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.

Heather McWhorter

Regional Director

(910) 962-4248

hmcwhorter@sbtdc.org

Mark Everett

Business Counselor

(910) 962-2869

meverett@sbtdc.org

Sherri May

Business Counselor

(910) 962-3744

smay@sbtc.org

Gloria Monroe

Business Counselor

(910) 962-7307

gmonroe@sbtdc.org

Paige O'Neill

International Business

Development Counselor

(910) 962-0592

poneill@sbtdc.org

Jamie Stalfort

Business Launch Specialist

(910) 962-0537

jstalfort@sbtdc.org

Cheryl Young

Business Resiliency Counselor

(910) 962-3744

cyoung@sbtdc.org

YOUR BUSINESS. BETTER.

Each year, we learn and grow both personally and professionally. What did you learn and grow from in 2021 that is setting you up for greater success in 2022? What goals do you have for 2022? And, most importantly, what support do you need to achieve your 2022 goals?

If your business in southeast North Carolina could benefit from business counseling support, our team of experienced professionals at the UNC Wilmington (UNCW) SBTDC can help. For more information about our free and confidential business counseling services, please visit our website.

Here's to your success in 2022!

Heather McWhorter

UNCW SBTDC Regional Center Director

hmcwhorter@sbtdc.org

On behalf of the entire UNCW SBTDC team, special appreciation is extended to the members of the UNCW SBTDC Regional Advisory Board. They volunteer and share their expertise to provide advice to help us be successful in supporting small businesses in southeastern North Carolina. SBTDC Advisory Board members serve as ambassadors and advocates for the SBTDC, providing a connection to and ongoing exchange of information and ideas with small businesses, the community, and other external contacts.

Thank you to the UNCW SBTDC Advisory Board members for all that they do!

• Peter (Jud) Watkins - Chair, Owner, Wrightsville Beach Brewery, LLC
• Bradley Bruestle - Co-Chair, First Bank SBA / SBA Relationship Manager
• Dr. Robert (Rob) Burrus - Dean, UNCW Cameron School of Business
• David Cheek - Former President, Cape Fear SCORE
• Randall Johnson - Executive Director, NC Biotechnology Center, Southeastern Office
• Betsy Knowles - President, TheArtWorks
• Gary Lanier - Director, Columbus County Economic Development Commission
• Cliff Pyron - Director of Business Development, Wilmington Business Development
• Marty Rowan - Attorney, Law Office of Marcia A. Rowan, PLLC
• April Scott - Director, Brunswick Community College Small Business Center
• Jim Seidel - CEO, Tri-Tech Forensics
• Anne Shaw - State Director, Small Business Center Network

The successful birth and journey of Mojotone from a keyboard and simplifier repair shop in Winston-Salem to a 46,000-square foot building in Pender County is featured in the 2021 North Carolina Small Business Handbook, which spotlights successful small businesses of the state.

Business partners Michael McWhorter and Andy Turner have grown the business and expanded products to become a worldwide supplier of vintage and reproduction musical electronics, parts, and speaker cabinets. During the pandemic, the business was able to keep everyone employed and experienced a boon in sales as guitarists were home "playing their guitars or fixing stuff or modifying their amps."

Learn more about the Mojotone story here.

TOP WAYS TO SUPPORT SMALL BUSINESSES THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

Contributed by Jamie Stalfort, Business Launch Specialist

Three times more money returns to the local economy when you shop locally and eating at locally-owned restaurants brings in two times more money, according to a study conducted by a consulting firm.

The holidays are the busiest time of year for most businesses, and that includes our own small businesses. If you want to give thoughtful, memorable gifts and contribute to the Cape Fear’s economy, we’ve rounded up a myriad of ways to shop small this holiday season!

See if you can get it locally

Before you look to Amazon, do a quick search to see if the product you want is available in our area. The Cape Fear region has thousands of unique, family-run businesses to choose from, so odds are you’ll find what you’re looking for and meet a friendly, local face in the process.

Spread the word

Even in a digital world, word of mouth is still one of the most effective forms of marketing. If you buy a locally-made gift for a loved one, not only have you given them a cherished item that they will use for years to come, but, odds are, they’ll often get asked where they got it. Buying local has ripple effects.

Shop through platforms that connect you with small businesses

While platforms like Etsy, Bookshop, and Storenvy have been around for a while, look to resources like the Wilmington Chamber of Commerce, the Greater Wilmington Business Journal, or local Christmas fairs and farmer’s markets to buy local. This way, you can cross off your shopping list for those on the nice list all in one place.

Share the love

Another easy way to help our small businesses is to review them, engage with them on social media, and tell others about them. It’s a free and easy way to bring joy (and dollars) to our neighbors.

To learn more about how you can help small businesses this holiday season, check out this article from the New York Times here.

