Governor Josh Stein has declared May 3-9, 2026, as Small Business Week in North Carolina to honor the vital role that entrepreneurs and small businesses play in the state’s economy. This proclamation highlights the contributions of nearly one million small businesses, which are central to job creation and economic growth across the state. The initiative underscores the government’s commitment to fostering supportive conditions for these businesses amid evolving economic challenges. Various programs and grants aim to bolster the resilience and expansion of small enterprises within North Carolina.
Governor Stein emphasized the importance of small businesses in energizing local communities through innovation and employment opportunities. According to Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley, small businesses constitute nearly half of all private sector employment, underscoring their integral role in driving local economies. The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has designated this week to celebrate the entrepreneurial spirit, with small businesses making up over 99% of North Carolina’s business landscape and employing 1.8 million people as of 2025. Export data from 2023 indicates that over 9,500 small businesses contributed $8.8 billion to the state’s exports.
The North Carolina Department of Commerce continues to support small businesses through various initiatives. These include the NCWorks Small Business Work-Based Learning grants, which have assisted 480 small businesses in training over 1,210 individuals. The One North Carolina Small Business Program provides nondilutive grants to tech-based small businesses, fostering innovation and job creation across 41 counties. Additionally, programs like the Rural Building Reuse Program and the Creating Outdoor Recreation Economies (CORE) initiative focus on rural economic development and small business support.
In response to Hurricane Helene’s impact, the state has prioritized recovery efforts for small businesses in western North Carolina. Initiatives such as the Commercial District Revitalization (CDR) Program and the Small Business Infrastructure Grant Program aim to reinvigorate commercial districts and support recovery in affected regions. The WNC Strong: Helene Business Recovery Fund, backed by a grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission, offers flexible loans to aid recovery efforts.
North Carolina’s collaborative approach involves public agencies, educational institutions, and private organizations working together to assist small businesses in growth and job creation. This includes providing workforce training, business mentoring, financial assistance, research, technical assistance, and export services through various state-supported centers and programs.
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