboro.

While headlines about the “future of work” seem abstract, Action Greensboro’s third annual Talent & Workplace Survey provides data from more than 300 organizations facing real workforce challenges today.

From Fortune 500 manufacturers to nonprofits, employers are facing questions like:

• How do you find skilled workers when 62% of companies struggle to attract qualified candidates?
• What happens when AI adoption accelerates, but training budgets stay stagnate?
• How do you retain talent when three generations work side-by-side with different expectations?

“The companies that are thriving aren’t the ones with perfect solutions to all these questions,” says Cecelia Thompson, Executive Director of Action Greensboro. “They’re the ones willing to adapt their strategies based on what the data is telling them. These findings give our entire region a roadmap for building the workforce we need to compete nationally.”

1. Guilford County has an ongoing skills gap problem

The survey confirms what many leaders already suspect: finding qualified talent has become difficult.

For example, 62% of employers cite attracting suitable candidates as their top challenge, while 69% struggle with candidates lacking logical and analytical thinking skills. What’s striking is the disconnect between what employers need and what they’re finding.

This isn’t just a local phenomenon. The survey says nearly 70% of employers nationwide report similar difficulties finding candidates with critical thinking and leadership skills, according to 2025 World Economic Forum data.

The disconnect becomes more apparent when you consider that 53% of organizations report annual training budgets under $10,000, yet 95% provide some form of employee development. This suggests many companies recognize the need to build skills internally, but may lack the resources to do so effectively.

Celina McCrea, community and business engagement manager at Goodwill Industries of Central North Carolina, Inc. said her team started receiving requests for cost-effective training opportunities among corporate and non-profit partners in 2022.

“The data from this report has allowed us to adapt our curriculum in real-time to meet the needs of our local employers, while continuing our mission of upskilling and supporting job seekers in our career services programming,” McCrea says. “Since we primarily work with overlooked talent, having these ‘hard to find’ skills gives them a major leg-up in their job search.”

Action item: Encourage your staff to attend Lead Your City on Sept. 4 — “By matching sessions with the critical skill areas identified in the survey, this summit helps bridge the gap between what today’s workforce offers and what our local industries need,” says Sarah McGuire, director of synerG Young Professionals. Register here.

2. AI adoption is accelerating

One of the survey’s most forward-looking findings involves AI adoption. Local companies are using AI for data analytics (50%), automating repetitive tasks (38%) and improving customer service (26%). These usage patterns that mirror national trends.

This isn’t the dramatic workplace disruption some predicted, but rather thoughtful integration of AI tools to enhance existing processes. The data suggests successful AI adoption focuses on specific, measurable improvements rather than wholesale transformation.

At a recent community-wide breakfast about the survey results, Dr. Mustafa Akben, assistant professor of management and director of Artificial Intelligence integration at Elon University, talked about the role of AI in the workforce.

“If your employees know how to use AI, their creativity increases,” Dr. Akben says. “But if they’re not properly trained and they don’t have a fundamental understanding on how to use the technology, their creativity flatlines.”

Action item: Learn more about how to use AI —Action Greensboro is teaming up Elon University for an AI workshop on Sept 19. Register here.

3. Retaining employees has become challenging

With an average turnover rate of 17%, Guilford County employers seem to be managing workforce stability better than many regions. However, the reasons people leave tell a nuanced story.

The top drivers of turnover reveal a mix of life transitions and workplace dissatisfaction: retirement (23%), family reasons (18%) and low pay (16%). While some factors like retirement are unavoidable, the prominence of family-related departures suggests that workplace flexibility remains essential for retention.

The survey shows that organizations are prioritizing retention through training and development (69%), improved onboarding (57%) and better workplace culture (56%). However, the gap between intention and investment, suggests many companies may be approaching retention reactively rather than strategically.

Action item: Become a Family Forward NC® Employer — More than 80 Greensboro-based employers earned the Family Forward NC® Certification, demonstrating a community-wide commitment to family-friendly workplace practices. Learn more about why having this seal of approval is a great way to attract and retain employees.

4. Generational shifts are reshaping workplace expectations

One of the most significant long-term trends in the survey is the generational composition of the workforce. According to the data, 77% of respondents report that Baby Boomers make up less than 25% of their workforce, while Millennials and Gen Z now dominate locally.

