Business Resources
U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)
The SBA is the only cabinet-level federal agency entirely dedicated to small businesses. It provides counseling, capital, and contracting expertise as the nation’s only go-to resource and voice for small businesses. Since 1953, the SBA has worked to ignite change and spark action so small businesses can confidently start, grow, expand, or recover.
• To access the Ten Steps to Start Your Business Resource guide, click here.
• For free business counseling, click here.
• For loan and lender information, click here. For additional funding programs, click here.
N.C. Main Street Program – Main Street Solutions Fund
Used to assist planning agencies and small businesses with efforts to revitalize downtowns by creating jobs, funding infrastructure improvements, and rehabilitating buildings.
Downtown Redevelopment Fund
Designed for infrastructure upgrades of downtown buildings in order to meet current code requirements. The upgrades should be for vacant or underutilized downtown commercial buildings. An underutilized building is defined as a less than fully utilized property or used below its potential. This fund is designed to return vacant or underutilized commercial buildings to economic use for new and/or expanded business. For more information, visit www.nccommerce.com/rd/main-street
Building Reuse Program, N.C. Department of Commerce
Provides funding for job creation taking place in vacant buildings. Buildings must be vacant for at least three months prior to application deadlines. Mixed-use or adaptive reuse projects that include housing may be eligible, provided the building will be occupied by at least one private company committed to creating new jobs. Priority will be given to projects that create five (5) or more new full-time jobs. For more information, contact http://www.nccommerce.com/ruraldevelopment/rural-grants-programs/building-reuse.
Business Link North Carolina - BLNC
BLNC, pronounced “blink,” offers free business compliance information on behalf of the State and the NC Department of Commerce. BLNC partners with all state agencies and licensing boards and helps with business resources for starting, expanding, or moving a business to NC. Resource information includes licensure, permitting, education, funding, and events. Our goal is to help small businesses succeed. Call BLNC toll-free, 1-800-228-8443, or visit BLNC.gov. to the “Start a Business” page and click on the green box.
North Carolina State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO)
For historic property preservation, restoration, reuse, and tax credit information. http://www.hpo.ncdcr.gov.
Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE)
SCORE is the nation’s largest network of volunteer, expert business mentors, dedicated to helping small businesses get off the ground, grow, and achieve their goals. Click here
Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina (EDPNC)
The EDPNC is focused on recruiting new businesses to the state, supporting the needs of existing businesses, connecting exporters to global customers, helping small business owners get their start, and attracting tourists and visitors from all over the world. The EDPNC proudly serves as North Carolina’s statewide economic development organization, committed to serving all those looking to invest in, visit or do business with North Carolina.
For help starting a business in North Carolina, click here. Access articles about business structure, information about licenses and permits, tax information and employer requirements, business forms, and more. For help growing an existing business, click here. For North Carolina businesses who need export assistance, click here.
The Chamber of Catawba County Entrepreneur Resources
Call 828-328-6111 or check out the list of resources
Supportedly Startup Catawba
Supportedly exists to help the everyday entrepreneur confidently start and grow their business. By providing how-to training, answers, and on-demand, quality support and local connections, Supportedly is there to help entrepreneurs reach their goals.
Learn new and valuable skills with free online training and how-to blogs and podcasts, ask experienced entrepreneurs questions, and connect with local mentors who provide support, training, and assistance, all for free.
Access Supportedly Startup Catawba here.
• Catawba Valley Community College Small Business Center - 828.327.7000, ext. 4117
• Click here to visit their website to view their schedule of workshops for small business owners and/or to schedule your counseling appointment.
• Contact: Suzanne Wallace, Director, Small Business Center at (828) 327-7000, Ext. 4917.
• Creating a Business Plan
• City of Newton Planning Department - 828.695.4305
Additional Contacts
Mary Yount, Downtown Newton Development Association Executive Director | 828.695.4360 or myount@newtonnc.gov.
Randy Williams, City of Newton Planning Director | 828-695-4277
Alex Fulbright, Assistant City Planning Director | 828-695-4326
Scott Mecimore, Fire Safety Inspections | 828-695-4284