A-B Tech Small Business Center - Growing Small Businesses

08/20/2026

We are just over a week away from our 'Forward Together' event, and you won't want to miss it!

Join us at Blue Ridge Community College next Wednesday as we celebrate NC small businesses, hear from industry experts, give out awards, AND make a special announcement about a vital CSBDF product helping us to serve our state's great small business ecosystem!

Tickets are still available, get yours now at the link in our bio! A-B Tech Western Women’s Business Center Carolina Small Business Development Fund NC Small Business Center Network

08/20/2026

Yoko Morris, A-B Tech's SBCN Startup Showdown Finalist, founder, Careheld, joined SBC Executive Director, Jill Sparks, at this week's WomanUp celebration! What a treat to see both Victoria Dunkle AdventHealth North Carolina and Leah Wong Ashburn Highland Brewing Co.

🎗️Reminder about the SBCN Startup Showdown.

🎗️After months of intensive business training, mentorship and pitch coaching, 17 of NC's most promising entrepreneurs are preparing to showcase their ventures through the inaugural Small Business Center Network (SBCN) Startup Showdown, the first statewide entrepreneurship accelerator launched by the North Carolina Community College System (NCCCS).

🎗️From Sept. 1-15, North Carolinians can help spotlight these founders by viewing their business pitches and participating in public voting measured through "likes" on finalists' professionally produced pitch videos (posted to the North Carolina Small Business Center Network's YouTube channel). This tally will contribute to each entrepreneur's final score, along with evaluations from a distinguished panel of judges.

🎗️Come be a part of this opportunity.

🎗️https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/public-voting-opens-sept-1-for-the-north-carolina-small-business-center-networks-inaugural-startup-showdown-302847601.html NC Small Business Center Network North Carolina Community College System A-B Tech Wells Fargo

08/18/2026

Thinking about using AI for all your design needs? Before you replace your graphic designer with a chatbot, join us to learn why great design is about much more than creating attractive visuals. Discover the strategy, storytelling, and customer insights that turn brands into businesses people remember. Be sure and sign up for this informative webinar, presented by Lara Poll of Creative Clarity Studio on Wednesday, August 19 from 10:00 am - noon. Click the link in the description for more details.

08/17/2026

📊 The skill that it takes to become a top-notch graphic designer involves a lot more than just coming up with cool visuals and bright colors.

📊 Graphic designers are also in the business of problem solving, which includes drawing a connection between the business owner, the business, and its customers.

📊 All while reassuring that the purpose of the business stays in alignment with its marketing objectives. AI is a tool. Designers are strategic partners.

📊 During this seminar, Lara Poll, Founder, Creative Clarity Studio will touch on the things that business owners and entrepreneurs need to consider outside of “nice visuals”.

📊 She will touch on brand differentiation, understanding audience and context, the importance of putting results over “nice visuals”, where technology can fail in producing comprehensive brand systems that are scalable, the benefits and efficiencies that exist when you outsource your branding efforts, legal risks, customizing your marketing for different channels, the art of storytelling, and how AI is beneficial to a designer who already has prior expertise in the field.

📊 Finally, she will discuss how to vet the best design professional for your business.
Be sure to mark your calendars and bring questions for this informative session.

Register: https://www.ncsbc.net/workshop.aspx?ekey=20460060

08/12/2026

Our team looks forward to partipating in this event and bringing some of our SBC clients with us!!!!

We are just a couple weeks away from 'Forward Together: The Annual Conference & Awards from CSBDF & WWBC' at Blue Ridge Community College and you won't want to miss it!

Secure your spot today to join us for a morning of celebrating North Carolina's vibrant small business ecosystem, learning from informative panels and our esteemed keynote speaker -- Dr. Patricia Mitchell -- networking, and enjoying as we award some deserving small businesses and community partners.

Tickets are still available, get yours today: https://pro.gofundme.com/event/forward-together-the-annual-conference-and-awards-from-csbdf-and-wwbc/e817961

08/12/2026

TODAY! All businesses need funding to start, grow, and sustain their operations. Whether you’re a start-up or interested in growing your business, this workshop is here to guide you through the process to secure a business loan. Learn why businesses borrow money, what lenders are looking for when reviewing your application, and the importance of having cash flow projections. We’ll also give you tips on other funding sources if you aren’t ready for a loan. Go to link in bio and then SEMINARS to register! ncsbcn A-B Tech Western Women’s Business Center

08/12/2026

YUM! From our client, Asheville Tea Company 🍂 GIVEAWAY 🍂

Fall is brewing and we’re giving one tea lover a chance to taste our limited edition Fall Trio before the seasonal collection officially drops. ☕️🍁

Want to be the first to sip your favorite fall flavors?

TO ENTER:
🍂 Follow Asheville Tea Company
🍂 Like this post
🍂 Tag a friend who needs a cozy cup of tea this fall

BONUS: Every friend you tag = another entry! Tag a few tea-loving friends and spread the fall vibes. 🍵

One winner will receive our Fall Trio before the seasonal release!

The countdown to fall starts now… 👀🍂

Winner will be selected at random on Friday, Aug. 14 and contacted via DM. A-B Tech NC Small Business Center Network Asheville’s Go Local Card

08/10/2026

Innovation Summit, Nomad Events, and more in store for AVL Entrepreneurship Week! NC Small Business Center Network A-B Tech Venture Asheville

08/06/2026

TODAY:

✅ Squarespace® is the leading content management system available today.

✅ Whether you’re a small business owner who is just getting started or are an established brand, this powerful and secure platform can help grow your business.

✅ Renee Hartwick, of Hart and Soul Co., will show you how to design a handcrafted website that looks beautiful on every device.

✅ You will start by choosing a template on the 7.1platform, and learn how to edit fonts, colors, and web page layouts. You will also learn about their tools and learn how to design a great business website for Google and your customers.

✅ Register: https://www.ncsbc.net/workshop.aspx?ekey=20460058

A-B Tech NC Small Business Center Network

08/05/2026

Applications are now open for the NC IDEA Fall 2026 Grant Cycle, offering non-dilutive funding to help North Carolina startups grow.

💡 NC IDEA MICRO: $10,000 project-based grants for early-stage companies validating their business model.

🚀 NC IDEA SEED: $50,000 grants for startups ready to accelerate growth and scale.
📅 Application deadline: August 24 at 5:00 PM ET

If you're building an innovative, growth-oriented business in North Carolina, now is the time to apply.

🔗 Learn more and submit your application at the link in bio or visit ncidea.org.

Please note: Applicants may apply for either the MICRO or SEED grant during this cycle, not both. Mountain BizWorks A-B Tech NC Small Business Center Network