This shift has implications for everything from benefits design to management styles. Younger workers often prioritize different benefits, like flexibility, professional development and purpose-driven work. The survey shows that 58% of local organizations offer parental leave and 55% provide flexible scheduling, suggesting employers are adapting to these changing expectations.

Action item: Redesign your benefits package — Benefits packages need to address generational priorities. From traditional healthcare and retirement benefits to flexible work arrangements and professional development opportunities, talk to your HR team about what you can offer.

5. Local talent development needs strategic investment

While 87% of employers recruit primarily within Guilford County, less than 50% recruit from local universities and colleges. There’s an opportunity to strengthen regional talent development.

Only 57% of respondents indicate they hire interns, representing a significant missed opportunity for talent pipeline development. Internship programs, apprenticeships and stronger partnerships with local educational institutions could help address both immediate staffing needs and longer-term skills development.

The survey said that only 2% of respondents indicated Guilford County’s community amenities were a factor when candidates declined job offers, suggesting the region isn’t losing talent due to quality of life issues. Instead, the challenges appear to be around compensation, career opportunities and finding the right skill matches.

Action item: Learn more about Campus Greensboro — Through year-round programming and events, we connect talented students with local businesses for mentorship or internship opportunities. If you’re looking for an intern, Campus Greensboro can help!

Greensboro is home to a thriving small business community, and local business owners have a range of opportunities to secure funding through Greensboro-focused grants. The city and surrounding counties offer various financial support programs designed to help businesses grow, revitalize spaces, and enhance their operations. If you’re looking for a small business grant in Greensboro, our guide covers the top options and other NC-focused business grants.

5 Greensboro Small Business Grants

The primary provider of small business grants in Greensboro is Downtown Greensboro Incorporated (DGI), which supports businesses in the downtown area. If your business is located outside of downtown, Guilford Works and M&F Bank also offer grants to qualifying businesses. As you look for a grant, review the following five grants for Greensboro small businesses:

1. Facade Improvement Program

The Facade Improvement Program (FIP) offered by DGI is designed to enhance the visual appeal of the downtown area and stimulate new investments in local businesses. This program provides financial incentives for renovating building facades to improve their aesthetic quality, maintain the historic character of the area, and provide a better business environment.
DGI offers up to $5,000 for improvements to the exterior of commercial, institutional, or mixed-use properties located in downtown Greensboro. Eligible properties include any structure facing a street, from the roofline down to the ground level. To apply, a simple application must be submitted before starting construction.
Since the FIP fund doesn’t have a set deadline and only provides the grant until funding runs out, businesses should apply as soon as possible. If you’re interested in receiving this grant, review FIP’s guidelines before submitting your application.

2. DGI Catalyst Grant Program

The DGI Catalyst Grant Program is designed to support the revitalization of Greensboro’s Central Business District. This program offers financial assistance to property and business owners who are looking to enhance or redevelop their commercial spaces. The goal of this grant is to stimulate investment in older properties, help increase local sales, and encourage business retention downtown.
The Catalyst Grant focuses on projects that will:

• Boost the local property tax base by encouraging investment in aging downtown properties.
• Increase sales for both new and existing businesses, helping to expand the local sales tax base.
• Aid in complex commercial projects requiring additional financial support.
• Attract new businesses that meet the needs of residents, employees, and visitors.
• Retain businesses that might otherwise relocate from downtown.
• Provide targeted assistance to specific areas of downtown needing economic development.

Before beginning your application, ask yourself whether your business meets an unmet need in the downtown area, how your project will increase vibrancy, and the potential benefits it will bring to the community. If your project will create jobs or significantly increase investments, you may be eligible for this grant.

Review the Catalyst Grant’s guidelines and begin the application by filling out the grant’s interest form.

