OUR
PROGRAMS
Carolina Small Business Development Fund is a nonprofit Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), and we’re passionate about supporting small businesses in underserved communities. We serve small business owners from all walks of life and at all stages of their entrepreneurial journey.
As a small business advocate, accessible funding resource, and trusted business guide and partner, we’re proud to operate several programs that are geared towards helping entrepreneurs build the business of their dreams.
BUSINESS
SOLUTIONS
Our dedicated team of Business Solutions Officers are available to provide entrepreneurs with free one-on-one coaching and technical assistance designed to help existing and emerging business grow and thrive. Our Business Solutions Officers can help small business owners get loan-ready and access the capital necessary to expand, scale, and/or elevate their business.
If you are interested in learning about business capital, our available loan products, and/or in speaking with a Business Solutions Officer, please visit the Loans section of our website, or complete this business solutions request.
To receive an individualized technical assistance and coaching plan, please complete this business assessment request.
We are also proud to offer business development assistance through our free Digital Learning Academy. The Digital Learning Academy offers courses in both English and Spanish, and covers a variety of subjects, including marketing, financial management, capital access, and more.
DIGITAL LEARNING
ACADEMY
WESTERN WOMEN'S BUSINESS CENTER
The Western Women’s Business Center (WWBC) is committed to providing women entrepreneurs with one-on-one assistance, in-depth business counseling, educational opportunities, and access to capital. WWBC serves women and minority entrepreneurs in 22 counties in Western North Carolina.
We’re also proud to be a partner of state and local governments, and are pleased to be an administrator for the following programs:
RETOOL NC
North Carolina’s Department of Administration Office for Historically Underutilized Businesses (HUB) has partnered with Carolina Small Business Development Fund and the Institute of Economic Development to administer the RETOOLNC Grant Program Fund. The fund provides cash aid to for-profit small businesses adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Note: The application window for RETOOL NC has passed, but you can learn more about the program here.
Oak City Biz Labs
To help small businesses and entrepreneurs recover from the pandemic, Carolina Small Business Development Fund and the City of Raleigh are proud to offer Oak City Biz Labs, a technical assistance and grant program. Note: The application window for Oak City Biz Labs has passed, but you can learn more about the program here.
“Carolina Small Business Development Fund trusted me and helped me achieve my dream of having my own business. Four years later, they continue to trust me since I was approved to receive another loan to expand my business and buy new machinery. They continue to be a light at the end of the tunnel, and I am very grateful for that. Thank you!”
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- Martin Morales, Sunbird Window Cleaning
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