Tag: small business

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.

5 Greensboro Minority-Owned Businesses You Can Support in 2024

July 31, 2024

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

5 Greensboro Black-Owned Businesses

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

1. Sharpe Pursuits Incorporated

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

2. Skyline Video Pros

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

3. Savor the Moment Bakery

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

4. Monte Edwards Group, LLC

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

5. African American Art & More

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

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

Learn More About Accelerate Greensboro

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

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

Unlocking Greensboro’s Resources for Entrepreneurs at Startup Week

February 13, 2024

Greensboro, North Carolina, is a burgeoning hub for entrepreneurs, offering a wealth of resources to support all different types of business at any stage. From business networking opportunities to educational programs and dedicated events like Startup Week, Greensboro boasts a thriving ecosystem for those looking to start and grow their business.

Startup Week: Business Networking and Information Events

Greensboro’s commitment to fostering entrepreneurship is growing through the first ever Startup Week—a weeklong event designed to give entrepreneurs a deep dive into many different topics regarding startups. This event brings together industry experts, successful entrepreneurs, and aspiring business owners for a series of workshops, panels, and networking opportunities.

Startup Week covers a diverse range of topics, from ideation and business planning to marketing strategies and funding options. Attendees have the opportunity to gain insights from successful entrepreneurs who share their experiences, challenges, and strategies for overcoming obstacles.

The collaborative nature of Startup Week extends beyond the scheduled sessions, creating an environment where participants can connect with potential mentors, investors, and collaborators. This event acts as a catalyst for growth, equipping entrepreneurs with the tools and knowledge necessary to navigate the complex journey of building a successful business.

Greensboro stands as a vibrant ecosystem for entrepreneurs, offering many resources for making connections, acquiring valuable education, and immersing oneself in the dynamic world of startups. By leveraging these resources, entrepreneurs in Greensboro can not only survive, but also thrive in their endeavors.

Making Greensboro Connections: The Foundation of Local Success

One of the key pillars of entrepreneurial success lies in building a robust network. The Greensboro Chamber of Commerce and Launch Greensboro recognize this and offer a wide range of events for entrepreneurs to connect with like-minded individuals, mentors, and potential collaborators. The Greensboro Chamber of Commerce serves as a central hub for business networking events, small business training workshops, and meet-ups, providing a platform for local entrepreneurs to forge meaningful connections.

Additionally, co-working spaces such as transform GSO offer a conducive work environment but also act as melting pots for business networking. These spaces host regular events where entrepreneurs can share ideas, seek advice, and establish partnerships that can propel their ventures forward.

Education for Entrepreneurs: Knowledge is Power

To thrive in the competitive business landscape, entrepreneurs in Greensboro can tap into a variety of educational resources. Launch Greensboro accelerates growth for local entrepreneurs through education, mentoring and access to capital. LaunchLab offers two paths designed to help you launch or grow your business based on where you are in the entrepreneurial process. Launch Lab 101 is a 5-week incubator to get new ideas to launch. LaunchLab Growth is a 14-week program offering a dedicated mentor to help achieve growth objectives like customer definition, financial projections, and pitch decks for customers and investors, to name a few.

For those seeking flexible and online learning options, Greensboro Public Library provides access to platforms like Lynda.com, with a wide variety of courses on entrepreneurship, leadership, and business development.

 

Greensboro Chamber of Commerce: A Local Business Community with a Global Reach

The Greensboro Chamber helps support the economic development of our thriving region by serving more than 1,300 member businesses through programming designed to help fuel their innovation and success.

Interested in accessing all the educational, business networking, and support benefits of being a Greensboro Chamber of Commerce member? Join our community today.

We know and grow Greensboro.