3. M&F Bank’s Empowering Growth Small Business Grant

The Empowering Growth Small Business Grant from M&F Bank supports small businesses by providing funding to help entrepreneurs take their businesses to the next level. The next round of applications will open on August 1, 2025, with a $10,000 grant available for one Greensboro-based business.
To be eligible, businesses must have gross revenues of $750,000 or less, be in operation for 10 years or less as of January 31, 2025, and have no more than 25 employees. Eligible businesses also have to operate in Forsyth, Stokes, Yadkin, Davidson, or Randolph County. Ineligible entities include nonprofits, real estate firms, businesses with ties to M&F Bank, and M&F Bank employees or their relatives.
The application deadline for this round is August 31, 2025, so make sure to mark your calendar if you meet the eligibility criteria.

4. DGI Vibrancy Grant

The DGI Vibrancy Grant is designed to support small businesses in downtown Greensboro with financial assistance for projects aimed at enhancing services, expanding commercial opportunities, and beautifying storefronts. This grant provides up to $2,500 for eligible expenses, including:
New technology for sales efficiency, such as point-of-sale systems and digital marketing/advertising efforts.
Investments to expand services and commerce, such as physical space improvements or new equipment.
Storefront beautification projects to increase the location’s curb appeal, such as painting, signage, lighting fixtures, and outdoor seating areas.
While this grant is not currently available for 2025, it has been offered in the fall of previous years (e.g., the grant was offered between September 9 and October 11 in 2024). To ensure you don’t miss out, stay up-to-date with DGI’s announcements for future funding opportunities.

5. Guilford Works Training Grants

Guilford Works offers two types of grants designed to support businesses in Guilford County by reimbursing them for training expenses. The following grants focus on enhancing employee skills and helping businesses grow their workforce:

• On-the-Job Training (OJT) Grant: This grant reimburses businesses for up to 50% of training costs for new, full-time employees. The training can last from three to six months, and the company will receive monthly reimbursements for wages paid during this period.
• Small Business Training Grant: This grant offers up to $20,000 to established businesses in Guilford County to help improve the skills of existing employees. The training must address identified skill gaps, and businesses can reapply for additional funding in subsequent years.

To qualify, businesses must operate in Guilford County, have at least five employees, and meet other eligibility criteria related to tax obligations and employee status. The application deadline is the last business day of each month, with reviews and decisions made within 30 business days. Review the guidelines for each of these grants before applying.

What Other North-Carolina-Based Grants Are Available to Small Businesses?

In addition to local grants in Greensboro, small businesses throughout North Carolina can access state-level funding opportunities. Some of the notable NC-based grant programs include:

• One North Carolina Small Business Program – Grants to support early-stage and high-growth businesses in the state.
• Job Development Investment Grant (JDIG) – A performance-based program that encourages businesses to expand and create jobs.
• Minority Business Development Agency – Grants and resources for minority-owned businesses in North Carolina.
• NC Workforce Grants – Grants to improve workforce skills, such as GoldenLEAF, Customized Training, Incumbent Worker Training, and On-the-Job Training.
• State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) – A program offering grants to help businesses expand internationally.

Turn to the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce for Assistance With Greensboro Small Business Grants​

The Greensboro Chamber of Commerce offers a wealth of support for small businesses looking to apply for grants. With networking and mentorship opportunities, educational programs, and access to resources, the Chamber can guide you through the grant application process and help you take full advantage of the funding available to your business.
Learn more about how we can support your business today. If you have any questions about small business grants in North Carolina or our services, please contact us.

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.

Today, more than 80% of new mothers in the U.S. begin breastfeeding, and 6 in every 10 new mothers are in the workforce, according to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.

Research shows that supporting breastfeeding employees benefits both families and businesses through reduced absenteeism, higher retention rates and increased productivity. However, many working mothers stop breastfeeding earlier than planned due to workplace barriers.

In 2022, Congress passed the Providing Urgent Maternal Protections (PUMP) Act, where employers of all sizes are required to provide a reasonable amount of break time and a clean, private space for lactating workers of all genders to express milk for up to one year following the birth of the employee’s child.

However, the law does not require employers to have a dedicated, permanent lactation space. Yet this is something that working mothers need.

As more North Carolina employers recognize this need, lactation rooms are becoming increasingly common in workplaces. But what makes an effective lactation room, and why should businesses invest in creating these spaces?

We contacted several Family Forward NC® Certified employers to find out.

