Small Business Technology Development Center @ECU (SBTDC)

?? It's Global Entrepreneurship Week! We're celebrating all the incredible work that goes into building a successful small business, and we want to hear from you! What do you think helps a small business thrive? Whether you’re a business owner, a business counselor, or just have valuable advice to share, drop your thoughts in the comments below. ?? If an SBTDC counselor has helped you along the way, feel free to tag them and show your appreciation! Let’s inspire each other with tips, stories, and support! #SBTDC #YourBusinessBetter #GlobalEntrepreneurshipWeek #SmallBusinessSuccess

??Do you understand the value of intellectual property (IP) and the options IP affords? Does your business idea require IP protection? Check out the #SBTDC’s Intellectual Property Guide! ?? This guide is meant to help entrepreneurs with various business decisions by providing some basic information about IP and what you can expect if you decide to go down one commercialization path or another. Our IP Guide offers an array of information on several topics including… ? Patents ? Copyrights ? Trademarks ? Trade secrets … and so much more! IP is extremely important to business, so it’s vital that entrepreneurs understand it. Check out the full guide on our website and make #YourBusinessBetter today! https://lnkd.in/eXScUMAU #RadiantResource #IntellectualProperty #Commercialization #BusinessTips

?? We’re pleased to announce the release of the 2024 Small Business Handbook, a collaborative effort between the SBTDC and Business NC mag! This essential resource features a “State of Small Business” letter from State Director Byron Hicks and eye-catching infographics on crucial topics like Finance, Marketing & Branding, Government Contracting, and Resiliency. We also highlight some of our outstanding clients and provide a list of statewide resources to assist other small to mid-sized businesses. Whether you’re an established business owner or just starting out, this handbook is a must-read. Check it out! ?? https://lnkd.in/eaWcxbH8 #YourBusinessBetter #SBTDC #BusinessHandbook #SmallBusiness

October 2024 - SBTDC Technology Commercialization Newsletter In this Issue: - Virtual Investor Ready Entrepreneur – 10/23 - SBTDC & First Flight Venture Host Hybrid SBIR/STTR Road Tour - NIH SBIR/STTR Program Information - NSF SBIR/STTR Updates - Common Grant Submission Mistakes - De-risking Fundraising to Attract Investors and Boost Valuation Read at: https://conta.cc/3N5YhHn #sbtdc #innovation #techcommercialization #sbir #sttr #funding #equity

Message from NC SBTDC State Director Byron Hicks: “Our thoughts and support go out to all of our neighbors in Western North Carolina. In the coming days and weeks, the SBTDC will be providing continuous updates of information for small business recovery. The Western North Carolina communities are resilient. We are at the beginning of a long road to recovery, but we will get through this experience together. We will soon have a page on the SBTDC website to keep businesses informed of federal, state, and local resources as they are available. We appreciate your patience. Please stay safe in the aftermath of the storm. The SBTDC is here to support small businesses throughout their recovery process.” #NCStrong #DisasterRecovery #SBTDCAssistance

Are you dreaming of starting your own business? Do you have a groundbreaking idea but are not sure how to turn it into reality? ECU's Small Business & Technology Development Center?is excited to announce “Taking the Leap,"?a 4-week intensive program designed to transform your entrepreneurial aspirations into actionable plans.? ? In-person?sessions start Tuesday, October 8, from 12-2 p.m. in the Influx Business Hub – East location at 204 E Arlington Blvd Ste C, Greenville, NC 27858. This in-person?series is a unique chance to gain valuable insights, network with like-minded individuals, and receive personalized guidance from experienced business professionals. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur or a seasoned professional looking to venture into new territories, "Taking the Leap" offers the tools and support you need to succeed. Weekly sessions will cover:? Identifying Potential Markets:?Dive deep into market research to find your niche.? Understanding Your Customers:?Learn how to uncover and meet the needs of your target audience.? Crafting a Business Plan:?Get expert guidance on how to write a comprehensive business plan that attracts investors.? Navigating Business Finances:?Understanding the financial aspects of running a business, including budgeting, forecasting, and managing cash flow.? Marketing Mastery:?Develop a strategic marketing plan to create buzz and attract customers.? ? Space is limited, so register today to secure your spot in this transformative program. Share this opportunity with anyone you believe would benefit from joining the entrepreneurial community.? Let's take the leap together. Register online today! Questions? Contact Tyler Lumley, SBTDC Business Launch Specialist, at [email protected].

?? Don't let your dreams Fall out of reach, join one of our Taking the Leap cohorts this Autumn! ??? Mondays: September 12 - 26 ? 10:00 am - 1:00 pm ?? Wilmington, NC ??? Sundays: October 1 - 22 ? 11:30 am - 1:30 pm ?? Concord, NC ??? Mondays: October 2 - 23 ? 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm ?? Virtual / Asheville, NC Area Limited Seats Available | No Cost Embarking on a business journey without proper guidance can feel overwhelming. Why take the leap without the essential tools for success? Our Taking the Leap program requires an application for admission. These in-person sessions offer an opportunity for high-potential startups and founders to network with fellow entrepreneurs, exchange ideas, and gain invaluable insights. With a focus on interactive learning, participants will receive personalized guidance from experienced instructors and guest mentors. Participants can anticipate acquiring the following resources: ?? Business Plan Templates / Outlines / Guides ?? Financial Projection Templates ?? Intellectual Property Guide ?? Digital Marketing Strategies ?? Market and Industry Insights ?? Customer Discovery Techniques ?? Startup Checklist Seats are limited, so apply now to secure your spot and kickstart your entrepreneurial journey! Ready to Take the Leap? Apply Now: https://lnkd.in/gurPqphg #SBTDC #YourBusinessBetter #TakingTheLeap #BusinessTips #SmallBusinessSupport #BusinessMentorship #StartupResources #BusinessDevelopment

New to Government Contracting? Interested in gaining skills and resources from our Government Contracting Assistance Program? ? Join our upcoming Webinar series: GovCon Connect! These sessions are packed with information about the fundamentals of government contracting. Not only will you gain valuable insights into government contracting and subcontracting, but you'll also have the opportunity to network virtually and get your important questions answered by our GCAP experts. You'll also have the chance to speak one-on-one with one of our specialized GCAP counselors. ??Our first event of the series is on ?????????????????? ???? Register now and make #YourBusinessBetter at GovCon Connect! ?? Registration & more information: https://lnkd.in/dTPWhnK8 #SBTDC #GovernmentContracting #SmallBusiness #BusinessDevelopment #GovConConnect