BUILDING YOUR TEAM FOR RESILIENCY AND GROWTH IN 2022

Contributed by Mark Everett, General Business Counselor

It has always been important to have a great team to achieve maximum success in your business. But in these uncertain and changing times, it is more important than ever. Who is on your team?

Obviously, your employees and managers are key internal team members. But what about your external team members? They can play a vital role in the ability to be resilient and grow in your business. I am referring to partners such as your banker, CPA, attorney, insurance agent, key suppliers/vendors, and yes, the SBTDC.

In my experience, having strong relationships with the people listed above are paramount and should not be overlooked. For example, having the ability to produce accurate, reliable, and consistent financial reporting allows you to understand where your business is and where you are going. It is a key management tool and one that allows you to put your best foot forward when you have a borrowing need.

Even if you don’t have a current borrowing need, it is a great idea to have a good relationship with a commercial banker who knows you and your business. It may not hurt to even share financial information with the banker so that when the time comes that you do need to borrow, they have a file on you and can analyze your financial position to offer the appropriate solutions and best terms for your given situation.

The same goes for your attorney and insurance agent. Having good risk management in place with people who know your specific business situation is critical to avoid problems, and to deal with them effectively when they inevitably arise.

Since the onset of COVID, many businesses have experienced supply chain issues. In many cases that may have been unavoidable to a degree. However, knowing your key suppliers and having a good relationship with them, as well as knowing alternative sources, likely can help you manage supply chain issues now and in the future.

The SBTDC can contribute as a key external team member for your business as well. Many companies do not have a board of directors. It is nice to have a resource that you can rely on to discuss challenges, ideas, and thoughts. SBTDC counselors can serve in that capacity. With our no cost, confidential business counseling services and access to an internal team of counselors with a broad base of backgrounds and areas of expertise, we are here to help.

Your internal team members are critically important to the success of your business. So are the members of your external team. Now is the time to evaluate and engage a strong external team to support your business as well.

Webinar: How to Find, Interview & Hire Magical People!

December 16 | 1pm-3pm | Online

Hosted by: Cape Fear Community College Small Business Center

Guest Speaker: John Formica, The Ex-Disney Guy

Register here

Learn how to find and hire the best-suited candidates today for the job, but, more importantly, how to eliminate the candidates you don't want! Just by following John's unique tips and strategies, different than the usual non-effective hiring methods, you will finally have the right people working for your organization that are more loyal and committed to your values and goals, empowered with the initiative to get the results you want now. That is when the real "magic" begins in your business.

Webinar: Business Tax Essentials

January 5 | 2pm-4pm | Online

Hosted by: Cape Fear Community College Small Business Center

Guest Speaker: Kayla DeMaria, NCDOR

Register here

The basic requirements to help North Carolina businesses understand the laws and obligations necessary to be a tax compliant business will be covered. Participants learn about filing and administrative requirements, the basics of NC sales & use tax law, the basics of NC withholding tax law, step-by-step directions for completing sales tax and withholding returns, and directions for filing and paying online.

Webinar: Access to Capital for Your Small Business

January 12 | 1pm-3pm | Online

Hosted by: Cape Fear Community College Small Business Center

Guest Speaker: Leslie Lewis, NCODR

Register here

This event will bring together traditional and non-traditional lending sources for business owners to meet and discuss how they can meet their capital needs. Join representatives from the SBA, SCORE and the SBC to explore capital access options for small businesses. They will answer these frequently asked questions: What can I use the money for? What if I have questionable credit? What are the loan application requirements?

Learn about the many capital funding options, including equity crowdfunding, that are available to small businesses in our area. The panelists will also discuss traditional, alternative, and entrepreneur forms of capital, as well as options for women and minority-owned businesses.

Taking the Leap - Virtual

February 1-22 | 6pm-8pm | Online

Hosted by: NC Small Business and Technology Development Center (SBTDC)

Register here

In this four-week long cohort, participants will learn about different aspects of starting a business, including identifying potential markets, writing a business plan, running the finances of a business, and marketing a business. You'll work with mentors and peers in fun breakout activities designed to help strengthen your business ideas and prepare you for success!

Coalition Consolidated Events Calendar

There are even more programs hosted by members of the Business Coalition. Access the consolidated calendar of Coalition events in the region here.

In addition the the SBTDC, Coalition members include AARP, Brunswick Community College Small Business Center, Cape Fear Community College Small Business Center, Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE), Channel by Live Oak Bank, Genesis Block, The Kairos Center, Network for Entrepreneurs in Wilmington (NEW), North Carolina Military Business Center, SCORE, and Wilmington Chamber of Commerce. Coalition supporters include Carolina Small Business Development Fund and Partner Community Capital.

If you are in Onslow County, also check out the upcoming workshops and events at the Coastal Carolina Community College SBC. Columbus County should check out the Southeastern Community College SBC programs, and Duplin County should visit the James Sprunt Community College SBC. Please email us at uncw@sbtdc.org if you need assistance from or information about any of these organizations.