SBTDC at UNCW

03/17/2026

Have you RSVP’d yet? 👀

Don’t miss this premier aquaculture event in North Carolina! From engaging keynote sessions and hands on workshops to valuable industry insights and the exciting Got to Be NC Seafood Expo this is truly one you won’t want to miss 🐟

Learn more and secure your spot here: https://sbtdc.org/events/2026-nc-aquaculture-development-conference

We are proud to be a sponsor again this year of the NC Aquaculture Development Conference!

🎣 Join us for North Carolina’s leading event in connecting the aquaculture community and advancing industry best practices.

Attendees will gain insights through keynote sessions, hands-on workshops, and expert-led discussions across a wide range of aquaculture species and production systems.

The event includes a trade show showcasing the latest equipment, technologies, and products, plus the Got to Be NC Seafood Expo, putting North Carolina’s seafood industry in the spotlight.

📅 March 25 – 27, 2026
📍 Morehead City, NC

Register now 🔗 https://sbtdc.org/events/2026-nc-aquaculture-development-conference

03/16/2026

We had an amazing first session of Taking the Leap this past Thursday!

There was great conversation around participants’ business ideas, who their ideal customers might be, and how customer discovery helps shape a strong business.

It’s always exciting to see entrepreneurs learning from each other and supporting one another as they take the first steps toward launching their businesses.

We’re looking forward to the next session and seeing this cohort continue to grow!

Interested in joining the next Taking the Leap workshop or other SBTDC events?

Learn more and see upcoming opportunities here:
https://sbtdc.org/events/

03/11/2026

🚨 Attention Aspiring Entrepreneurs! 🚨

Have a business idea and need funding to bring it to life?

This is an incredible opportunity to win $30,000 in startup funding! 💡💰

The NC Community Colleges Small Business Center Network Startup Showdown is now accepting applications, but don’t wait, applications are due April 7th!

If you need help getting started or want to learn more about the application process, check out the link below:
https://www.nccommunitycolleges.edu/sbcnstartupshowdown/

This could be the opportunity that turns your idea into reality.

Don’t miss it! 🚀

🚀 Got a Business Idea? Turn It Into Reality!

The SBCN Startup Showdown is giving North Carolina entrepreneurs the chance to compete for up to $30,000 in startup funding! 💡💰

Participants will receive:
✔️ Online entrepreneurship training & mentorship
✔️ Business planning tools & pitch coaching
✔️ A professionally produced pitch video
✔️ Statewide exposure for your idea

🗓 Applications Open: NOW
⏳ Deadline: April 7, 2026

If you have a new or not-yet-established business idea and are ready to take the next step, this opportunity is for you!

🔗 Learn more & apply:
https://www.nccommunitycolleges.edu/sbcnstartupshowdown/

03/10/2026

Ready to take the leap into entrepreneurship? 🚀

Tomorrow is the last day to register for our March 2026 Taking the Leap workshop with Business Launch Specialist Sherri May.

You’ll have the opportunity to:
✨ Connect with local resources that support entrepreneurs
✨ Learn how to create a strong business plan
✨ Gain practical tools and guidance to help turn your idea into reality

Don’t wait—secure your spot before registration closes tomorrow!

Apply Now: https://sbtdc.org/events/taking-the-leap-wilmington-mar-2026

➡️ Check out these upcoming Taking the Leap cohorts!

Taking the Leap is our hands-on program designed to help aspiring entrepreneurs turn ideas into reality. Don't miss out on making your business dreams come true!

🗓️ Thursdays, March 12 – 26
⏰ 10 am - 1 pm
📍 Wilmington, NC

🗓️ Wednesdays, April 15 – 29
⏰ 4 pm - 7 pm
📍 Asheville, NC

Limited Seats | No Cost to Attend

Gain expert guidance, connect with fellow entrepreneurs, and walk away with:
✔️ Business plan templates & financial tools
✔️ Digital marketing & customer discovery strategies
✔️ Industry insights & startup checklists

Apply now to secure your spot: https://ow.ly/C5UB50Yevmp

03/03/2026

Have a business idea you’ve been thinking about… but not sure what to do next?

Now’s your chance to take the first step!

