Celebrating North Carolina’s Small Business Week: A Statewide Tribute to Entrepreneurs
In a bid to honor the pivotal role of small businesses in the local economy, Governor Josh Stein has officially designated May 3-9, 2026, as Small Business Week in North Carolina. This week will highlight the significant contributions of entrepreneurs and small enterprises to the state’s economic landscape.
“North Carolina communities are energized by the one million small businesses that innovate, create jobs, and spur growth,” said Governor Josh Stein. “As we celebrate Small Business Week, we recognize the immense contributions of entrepreneurs statewide and reaffirm our commitment to supporting their success and resiliency by fostering opportunity in every corner of the state.”
With nearly half of all private sector jobs generated by small businesses, their influence on local economies cannot be understated. “Small businesses employ nearly half of all private sector jobs while driving local economies,” said N.C. Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley. “Even as we face shifting economic conditions, our commitment is clear: We must continue creating the conditions that allow these entrepreneurs to grow, adapt, and lead.”
Small Business Week, established by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), is a nationwide celebration recognizing the entrepreneurial spirit of small businesses. The SBA characterizes small businesses as those with fewer than 500 employees. In 2025, these businesses made up more than 99 percent of North Carolina’s companies, employing 1.8 million people across the state.
The economic impact of small businesses is substantial, with over 9,500 small enterprises exporting goods worth $8.8 billion from North Carolina in a recent 2023 report. North Carolina was named the 2025 Top State for Business, thanks to a robust business climate that equips both workforce and employers for prosperity.
Recent initiatives have further bolstered small businesses. NCWorks Small Business Work-Based Learning grants, funded by the American Rescue Plan Act, have been awarded to 11 local workforce development boards, benefiting 480 small businesses and training over 1,210 individuals.
The One North Carolina Small Business Program has been pivotal in supporting over 520 tech-based small businesses with nondilutive grants, assisting in the creation and maintenance of more than 2,000 high-paying jobs across 41 counties over the past 20 years. Applications for this program are open until June 30.
The Rural Economic Development Division plays a crucial role in promoting small business ventures through various programs, including the Rural Building Reuse Program and the Main Street and Rural Planning Center. In 2025, this division supported 2,077 businesses in rural North Carolina.
Additionally, the Creating Outdoor Recreation Economies (CORE) program aids rural communities in developing strategies for tourism and small business growth, with 26 communities adopting strategic plans and another in progress.
Responding to Hurricane Helene’s impact, the Commerce department has prioritized support for small businesses in western North Carolina. The Commercial District Revitalization (CDR) Program, now accepting applications until August 4, offers grant funding to help revitalize commercial districts. The Small Business Infrastructure Grant Program has provided nearly $30 million to aid recovery efforts, while the WNC Strong: Helene Business Recovery Fund offers loans up to $100,000, supported by a $3.5 million grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission.
The Division of Workforce Solutions contributed a $500,000 “Hurricane Helene Business Edge Fund” in 2025, providing services to help small businesses minimize layoffs and recover economically.
A collaborative effort among public agencies, educational institutions, and private organizations continues to support small businesses through workforce training, mentoring, financial assistance, and more. Services are offered via NCWorks, community college small business centers, and other resources.
For additional information about Small Business Week and to view Governor Stein’s proclamation, click here.
Read More Here
Comments are closed.