Are you aware of the impact of small businesses in our community? According to the Small Business Administration, there are 31 million small businesses in the United States, which make up around 99% of all businesses in the country. And there are 934,604 small businesses in North Carolina – which is 99.6% of all businesses in the state. So less than 1% of all businesses in our state would be considered large. Is that surprising?
Did you know that NC small businesses employ 45.3% of all North Carolina employees? Have you noticed the business names on the back of your child’s little league uniform or soccer jersey? Was it the name of a big box store or was it the name of a small business? Local small business owners are genuinely committed to serving the communities in which they operate their businesses, whether by joining a civic group, sponsoring a sports team, joining the local chamber, or serving on local nonprofit boards that benefit the community.
When it comes to women business owners, are you aware that 56% of women who are self-employed have indicated that their top reason for being in business was for work and family balance? And did you know that the probability of young people today starting their own business is the highest it has ever been?
In order to be sustainable, small business owners need to grow and evolve to meet the needs of their customers. It is why you will find specialty items with local merchants and expertise with business owners in the service industry within our community. We should all support them by shopping local — not only during National Small Business Week, which happens to be this week, April 30-May 6, but year-round.
With a clear focus on entrepreneurship and creating economic development within our city, the Small Business Center at Wilson Community College places emphasis on launching startups and working with existing small businesses. It provides high-quality, readily-accessible education and training, counseling, referrals, and information. Last year, over 230 clients visited the SBC for free confidential counseling services, which are open to the public, and over 560 attended our free webinars and seminars.
While some clients seek to replace an existing or previous job with a new business, others are seeking a side-line business to supplement their income or for extra retirement funds. The SBC stands ready to help regardless of the desire for business ownership, as small business growth is a win-win for our entire community due to the economic impact and the many generous ways that local business owners support our city and county.
If you are considering starting a small business, contact Jay Burbage, SBC Administrative Assistant, at 252-246-1209 or Melissa Evans, SBC Director, at (252) 246-1232. You can also visit our website at www.wilsoncc.edu/sbc to register for counseling or to find a complete list of free events, including seminars and webinars. #WilsonCC We make Wilson work.
What’s Happening
NOW – Summer & Fall Registration
May 1 – WCC Chorus Concert at 7 PM
May 18 – BLET Graduation
May 19 – ADN Pinning Ceremony
May 19 – WCC Graduation Ceremony