
PROMOTING ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Carolina Small Business supports development by providing access to affordable capital, offering training and guidance to entrepreneurs, and through research demonstrating how small firms are the cornerstone of regional economic growth.
THE NUMBERS.
Almost 85 percent of employer businesses in North Carolina have fewer than 20 employees, accounting for 23 percent of all employment within the state.

CSBDF has provided more than $120 million in aid across more than 3,100 loans and grants, helping to create or retain more than 5,300 jobs.

We know this work is vital because our research shows, empirically and objectively, the importance of small businesses.
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WHAT THAT MEANS FOR NC.
Small “Main Street” businesses—shops, restaurants, service providers, and others—are the economic engines of healthy communities.

They create entrepreneurial networks, improve local quality of life, and revitalize distressed communities.
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Neighborhoods with robust small firm ecosystems create a business environment that is desired and sought out by larger companies.

REGIONS AT
A GLANCE

Western
176 Loans/Grants
$11.4 Million
109 Jobs
Northwest
20 Loans/Grants
$1.2 Million
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Piedmont Triad
227 Loans/Grants
$8.6 Million
209 Jobs
Southwest
895 Loans/Grants
$30.9 Million
2,432 Jobs
Sandhills
136 Loans/Grants
$8.8 Million
103.4 Jobs
North Central
1,312 Loans/Grants
$41.6 Million
2,235 Jobs
Southeast
160 Loans/Grants
$9.8 Million
124 Jobs
Northeast
149 Loans/Grants
$5.8 Million
108 Jobs