Best Small Business Resources in the Fayetteville Area

Description

The CEED is a development organization boasting over 25 years of experience promoting the economic vitality of the Fayetteville area. They operate women's and Hispanic business centers to serve historically underserved communities as well as the New Choices program. The New Choices program advocates economic self-sufficiency through employment. Advisors help participants through job readiness training and life coaching. CEED also houses The Training Room, a culinary incubator with shared-access commercial kitchen space and the business support services needed to start a company. A large part of CEED is small business consulting, a free service provided by on-staff consultants that covers a wide range of topics.

Description

Women's Business Centers are nationwide programs established by the SBA to assist women in starting small businesses. Some of these centers are combined with other local organizations and use that relationship to offer even more services. Each Women's Business Center has counselors who can provide mentorship and assistance with business planning. Women’s Business Centers also provide a network of other businesses, and some have loan programs available

Restrictions

The Women's Business Centers are, as the name implies, meant for women primarily.

Description

This public library has a myriad of print resources that can be useful to an entrepreneur, as well as access to research databases that can help you form a business plan or conduct market research. The library also hosts frequent events and workshops on financial and entrepreneurial topics, as well as specific classes to learn how to use social media and software programs.

Restrictions

A library card may be required to access certain services.

Description

SCORE (Service Corp of Retired Executives) is a leading, nation-wide organization that has assisted millions of entrepreneurs over its 50+ years of operation. SCORE is a resource partner of the SBA that offers access to a network of experienced business leaders who donate time to mentor entrepreneurs and small business owners. They also host free or inexpensive workshops online and at 300 local chapters around the United States. Mentoring can be conducted either in person or remotely and is always free and confidential, no matter how often you take advantage of this service.

Description

Revolutionary Coworking offers a collaborative work environment for local entrepreneurs. They have a variety of membership levels to suit different needs. Amenities include internet, coffee, and conference room access. The space also hosts frequent networking and educational events, hosting guest speakers from the community to talk about small business topics.

Description

The greatest strength of the SBDC is their free, confidential, 1-on-1 business mentoring for anyone who seeks it. Sometimes in order to be considered for mentoring from one of their professional business advisors, you may have to attend a class/workshop or at least present your business plan. SBDC's are located all throughout the state and you should use the SBDC closest to your location if possible, but you can often transfer to a different location if they do not fit your needs.

Description

The Small Business Center is operated by the Fayetteville Technical Community College and offers many services to local entrepreneurs and small business owners. Free counseling is offered on a variety of topics and a wide selection of seminars are available around the county. Most services are provided for free.