The North Carolina Small Business and Technology Development Center (SBTDC) helps small business owners (and those interested in starting a business) meet the challenges of today's business environment, manage that ever-changing world, and plan for the future of their business. We do this by providing management counseling and educational services to small and mid-sized businesses throughout North Carolina from our 17 offices across the state — each affiliated with a college or university. Our mission is to help North Carolina businesses grow and create new jobs within the state. Most of our services are free of charge, and all SBTDC services are confidential.

Our General Business Services are well defined and are designed to meet our clients' needs:

Management Counseling — We help you with financing, marketing, human resources, operations, business planning, and feasibility assessment.

Management Education — We also provide targeted, research-based educational products which are focused on change management, strategic performance, and leadership development for your management team, employees, and board members.

Our Special Market Development Services are specifically designed to aid growing companies in expanding their markets and increasing competitiveness:

Business Research — We provide research and marketing support services for SBTDC clients, primary research on small business needs and economic impact, and special projects such as small business incubator feasibility studies.

Government Procurement — We can help you secure contracts by providing comprehensive assistance in selling your products and services to federal, state, and local governments.

Export Financial Services — Our staff helps businesses with export financing.

Boating Industry — The SBTDC provides business and regulatory services to marinas, boatyards, boat dealers, boat builders, marine construction firms, and product/service providers.

Technology Commercialization and SBIR — SBTDC counselors assist technology businesses through management counseling and Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) outreach.