Small Business Technology Development Center @ECU (SBTDC)

It's right around the corner! Join us for "Launch Catalyst: Igniting NC’s Next Generation of Startups" — a free virtual event hosted by Business Launch of the NC SBTDC happening September 17, 2025, from 10:00 am to 12:30 pm ET. This is not to be missed. Keynote: Justin Gold, founder of Justin's (yes — the nut butter brand you see in grocery stores everywhere), will share how he got started, where he stumbled, and what he wishes he’d known from day one. Also featuring: Cherith Roberson, sharing startup wisdom and moderating a panel with two outstanding NC entrepreneurs: • Becca Wright, founder of Piedmont Pennies® (https://lnkd.in/eCb8V2ty) • Alex Brandwein, founder of Brandwein’s Bagels (https://lnkd.in/etVWyQcB) A Resource Rally moderated by Tyler Lumley to connect you with the most supportive entrepreneurial resources in North Carolina. Whether you’re in the “what if” stage or already building, you’ll walk away with stories, strategies, and connections to move your business forward. 📅 Register now → https://lnkd.in/e_weauYC #YourBusinessBetter #SBTDC #StartupJourney #BusinessGrowth #VirtualEvent

Here’s to the Hustlers Labor Day isn’t just a holiday—it’s a high-five to every business owner hustling behind the scenes. You show up. You grind. We get that. Let’s turn that hustle into horsepower—with a plan that actually works. Let’s do it together: www.sbtdc.org

In business, challenges are inevitable. Some will catch you off guard, others will test you even when you feel prepared. At times you’ll be able to anticipate and avoid them, but more often you’ll be faced with them directly. What truly defines your journey is not the obstacles themselves, but how you respond, and who you have alongside you when they arise. From 2010 through 2019, when I was building a food business, I learned that resilience is not something you can build alone. It takes a circle of people who understand the place you are in. Mentors who have walked the road before you. Peers who are a few steps ahead and can share what worked, what did not, and what almost knocked them off track. Fellow founders who know the grind firsthand and can offer the kind of perspective no book or consultant can provide. Justin Gold was one of those people for me. We went to college together, and years later, as I tried to grow my own food company, he was steps ahead as a fellow founder building Justin’s into a national brand. He always made time for a call, a text, or an email, and his advice helped me navigate a world that often felt overwhelming. But he was not the only one. I leaned on a whole network. It truly took a village then, and it still does now. I reached out to Justin, now five years after I stepped away from my own business and four years since he left Justin’s, nearly a decade after its acquisition, to help drive this message home. He brings not only the perspective of a founder who has lived through the highs and lows, but also the ability to show just how important it is to have people you can turn to along the way. And every successful founder I know has needed them too, whether for inspiration, clarification, or simply the reassurance that the blows you are taking are not yours alone. You will also love these folks when it comes time to celebrate your wins, because they will be the first to raise a glass with you. That is what our upcoming event “Launch Catalyst” on September 17 is designed to provide. Cherith Roberson, a multi-business founder and seasoned advisor, will share her experiences and moderate a candid conversation with entrepreneurs Becca Wright of Piedmont Pennies® and Alex Brandwein of Brandwein’s Bagels. I will engage Justin directly as he shares the behind-the-scenes story of building Justin’s from farmers’ markets to a $286 million exit. And to close, Tyler Lumley will walk us through a “Resource Rally,” spotlighting just a handful of the outstanding startup resources available in North Carolina. It takes a village to launch and grow a business. On September 17, you will find part of that village here. More information & registration: https://lnkd.in/eGm6scKY

https://lnkd.in/eMyhg3nV

Overwhelmed by all the AI, short videos, and hashtag chaos? You’re not alone. The big idea here is simple: stay real, strategic, and consistent. It takes 5–7 impressions for people to remember your brand—and consistent visuals can increase revenue by 23%. Read more from Emily Raser here: https://lnkd.in/ei3_HdT8. #sbtdc #enc #smallbusiness #consultant #socialmediastrategy #socialmediatrends

💡 Ready to fund your next big idea? Join the SBTDC, First Flight Venture Center, NC IDEA, North Carolina Biotechnology Center (NCBiotech), and Hutchison PLLC for The Innovation Funding Journey, a full-day event designed to help NC entrepreneurs and innovators navigate the complex world of innovation funding. 📅 October 1, 2025 📍 Attend in-person at NC Biotechnology Center in Durham or join virtually via Zoom! Whether you’re launching a innovation-based startup or scaling your innovation business, this event will give you the knowledge and connections to build your funding roadmap. Register now 🔗 https://lnkd.in/esYPdnaU NOTE: Scholarships available for those in Tier 1 and 2 counties – Email jujvari@sbtdc.org for a scholarship code before you register. #SBTDC #YourBusinessBetter #InnovationFunding #NCEntrepreneurs

Contracts are Won Through Connections At our “From Confused to Contract Ready” workshop, we talked about how networking with prime contractors can open more doors than searching online alone. Show up at outreach events, industry days, and local business gatherings — and bring your capability statement and business cards. Is your business ready for networking? Speak with a Business Counselor for FREE today at www.sbtdc.org #Networking #GovernmentContracting #SmallBusinessSuccess #SBTDC

Guessing works for party games. Not for payroll, profit, or growth. The good news? There’s help — real, human help — right here in Eastern NC. Last year, SBTDC clients landed over $225.7 million in capital formation, $155.4 million in incremental sales, and created 3,316 new jobs. We can help you make smarter moves, too. Skip the guessing. Start the growing. Book your session: www.sbtdc.org

Calling all innovation-oriented entrepreneurs, from RTP to Wilmington to Charlotte and all 100 counties! SBTDC has developed a can't miss event for start-ups who need to understand how to fund various stages of growth. You will hear from funders, founders and subject matter experts in non-dilutive and equity funding. Event Registration: https://lnkd.in/eMsWMm74 Logistics: Live , in-person event at the amazing North Carolina Biotech Center and available virtually for those outside RTP area. Please share this with your team, faculty/researchers, other budding founders and we will look forward to seeing you on October 1,2025 9AM-4PM If you have any questions about the event, please reach out : knicusanti@sbtdc.org

I’m thrilled to invite you to Launch Catalyst: Igniting NC’s Next Generation of Startups — a free virtual event hosted by Business Launch of the NC SBTDC happening September 17, 2025, from 10:00 am to 12:30 pm ET. This is not to be missed. Keynote: Justin Gold, founder of Justin's (yes — the nut butter brand you see in grocery stores everywhere), will share how he got started, where he stumbled, and what he wishes he’d known from day one. Also featuring: Cherith Roberson, sharing startup wisdom and moderating a panel with two outstanding NC entrepreneurs: • Becca Wright, founder of Piedmont Pennies® (https://lnkd.in/eCb8V2ty) • Alex Brandwein, founder of Brandwein’s Bagels (https://lnkd.in/etVWyQcB) A Resource Rally moderated by Tyler Lumley to connect you with the most supportive entrepreneurial resources in North Carolina. Whether you’re in the “what if” stage or already building, you’ll walk away with stories, strategies, and connections to move your business forward. 📅 Register now → https://lnkd.in/e_weauYC #YourBusinessBetter #SBTDC #StartupJourney #BusinessGrowth #VirtualEvent