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) 962-37

smay@sbtc.org

Gloria Monroe

Business Counselor

(910) 962-7307

gmonroe@sbtdc.org

Paige O'Neill

International Business

Development Counselor

(910) 962-3014

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.

The University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) Small Business and Technology Development Center (SBTDC) is part of a UNC system program and part of a larger national organization of Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) across the nation. For the first time, all of our team was able to experience the America’s SBDC Conference in September, and we came away from it inspired.

The conference’s theme was Conquering Risk. We participated in conversations about how to build resiliency in our client’s businesses, communities, and ourselves. We learned how to build systems to manage risk. We heard from celebrities such as Jon Doronbos and shared best practices with other state programs.

We walked away from our national conference recharged.

With the turnover that all businesses and organizations are experiencing – a record of 4.3 million people quit their jobs in August 2021 alone – what can you do to bring inspiration and engagement to your employees? Every team is different. If you would like to confidentially survey your employees about what they value about being part of your business, please contact your Lead Counselor at the UNCW SBTDC.

For more information about our free and confidential business counseling services, please visit our website.

Heather McWhorter

UNCW SBTDC Regional Center Director

hmcwhorter@sbtdc.org

ALL BLUE WEEK

The Alliance for the Blue Economy, the newest initiative of the UNCW Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE), will make its debut during “All Blue Week” on November 2-6. The goal of the Alliance – or “All Blue” – is to establish southeastern North Carolina as a national and global leader in the Blue Economy, what the World Bank describes as “the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods and jobs, while preserving the health of the ocean ecosystem.” In the U.S., the Blue Economy delivered nearly $400B to the GDP in 2019. 

All Blue Week kicks off the Alliance with over a dozen sessions, seminars, recreational opportunities, and tours. Held in and around Wilmington and on UNCW’s main and marine science campuses, events will include:

• An opening session on November 2 with a keynote address by acclaimed futurist Deborah Westphal, author of the new book, Convergence: Technology, Business and the Human-Centric Future.
• A Blue Economy Hackathon co-sponsored with Cape Fear Collective.
• Tours of UNCW’s Center for Marine Science.
• Recreational opportunities such as a sustainably operated sunset cruise at the Blockade Runner Resort. 

For more details about the full slate of events and to register (most events are free), please click here. 

2021 MADE AWARD WINNERS

Salutes to MADE winners who had innovations in exporting, manufacturing, and design originating in New Hanover, Brunswick and Pender counties and had an opportunity to exhibit their products during WilmingtonBiz Expo on October 7. Meet the MADE award winners here.

HOSPITALITY, RETAIL & SERVICE GRANT AWARDEES

Compliments to the 192 New Hanover County businesses that were been approved by the Wilmington Chamber of Commerce for Hospitality, Retail & Service grants totaling an investment of $4.2M. These funds will help these businesses that have been negatively impacted by COVID-19.

Wilmington Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Natalie English said, “I’m so proud of the collaborative efforts from New Hanover County and the City of Wilmington to help our businesses recover quickly and reposition themselves for growth. We know our hospitality, retail, and service-based businesses are a critical component of our local economy. New Hanover County will be stronger for this important grant investment that will save and create new jobs.” Details of the program and the list of awardees is available here. 

2021 COASTAL ENTREPRENEUR AWARD RECIPIENTS

Tributes to the Coastal Entrepreneur Award recipients who were spotlighted by Wilmington’s Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE) and the Greater Wilmington Business Journal during a breakfast on August 6. These businesses represent startups, nonprofits, and established businesses who are making significant contributions to the community in 11 categories:

• Biotechnology: SeaTox Research Inc.
• Emerging Company: SmartFox Technologies
• Film: Blue Roll LLC
• Health Care: OpiAID
• Internet-Related Business: Hybrid Athlete Foundation
• Manufacturing & Distribution: SOS Life Sciences Corp.
• Minority-Owned Business: MeMa’s Chick’n’ Ribs
• Nonprofit: Pender County Christian Services
• Retail & Hospitality: Topsail Steamer
• Professional Services: Genesis Block
• Technology: Vantaca

Of the recipients, Topsail Steamer was selected by a panel of judges as the 2021 Entrepreneur of the Year. Details are available here. 

FOOD DRIVE

The SBTDC is partnering with TRU Colors to support our local community by collecting canned goods and non-perishable items. By November 12, please stop by our office between Monday - Friday 8am to 5pm to visit us and donate items for the community. The most needed items include:

• Canned fruits
• Canned soups
• Canned vegetables
• Canned meat
• Rice
• Cereal
• Instant potatoes
• Macaroni & cheese

Also, if you haven't heard of the TRU Colors story yet, please take the time to watch the PBS Story about this business.

NEW UNCW TEAM MEMBERS

Welcome Sherri May

Sherri May joins the SBTDC as a business counselor after 11 years at College of The Albemarle (COA), Dare Campus, where she directed the Workforce Development and Continuing Education Division. 

Sherri has a B.A. in Fine Arts from California University of Pennsylvania and, in addition to working at COA, she has been a business owner, an interior designer, a retail manager, and newspaper marketing manager. She grew up on the Outer Banks and lived on the coast of South Carolina for 26 years before returning to North Carolina. She is new to Wilmington and is excited about the opportunity to make new friends and enjoy the climate, nature, and history of the area.

Welcome Mark Everett

Mark comes to the SBTDC at UNC Wilmington as a General Business Counselor and served for the last 16 months as a Business Resiliency Counselor with the SBTDC at ECU.

Mark brings over 32 years of combined experience in commercial banking and commercial real estate. A Raleigh native, he earned a B.A. in Accounting from North Carolina State University and completed a commercial credit training program followed by nine years of lending experience before transitioning into commercial real estate. In real estate, Mark has participated in brokerage, leasing, development, and structuring commercial real estate transactions.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Elements of Construction Bid Preparation

October 30 | Brunswick Community College SBC in Leland

Guest Speaker: Dahne Walker (Principal TenTwelve LLC)

Register for Part I: 9am-12pm

Register for Part II: 1pm-3pm

This two-part, interactive training course will explore the key elements of a viable and responsive bid for various construction trades. Trades such as excavation, debris removal, hauling, traffic control, etc. Course participants will prepare a mock bid for their respective trade and will receive reusable materials for future bid compilation. Registration is mandatory.

All Blue Week

November 2-6

Register here

Over a dozen events are planned around Wilmington and on UNCW’s main and marine science campuses. Events will include an opening keynote address by acclaimed futurist Deborah Westphal, author of the new book, “Convergence”; a Blue Economy hackathon co-sponsored with Cape Fear Collective; tours of the Center for Marine Science and recreational opportunities such as a sustainable sunset cruise at the Blockade Runner resort. The full list of activities and registration links are here.

SBA's Small Business Certification Programs

November 9 | 9am-11am | Online

Register here

Do you currently sell, or are you interested in selling your goods or services to the federal government? If so, please join this webinar hosted by the U.S. Small Business Administration’s North Carolina District Office as we discuss small business certifications to give your firm an edge in the lucrative government contracting arena. The certification programs to be discussed include Woman-Owned Small Business, Small Disadvantaged Business, Veteran & Service-Disabled Veteran, 8(a) Business Development, and the HUBZone program. This webinar will cover details on eligibility and applying for certification.

Launch & Learn: Tax and Accounting Considerations When Getting Started

November 9 | 11am-12pm | Online

Guest Speaker: Todd Serulneck (Lancaster & Hall)

Register here

Learn about:

• Five starting steps for new business owners
• Introduction to the three key financial statements
• What to expect from your bookkeeper and/or CPA

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.

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.