North Carolina Celebrates Small Business Week: A Look at Initiatives and Support for Entrepreneurs
In a move to honor the vital role of small businesses in North Carolina, Governor Josh Stein has declared May 3-9, 2026, as Small Business Week. This initiative emphasizes the significant contributions of entrepreneurs to the state’s economic growth and resilience.
Governor Josh Stein remarked, “North Carolina communities are energized by the one million small businesses that innovate, create jobs, and spur growth. 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.”
N.C. Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley highlighted the importance of small businesses, stating, “Small businesses employ nearly half of all private sector jobs while driving local economies. 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.”
Established by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), Small Business Week is a national celebration of the entrepreneurial spirit. The SBA categorizes small businesses as those with fewer than 500 employees. In 2025, these enterprises represented over 99 percent of North Carolina’s businesses, providing employment to 1.8 million individuals across the state.
North Carolina’s small businesses have also played a significant role in international trade, with over 9,500 businesses exporting goods valued at $8.8 billion in 2023.
The state’s recognition as the 2025 Top State for Business reflects its strong business ecosystem, which prepares both the workforce and employers for success. Key initiatives like the NCWorks Small Business Work-Based Learning grants, supported by the American Rescue Plan Act, have benefited 11 local workforce development boards, aiding 480 businesses and training over 1,210 individuals.
The One North Carolina Small Business Program has been instrumental over 20 years, awarding grants to innovative, tech-based small businesses. It has supported over 520 companies, creating more than 2,000 jobs and attracting an additional $10 billion in investments. Applications for this program are open until June 30.
Additionally, the Rural Economic Development Division spearheads initiatives through various programs, including the Rural Building Reuse Program and the Main Street and Rural Planning Center. In 2025, these efforts led to the creation or enhancement of 2,077 businesses in rural areas.
Moreover, the Creating Outdoor Recreation Economies (CORE) program supports rural areas by developing economic strategies to boost tourism and small business growth. To date, 26 communities have adopted CORE strategic plans.
In response to Hurricane Helene, the Commerce department has focused on aiding small businesses in western North Carolina. The Commercial District Revitalization (CDR) Program recently launched to offer grants for revitalizing commercial districts. The Small Business Infrastructure Grant Program has allocated nearly $30 million to aid recovery efforts, while the WNC Strong: Helene Business Recovery Fund, supported by the Appalachian Regional Commission, offers flexible loans up to $100,000.
Additionally, the “Hurricane Helene Business Edge Fund” provided by Commerce’s Division of Workforce Solutions, offered $500,000 to help small businesses retain jobs and stabilize the economy post-storm.
Collaborative efforts among public agencies, educational institutions, and private organizations focus on supporting small businesses with strategies for growth and job creation. Resources include workforce training, business mentoring, financial assistance, research, and technical support.
Various services are available to small businesses through NCWorks, community colleges, the N.C. Small Business and Technology Development Center, SCORE, the Veterans Business Outreach Center, the Rural Center, and the Small Business Advisors hotline.
For further details on Small Business Week and to view Governor Stein’s proclamation, click here.
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