Applications are open for the March 2026 cohort of Taking the Leap.

📅 March 12–26
⏰ 10 AM – 1 PM
📍 UNCW CIE

This interactive workshop is designed to help you turn your idea into a clear, confident plan with guidance, resources, and support along the way.

Spots are limited, so don’t wait!

Sign up today: https://sbtdc.org/events/taking-the-leap-wilmington-mar-2026

➡️ Check out these upcoming Taking the Leap cohorts!

Taking the Leap is our hands-on program designed to help aspiring entrepreneurs turn ideas into reality. Don't miss out on making your business dreams come true!

🗓️ Mondays, March 2 – 23
⏰ 6 pm - 8 pm
📍 Virtual (Greenville Area)

🗓️ Thursdays, March 12 – 26
⏰ 10 am - 1 pm
📍 Wilmington, NC

Limited Seats | No Cost to Attend

Gain expert guidance, connect with fellow entrepreneurs, and walk away with:
✔️ Business plan templates & financial tools
✔️ Digital marketing & customer discovery strategies
✔️ Industry insights & startup checklists

Apply now to secure your spot: https://ow.ly/C5UB50Yevmp

03/02/2026

☕️ Join us this Wednesday at 9 AM for 1 Million Cups!

Start your morning at UNCW Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship - CIE with coffee, connections, and supporting local entrepreneurs as they share their stories. It’s a great opportunity to learn something new, ask questions, and plug into Wilmington’s entrepreneurial community.

Whether you’re a business owner, thinking about starting one, or just love supporting local innovation we’d love to see you there!

☕️ Wednesdays are for one thing, entrepreneur support!
1MC Wednesday is this March 4th from 9am-10am at / UNCW Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship - CIE.

This week we'll have Coleton Boone MBA, CRPC ® of U+Bar, and Parker Garrison of Iguana Cyber present. Come support these Founders as they present about their companies. Come to lean, offer advice, and meet other influential community members.

⚡️ Bitty & Beau's Coffee is sponsored by June Coast (Justin Edelman).

Wednesday, March 4th from 9am - 10am
UNCW CIE

02/18/2026

If you have been considering starting a business, this is a great place to start.

Join us to learn about the foundational steps of launching a business, the importance of market research, and the many local resources available to support entrepreneurs.

Apply today, our March TTL: https://sbtdc.org/events/taking-the-leap-wilmington-mar-2026

02/16/2026

Happy Entrepreneurship Week! 🎉

The SBTDC is here to support YOU.

Whether you're just getting started, growing your business, or facing a new challenge, we’re ready to provide guidance, resources, and one-on-one support to help you succeed.

Click the link to learn more about how we can support you: https://sbtdc.org/

🎉 The SBTDC is celebrating National Entrepreneurship Week starting today through Saturday, the 21st of February!

Highlighting and supporting entrepreneurship is integral to our mission at the SBTDC, so we are proud to recognize this week celebrating America’s entrepreneurship ecosystem!

Learn how we can help your business thrive at sbtdc.org.

02/06/2026

Big ideas start with one brave step.

Taking the Leap helps aspiring business owners gain the knowledge and confidence they need to get started.

This group brought great energy, thoughtful questions, and a strong sense of community.

Ready to take the leap?

Join us for the next workshop in March!

https://sbtdc.org/events/taking-the-leap-wilmington-mar-2026

01/22/2026

Want to feel confident about the legal side of running your business?

Join us for a FREE online webinar on January 28th from 12:00–1:30 PM and hear directly from legal experts who will break down the essentials every business owner should know.

This session is perfect for entrepreneurs and small business owners looking to start or grow the right way.

Register today: https://sbtdc.org/events/your-business-your-ip

Are you confident you understand the legal side of starting or growing your business?

Join us for an upcoming SSBCI webinar with attorneys John Flynn and Bert Andia as they walk through the fundamentals of business law and intellectual property.

This session helps small business owners and entrepreneurs protect their ideas, understand key legal concepts, and make informed decisions at every stage of growth.

📅 January 28
⏰ 12 to 1:30 PM
💻 Virtual

Learn more and register 🔗 https://sbtdc.org/events/your-business-your-ip