Downtown Businesses

Carolina Small Business Development Fund:  A Statewide nonprofit Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) that provides loans, technical assistance, and policy research to help small businesses.

City of Durham’s Office of Economic and Workforce Development: This city office can offer support by providing financial and technical assistance to Durham’s businesses.

Durham Business 360: A centralized online hub from the City of Durham offering tools, resources, and guidance for starting and growing a small business in Durham.

Durham County Main Library Small Business Center: Located at the Main Library, this center provides free programs, workshops, and resources for entrepreneurs, including co-working space, business training, and networking opportunities.

Durham Technical Community College – Small Business Center: Durham Tech’s Small Business Center supports startups and existing businesses through free seminars, one-on-one counseling, and guidance on topics like business planning, marketing, finance, and legal issues.

echo NC: A statewide community of entrepreneurs, mentors, and investors that provides networking, resources, and support.

Economic Development Partnership of NC: (EDPNC): Recruits businesses to North Carolina, supports existing employers, assists with international trade, and helps entrepreneurs access resources.

Give It To The People:  An ecosystem-building platform focused on improving economic mobility. 

Greater Durham Chamber of Commerce: Connects entrepreneurs, business leaders, and policymakers.

Greater Durham Black Chamber of Commerce (GDBCC): A nonprofit dedicated to supporting and advancing Black entrepreneurs and businesses through advocacy, networking, and access to resources.

Infinity Bridges: Offers training, hands-on guidance, strategic support, and access to networks/resources.

Knox Street Studios: A community-focused organization dedicated to expanding economic opportunity through education, entrepreneurship support, and locally driven solutions.

NC Hispanic American Chamber of Commerce: Promotes economic growth and opportunity for Hispanic entrepreneurs and businesses.

NC Small Business Center Network: Provides free, confidential business counseling and educational programs through credentialed advisors.

SCORE (Service Corp of Retired Executives): Offers free mentoring from experienced business professionals to help entrepreneurs launch, grow, and transition their businesses. 

The Institute: Works with small businesses, corporations, and governments to expand opportunities and support diverse entrepreneurship.

Small Business Technology and Development Center (SBTDC): Provides management counseling and educational services to help small and mid-sized businesses.

U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA): A federal agency that supports entrepreneurs through loans, counseling, training programs, and resources.

Triangle ArtWorks: Supports artists and creative organizations with professional development programs, business training, and resources. 

Veterans Business Outreach Center at Fayetteville State University: Provides training, counseling, and resources to help veterans, service members, and military spouses start or grow small businesses.

Women’s Business Center of North Carolina (WBC): Helps entrepreneurs build and sustain successful businesses by providing training, counseling, and resources focused on financial stability, growth, and long-term success.