Growing an Existing Business

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We understand the challenges of growing a business at a sustainable pace. Following are links to resources that will assist you with issues related to established and growing businesses. Each of these links contains additional information and resources. If you have questions or need more information, please call BLNC toll-free, 1-800-228-8443, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time, to talk with one of our business consultants from the N.C. Department of Commerce's Support Your Business.

• From the N.C. Small Business Center Network:
  
  
  • How to Develop a Business Plan: A Guide for Established Businesses
  • Expanding a Business?
• From UNC's Small Business & Technology Development Center: Specialized resources to Grow Your Business, including:
  
  
  • Strategic Needs Assessments that help owners and managers identify priorities and strategies to evaluate their company in areas such as management vision, finance, marketing, human resources, operations and information technology.
  • Strategic Performance Retreats that assist companies in strategic planning and positioning to help them gain long-term competitive advantage.
• NC LEAP (North Carolina Lawyers for Entrepreneurs Assistance Project)
• Southeastern OSHA Training Institute (OTI) Education Center

For Manufacturers

Small and mid-size manufacturers face unique challenges. Several state-supported agencies have programs designed to assist with their specific needs:

• N.C. State University's Industrial Extension Service. IES provides education and technical assistance to businesses and industries across the state. IES works one-on-one with small and medium-size manufacturers to help them stay competitive, retaining jobs and increasing profits. The IES toolbox includes lean enterprise and quality initiatives such as ISO management systems and Six Sigma, environmental, safety and health management.
• IES also provides information about manufacturing and its importance to North Carolina through "Manufacturing Matters."