Downtown Durham Inc

For Business

Introduction

Downtown is the hotbed for creative thinking and innovative ideas! Join some of the most forward thinking companies on the planet in downtown and help us grow into the top place in the country for innovation!

 

Working Downtown

Get your creative juices flowing by working in the most inspiring environment around! Join multi-national companies, startups, creative thinkers and passionate people in a place that makes you and your employees more productive. Walk to coffee shops, ball games, music & arts venues and Broadway musicals, all just outside your door! It’s more than just a workplace, it is an environment for creation.

Available Space

Service Requests

Tools & Resources

BUSINESS LINK NORTH CAROLINA

BLNC, or “blink,” is a business resource ACCESS point for an extensive network of experts who can help your business succeed. Business Link North Carolina can connect you to services provided by state-supported agencies, many of which are free. Call BLNC toll-free, 1-800-228-8443, or local at 919-807-4280, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time, to talk with one of our business counselors, or visit www.blnc.gov/.

U.S. Small Business Administration

The U.S. Small Business Administration provides financial, technical and management assistance to help Americans start, run, and grow their business. SBA is the nation’s largest single financial backer of small businesses. Please call 1(800)827-5722 for more information.

CITY OF DURHAM’S OFFICE OF ECONOMIC AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT -SMALL BUSINESS ADVISORY COMMITTEE

The City of Durham’s Small Business Advisory Committee is comprised of banks, colleges and universities, seasoned entrepreneurs and other entities that provide financing and technical assistance. All of its members have the goal of assisting Durham small businesses with their business development needs. Member organizations offer an array of programs and services targeted to small businesses, such as business plan and marketing strategy development, financing, management skills training, and business counseling. The City’s Office of Economic and Workforce Development connects prospective and existing small businesses and entrepreneurs directly to those member organizations focused primarily on technical assistance. OEWD is located at Golden Belt, 807 East Main St., Suite 5-100 Durham, NC 27701. Call (919) 560-4965 or visit www.durhamnc.gov for more information

DURHAM TECHNICAL COMMUNITY COLLEGE – SMALL BUSINESS CENTER

The SBC serves as a key Durham resource for start-up and ongoing entrepreneurs as they build their businesses. SBC offers three types of support:

  • Business skills training: classes and free seminars on a wide variety of business topics;
  • Business plan counseling for start-up entrepreneurs: private session with the Center’s Director;
  • Resource and Referral Center: helps with FAQs including local licensing & permits, insurance, legal form, business plans, and many other questions. Located at 400 West Main Street in the South Bank Building on the 3rd floor. Please call 919-536-7241 for more information.

SCORE (SERVICE CORP OF RETIRED EXECUTIVES)

SCORE is a nonprofit association dedicated to helping small businesses get off the ground, grow and achieve their goals through education and mentorship. SCORE mentors deliver FREE, confidential, valuable advice for your business needs. SCORE provides these services at no charge or at very low cost. Volunteer Mentors who share their expertise across 62 industries. Free, confidential business counseling in person or via email. Free business tools, templates and tips here online Inexpensive or free business workshops (locally) and webinars (online 24/7) The Chapel Hill Chapter is located at 104 S. Estes Drive in Chapel Hill, NC. Please call (919) 968-6894 or visit www.score.org for more information.

GOOD WORK

Good Work supports community entrepreneurs, local businesses, nonprofit organizations, and community partners through consulting, coaching, training, and collaboration. For more information visit the website and use the contact form (http://goodwork.org/contact).

NORTH CAROLINA MINORITY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTE

A statewide non-profit representing the interest of underdeveloped and underutilized sectors of the State. Their primary focus is on business development as they advocate for minorities and women in all sectors. Located at 114 West Parrish Street call (919)956-8889 for more information.

SMALL BUSINESS TECHNOLOGY AND DEVELOPMENT CENTER (SBTDC)

The SBTDC is committed to providing high-quality, knowledgeable, and objective information, advice, and feedback to North Carolina’s small- and mid-size businesses. SBTDC’s team of experienced business professionals is committed to helping make your business better. Most of the services are free of charge, and all are confidential. The Durham SBTDC office is located at NC Central University -1801 Fayetteville St, Willis Building G08-G09 NCCU School of Business Durham, NC 27707 Call (919)530-7386 or visit www.sbtdc.org for more information.

URBAN PROGRESS ZONE

North Carolina Department of Commerce has certified the City of Durham’s three Urban Progress Zone (UPZ) designations applications. This certification establishes three State of North Carolina Urban Progress Zones (UPZ) as authorized in Article 3J, G.S. §143B-437.09(a)(3)(c) which would provide economic incentives to stimulate new investment and job creation in economically distressed areas. The three UPZ’s are located within the Central, Southwest and Northwest Durham areas and are effective June 23, 2011 through December 31, 2012. A mapping tool exists which allows users to search by property address (must include Durham, NC in the address) and change the view of the basemap. A map legend is included. To view all 3 UPZs on the initial map users must zoom in on the map. Users can visit the mapping tool to determine whether a parcel is located in a UPZ. Article 3J makes two types of tax credits possible for eligible Durham corporate taxpayers when they engage in the following qualifying activities:

  • Tax Credit for Creating Jobs
  • Tax Credit for Investing in Business Property

To learn more, visit Article 3J Tax Credits Interested applicants should contact the Commerce Finance Center directly not the City of Durham concerning tax credits. Commerce Finance Center 4318 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-4318 Phone: (919) 733-5297 Fax: (919) 715-5297

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