Whether you’re just getting started or trying to grow your existing business, running a small business can be overwhelming—especially when every dollar counts. The good news? North Carolina is home to a wealth of free and low-cost resources that exist specifically to help small business owners like you.
From free business counseling and training to marketing support and loan preparation, these programs can help you move forward—without blowing your budget.
Here are some of the top places to get small business help in North Carolina (without spending a fortune):
1. Small Business and Technology Development Center (SBTDC)
The SBTDC is a statewide business assistance program affiliated with the UNC System. It provides free confidential consulting, training, and support to small and mid-sized businesses.
Services include:
- Business planning and growth strategy
- Marketing and financial management
- Help with loan applications and funding readiness
- Support for tech startups and innovation-based businesses
Find your nearest center: SBTDC Office Locator
2. NC Community College Small Business Center Network (SBCN)
Every community college in North Carolina houses a Small Business Center, offering free or low-cost seminars, workshops, and business counseling. If you’re in the Triad region, you’ll find excellent centers at Guilford Tech, Forsyth Tech, and Davidson-Davie.
Highlights:
- One-on-one business coaching
- Free training on marketing, taxes, and operations
- Business plan development and startup help
- Access to coworking spaces or meeting rooms at some locations
Search for your local center: NC Small Business Centers
3. SCORE North Carolina Chapters
SCORE is a nonprofit supported by the SBA that connects small business owners with free mentors—many of whom are retired entrepreneurs and executives. They also host webinars, templates, and free business tools.
Local chapters include:
4. Carolina Small Business Development Fund (CSBDF)
CSBDF is a CDFI (Community Development Financial Institution) that helps underserved entrepreneurs access funding and support. They offer small business loans, workshops, and financial coaching.
Focus areas:
- Low-income, minority, women, and rural-owned businesses
- Startup and expansion funding
- Business coaching in both English and Spanish
5. Thread Capital
Thread Capital provides flexible loans (from $500 to $100,000) and coaching for early-stage or underserved entrepreneurs. While it’s not free, they focus on affordable lending with personal guidance, particularly for startups who may not qualify for bank loans.
6. NC IDEA (For High-Growth Startups)
If you’re building a scalable, innovation-driven business, NC IDEA offers free educational programs, grant funding, and community resources. Their NC IDEA MICRO and SEED grants provide non-dilutive funding, and their Foundations programs help entrepreneurs learn lean startup principles.
7. NCWorks and Workforce Development Boards
NCWorks is North Carolina’s statewide workforce initiative. While it’s often thought of for job seekers, it also helps small business owners with hiring, training grants, and workforce development resources.
8. U.S. Small Business Administration – North Carolina District Office
The SBA North Carolina District Office supports small business owners with local events, funding guidance, disaster recovery resources, and connections to SBA-backed loan programs.
Explore:
- SBA Learning Center for self-paced online courses
- Local assistance finder to connect with nearby SCORE, SBDC, and WBC offices
9. Local Chambers of Commerce
Your local Chamber of Commerce is often a goldmine for business networking, low-cost promotion, and local support. Many offer discounted advertising opportunities, meetups, advocacy, and direct referrals.
If you’re in the Triad region, explore:
10. Your Local Library
Yes, seriously. Libraries across NC are getting increasingly savvy with business resources, including access to premium databases, free coworking spaces, local directories, and even workshops.
Look for:
- Entrepreneur-in-residence programs
- Free access to tools like Reference Solutions and Gale Business: Plan Builder
- Partnerships with the SBTDC or SCORE for free seminars
Final Thoughts
Getting your business off the ground—or growing it—doesn’t have to drain your bank account. North Carolina is rich in free and affordable resources for small business owners at every stage. Whether you’re looking for a mentor, a marketing plan, or your first round of funding, there’s help out there—and most of it starts with a single conversation.