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Durham Small Business Collaboration
About the Collaboration
The City of Durham’s Small Business Collaboration provides an array of programs and services targeted to small businesses, such as business plan and marketing strategy development, financing, management skills training, and business counseling. The Office of Economic and Workforce Development connects prospective and existing small businesses and entrepreneurs directly to those member organizations focused primarily on technical assistance.
Collaboration members
The Small Business and Technology Development Center (SBTDC) provides management counseling and educational services to small and mid-sized businesses. Most services are free of charge, and all are confidential. | |
The Durham Technical Community College Small Business Center (SBC) is part of the Small Business Center Network of North Carolina. The SBC provides small business owners with advice they need for success on marketing, sales, bookkeeping, and management. | |
The North Carolina Institute of Minority Economic Development (NCIMED) works to grow the asset base of undeveloped populations through economic development strategies that build businesses, create jobs, and sustain institutions vital to economically vibrant and socially responsible communities. | |
SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives) helps small businesses achieve their goals through education and mentorship. Services are delivered at a low or no cost. | |
The Greater Durham Black Chamber of Commerce is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit whose primary goal is to improve the economic landscape for black businesses and the community at large. | |
Sustain-a-Bull is Durham’s non-profit independent business alliance, which promotes and supports locally owned, independent businesses in our community based on the belief that independent businesses are vital to Durham’s economy, culture, and environment. | |
The North Carolina Military Business Center (NCMBC) is a business development entity of the North Carolina Community College System. The mission of the NCMBC is to leverage military and other federal business opportunities to expand the economy, grow jobs and improve quality of life in North Carolina. | |
Self Help Credit Union, the nonprofit Center for Community Self-Help (or Self-Help), combines several organizations that together provide financing, technical support, consumer financial services and advocacy for those left out of the economic mainstream. | |
Carolina Small Business Development Fund creates economic opportunities across North Carolina. We support communities by helping entrepreneurs build the businesses of their dreams. | |
First Citizens Bank, 1st known as the Bank of Smithfield, opened on March 1, 1898. A growing agricultural economy and strong leadership led the bank into new markets over the years, yet our hands-on personal approach to banking never wavered. It is this commitment that continues to set First Citizens Bank apart with its customers and within the industry. | |
Mechanics and Farmers Bank (M&F Bank) is an independent bank committed to meeting the financial services needs of the communities we serve. We provide quality service to all customers, promoting personal and community development while continuing the tradition of serving those who historically have been under-served. | |
For more than 35 years, Real Estate Associates (REA) has served the real estate asset management and commercial brokerage needs of property owners in Durham, Chapel Hill, and beyond. While our management style is conservative - making us good stewards of your investment and resources - our approach to what we do is energetic and forward-thinking. | |
Infinity Bridges, Inc. (IBI) is a North Carolina based financial consulting and training firm that provide innovative solutions to systemic economic development challenges for women, minorities, veterans and teenage business owners. The business development services include but is not limited to strategy implementation with business planning, marketing, financial management, funding opportunities, operational improvements, leadership, crisis management and organizational facilitation. The training topics range from money management to business strategies. | |
My Local CFO is a boutique financial firm providing CFO Services to small and medium size businesses, enabling companies to reach their financial goals. | |
Triangle ArtWorks provides a multitude of programs and services for artists and art organizations. From professional development courses to resource directories, you’ll find something to help you navigate the business of art. | |
Downtown Durham, Inc. (DDI) is a 501(c) 6 organization, formed in 1993 to serve as a catalyst for downtown revitalization. Its mission is to enhance the environment, economy and vitality of downtown Durham, while preserving and enriching its distinctive culture and strong sense of community. | |
The Greater Durham Chamber of Commerce is a bold, dynamic organization that serves the needs of businesses, non-profits and government agencies of all sizes. There’s no other organization that can connect you to all of these various groups better than the Durham Chamber. | |
Pinnacle is much more than a bank. It’s a place for people to find true partners for their business. It’s a place where seasoned professionals give clients unmatched service and advice that better their financial well-being. Pinnacle Financial Partners aims to: provide distinctive financial service and effective advice to client; enrich associates personally professionally and financially; make a significant positive impact on the community; and create outstanding long-term value for shareholders. | |
Provident1898 is a black-centric coworking community and resource hub, inspired by the legacy of Durham’s Black Wall St. located in the historic NC Mutual Tower. | |
Forward Cities is a national nonprofit equipping communities and regions to grow and sustain more equitable entrepreneurial ecosystems. | |
Carolina Community Impact, Inc. (CCI) is a nonprofit organization that promotes economic and community development by providing loans and financial services for low and moderate-income individuals and small businesses in North Carolina. |
Small Business Resource Links & Self-Guided Tools
US Small Business Administration (SBA)
SBA is the Federal Government's 1-stop business assistance and resource portal for entrepreneurs.
Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina
The Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina (EDPNC) is a nonprofit corporation designed to foster collaboration between public and private entities. Focused on customer service, the partnership helps businesses make the most of everything North Carolina has to offer.
Durham E3
Durham E3 is designed to assist you on your entrepreneurial journey. Whether you have an idea for a new business, own an existing business and are seeking to grow, or you are facing recovery during these uncertain times, the E3 Durham Community Navigator Pilot Project is here to help.
NC LIVE
NC LIVE is a consortium of North Carolina libraries, providing digital content and services to public and academic libraries statewide. NC LIVE offers free electronic access to resources for all ages on topics ranging from careers, business, and investing, to auto repair, health, history, and genealogy. NC LIVE resources are available to all North Carolinians through their local public, community college, or academic library. Contact your local library for free access to NC LIVE resources.
NC Small Business Center Network (NCSMC)
NCSMC offers a Self-guided Business Assessment (PDF) to assist emerging businesses.
NC Small Business Technology & Development Center (SBTDC)
SBTDC publishes a Small Business Start-up Guide (PDF) to assists burgeoning businesses and entrepreneurs.
IBM Small Business Toolkit
IBM’s SME Toolkit is a free program that enables entrepreneurs and small businesses to learn how to implement the sustainable business management practices needed for growth in areas such as finance, accounting, international business, marketing, human resources or legal.
Triangle Artworks
Triangle Artworks has created an essential tool (PDF) to help guide individuals interested in creating a Pop-Up event and testing out their business concept.
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Economic & Workforce Development
Physical Address
807 E Main Street
Suite 5-100
Durham, NC 27701
Phone: 919-560-4965Fax: 919-560-4986
Service request:
Click or call 919-560-1200