The SBTDC is a business and technology extension program of the UNC System. With offices at the 16 campuses, counselors provide personalized management counseling and education services that help entrepreneurs make their businesses better, create and retain jobs, and improve the economy of North Carolina. The SBTDC's office at UNC Wilmington is affiliated with the UNCW Cameron School of Business and is located next to the UNCW Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship.
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Heather McWhorter
Regional Director910.962.4248 or 
James Chestnut
Government Contracting Counselor 910.962.3566 or 
Cynthia DeVita-Cochrane
Business Resiliency Counselor
910.962.3744 or
Gloria Monroe
Business Counselor
910.962.7307 or 
Paige O'Neill International Business Development Specialist
910.962.3014 or 
Jamie Stalfort
Business Launch Specialist 910.962.0537 or 
Cheryl Young
Business Resiliency Counselor 910.962.3744 or
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A few months ago, a writer from WILMA magazine reached out to ask questions about why I do what I do. In some professions, these questions may be difficult. But for anyone who knows an SBTDC counselor, they know that answering these questions is quite simple.
Simply, SBTDC counselors do what we do because of our entrepreneurial and small business clients. We enjoy enabling our clients' success and seeing our community benefit as a result. As I said in the WILMA article,
"Entrepreneurs and small business owners are optimists, resilient, creative and so much more. They are wonderful people to be able to help."
Thank you to WILMA for sharing our story. To read the article, click here.
This quarterly newsletter includes an article about why business plans are important (a must-read!), job vacancies (we are hiring!), and upcoming events (sign up for one today!).
If your business in southeast North Carolina could benefit from business counseling, our team of experienced professionals at the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) SBTDC can help. For more information about our free and confidential business counseling services, please visit our website.
Heather McWhorter
UNCW SBTDC Regional Center Director
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Contributed by Cheryl Young, Business Resiliency Counselor
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Creating a new business or expanding an existing business can be very stressful. There are many details to consider and plan. A business plan will help bring clarity to how the business will be operated and how you will accomplish your goals for the business. The business plan should be focused and realistic.
Business plans are necessary if you are requesting financing for your business. A lender will look for a clear understanding of what type of business you are running, how it will operate and how the business will make money. A detailed plan shows that you have thought about all things related to the business. Important information about the business include a detailed description of the products/services offered, management, your target market and how you will connect with them, competition, industry information and of course financial information. This information shows the lender that you are dedicated to this business and offers confidence to the lender that the business will be successful.
The business plan isn't just for the lender, it is a great tool for the business owner also. It provides guidance on how the business will operate. It will allow you to reflect on the business and assure that the visions and goals align with how the business is operating. A business plan should be reviewed at least yearly to ensure that the goals you have set do not need to be revised and to ensure you are operating your business the way you intended.
Remember, a business plan is a road map for your business and a reference tool to keep you on track. When used properly and reviewed regularly, it can help you measure and manage what you're working so hard to create.
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Do you have a passion for making a positive impact on small businesses by helping them grow? UNCW SBTDC is hiring!
If you know of someone who might be a fit, please share this newsletter with them. Thank you!
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DOD Cybersecurity Compliance 101
June 24 | 10-11am | Online
Speakers: James Chestnut, SBTDC Government Contracting Assistance Program (GCAP) Counselor and Heidi Egusquiza, Vice President, Carroll Communications
Learn about:
- DoD Cybersecurity Regulations
- SBA 7(j) Management and Technical Assistance Program
- Cybersecurity compliance
- Tips for getting started on a cyber-compliance strategy
Launch & Learn: Proving Demand through Digital Marketing July 13 | 12-1pm | Online Guest Speaker: Derek Schmidt, Founder of DesignLoud, Inc. Learn about: - How to make an impact in the first three seconds of someone visiting your website or landing page
- Where and how you should focus your marketing efforts online
- How to track everything to see what bring you a return on your investment
Reboot 2021 Series In partnership with Brunswick Community College and Southeastern Community College Small Business Centers
Checking the Health of Your Business - E-Commerce Simplified: Selling Your Product on the Internet
June 23 | 5-7pm
Checking the Health of Your Business - Rehabilitate Your Small Business: How to Scale Operations & Recover
June 30 | 5-6:30pm
How to Start a Small Business... the Right Way!
July 6 | 6-8pm
Online Tools and Apps for Small Business
July 8 | 6-8pm
Checking the Health of Your Business - Budgeting & Cash Flow
July 20 | 6-7:30pm
Ways to Finance My Business Even During a Pandemic
August 5 | 6-8pm
There are even more programs hosted by members of The Business Coalition. Access the consolidated calendar of Coalition events in the region here. The Coalition is a group of organizations in southeast NC with a goal of helping small business owners and entrepreneurs. Coalition members include AARP, Brian Hamilton Foundation, Brunswick Community College Small Business Center (SBC), Cape Fear Community College SBC, Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE), Genesis Block, The Kairos Center, Network for Entrepreneurs in Wilmington (NEW), North Carolina Military Business Center, SBTDC, SCORE, and tekMountain. Coalition supporters include Carolina Small Business Development Fund, NCI Fund, and Wilmington Chamber of Commerce.
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