Volvo Group: A phased approach to supporting nursing employees

At Volvo Group’s North American headquarters in Greensboro, supporting nursing parents has become a priority through their Caregivers Employee Resource Group (ERG), which was formed last year.

The ERG has been focused on ensuring Volvo not only meets compliance with the PUMP Act, but goes beyond the minimum requirements to create supportive spaces.

Their approach has been methodical, starting with an audit of their 66 North American sites to assess the current state of lactation facilities. Their vision for “best” includes offering amenities like sinks, refrigerators, comfortable furniture and supplies.

One of their model locations in Maryland features a shared hallway with a sink, refrigerator and supplies, with sectioned-off private rooms — similar to dressing rooms — allowing multiple parents to express milk simultaneously while maintaining privacy.

At their Greensboro campus, Volvo Group has seven lactation spaces, with one being actively constructed. While construction is underway, they’ve even installed a Mamava pod — similar to those seen in airports — to ensure adequate accommodations.

For businesses looking to create or improve their lactation facilities, the Volvo Group team offers this advice:

“Ask your employees who have used these resources what they’re looking for,” says Brittany Carty, Director, Employee Experience and People & Culture Communication at Volvo Group. “Having a great space will allow the employees to continue their pumping journey and keep working moms in the workforce.”

Why lactation rooms matter

Lactation support specialists emphasize that these dedicated spaces serve multiple purposes that benefit employees and employers.

The pressure and stress of returning to work while breastfeeding can be immense. Having proper accommodations means parents don’t have to choose between their job and feeding their baby. This has tangible benefits for employers, too.

“For breastfed babies, there’s a lesser risk of infection and sickness, which means parents will take less time off,” says Marketa Baker, a community health educator at Every Baby Guilford.

Perhaps the most compelling reason for creating quality lactation spaces is the impact on employee retention and satisfaction.

“When you become a parent, you want to feel supported,” Baker says. “And so your workplace being able to be an extension of your support is a beautiful thing.”

Baker says an effective lactation room should include:

• Comfortable seating.
• Electrical outlets.
• A surface to place the pump.
• Nearby sink access for cleaning.
• Enough space to feel comfortable; not cramped.
• Easy access without needing to track down keys.
• Privacy to help parents relax and separate from the work environment.
• A refrigerator, while not required, is highly beneficial for milk storage. Alternatively, ensuring the room is near a communal refrigerator or providing space for cooler bags with ice packs can work.

Learn more about how your company can support breastfeeding workers from Family Forward NC®.

3 more examples of Greensboro business leaders paying attention to lactation rooms

Here’s what a few more Family Forward NC® Certified employers said about their lactation rooms.

Guilford Technical Community College (GTCC) covers 257 acres and employs more than 1,400 full-time and part-time people. There are eight designated lactation rooms across the college’s seven campuses and locations.

“As a college that supports the development of students, we understand the importance of mother and newborn bonding,” says Dr. Cheryl Bryant-Shanks, associate vice president of human resources at GTCC. “For nursing moms, we’re happy to provide spaces across our campuses that are comfortable and private.”

Charles Aris, employs 98 people nationwide and has 33 team members working in or around their Greensboro headquarters. They have one lactation room.

“When we built our building, we added this in as part of the core design because it was important to us to support all employees’ needs, especially working mothers,” says Danielle Bowman, the company’s chief people officer. “Our room has a recliner chair, a refrigerator, storage space, lactation supplies and a sink. Our team has shared with us that they appreciate having this dedicated space.”

Clifford Thompson, president and co-founder of Thompson Traders, Inc., wanted to go “beyond the basics” when he re-designed his company’s lactation room in 2023. He bought new couches, a TV, a refrigerator and artwork to make the space as comfortable and relaxing as possible.

“This was a renovation project our team was proud of,” Thompson says. “I encourage my fellow Greensboro CEOs to look at their lactation rooms and ask themselves: ‘How can you improve this space?’ It makes a big difference in employee morale.”

For more information, Family Forward NC® shares several ways to support breastfeeding employees in your workplace.

Here are a few more ways you can support

Send us your photos

Do you have a beautiful lactation room? We’d love to see it! Send us your best picture and we’ll post it on social media!

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.