News Summary
The North Carolina Department of Commerce has unveiled the ‘Certified N.C. Destination Business’ initiative to boost local small businesses. This program focuses on transforming storefronts into attractions, offering resources for increased customer engagement. Ten businesses are currently participating, reporting positive growth results despite some facing challenges, such as damage from recent incidents. A recent survey indicates strong optimism among small business owners in Raleigh, with many expecting increased demand and profits. State lawmakers are also proposing a grant program to support tech-focused small businesses.
Raleigh, North Carolina — State Launches New Program to Support Small Businesses Amid Growing Optimism
The North Carolina Department of Commerce has introduced a new economic development initiative aimed at bolstering small businesses across the state. The program, called the “Certified N.C. Destination Business”, is designed to help local businesses enhance their customer experience, increase engagement, and adapt to ongoing economic challenges.
Program Goals and Participating Businesses
The Certified N.C. Destination Business initiative seeks to transform ordinary storefronts into notable attractions—referred to as “destination businesses”—by focusing on shopping and dining experiences. This program provides participating companies with resources and support to elevate their profiles and attract more visitors.
Currently, ten businesses from Eastern North Carolina are part of this inaugural cohort. Business owners participating in the program have reported positive outcomes, including increased sales, greater community involvement, and improved customer engagement.
Among those benefiting is a business owner from Wilson, who noted that emphasizing the uniqueness of their offerings has helped strengthen their market position. Similarly, other businesses across the state have experienced growth in sales and community outreach, signaling a positive reception to the program’s approach.
Local Incidents and Business Recovery
While the program aims to boost economic resilience, some businesses have faced unforeseen setbacks. A Raleigh-based business, Carolina Kettle, was recently impacted by a vehicle crash that caused significant damage to its storefront early in the morning. The incident occurred just after 12:30 a.m., with two individuals fleeing the scene before authorities arrived. Law enforcement reports indicate that K9 units were deployed in unsuccessful attempts to locate the suspects.
The owner of Carolina Kettle estimates a recovery period of a few weeks, during which repairs and rebuilding will take place. Despite the physical damage, the business’s online sales continue uninterrupted during its temporary closure. The same incident also affected a neighboring business, Goff Performance, sharing the same building as Carolina Kettle.
Business Sentiment and Economic Outlook
A recent survey conducted by PNC Bank reveals that 84% of small business owners in North Carolina remain optimistic about their operations, despite concerns over inflation and rising costs. The survey indicates that approximately half of the small business owners in Raleigh are worried about increasing prices, with 51% expressing significant concern, comparable to the national average of 46%.
Furthermore, approximately 75% of Raleigh business owners are optimistic about the local economy, a figure surpassing the national average of 67%. They also anticipate increased demand for their products or services, with 53% expecting higher demand and 46% predicting increased profits in the upcoming six months.
Economists forecast that economic growth in North Carolina will persist over the coming year but at a slower rate due to inflationary pressures. Nonetheless, the overall sentiment remains positive among many local entrepreneurs.
Legislative Support and Future Initiatives
State lawmakers are showing bipartisan support for House Bill 283, which proposes establishing a small business grant program targeting entrepreneurs in high-paying and technically advanced industries. If approved, the bill would allocate existing state grants specifically to small businesses focused on growth within the technology sector, aiming to foster innovation and job creation.
North Carolina’s Small Business Landscape
Small businesses constitute the backbone of North Carolina’s economy, with over 99% of enterprises classified as small-scale operations. These businesses employ approximately 1.7 million workers out of a total of 5 million residents in the state, making their health vital to overall economic stability.
North Carolina ranks third nationally for being a favorable state for Black-owned businesses, boasting a success rate of 60.7%, above the national average. Black-owned businesses in the state have grown by 17% from 2023 to 2024. South Carolina holds the fourth position, with about 19.46% of its small businesses being Black-owned.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Anduril Industries Selects Ohio for New Drone Factory
Raleigh Business Owners Show Strong Optimism Amid Inflation
Visalia Construction CEO Arrested for Fraudulent COVID-19 Relief
Raleigh Business Owners Show Record Optimism Amid Inflation
Breeze Airways Launches First Flight from Raleigh-Durham to Ogdensburg
Critical Infrastructure Summit Addresses Hurricane Helene Recovery
Natron Energy Ceases Operations in North Carolina
Durham Welcomes New Independent Cinema Skin and Bones Theater
Durham to Welcome New Cultural Venue with Independent Films
Construction Projects and Grants Boost Economic Development in Baxter and Jackson
Additional Resources
- ABC11: Carolina Kettle Car Crash
- Business NC: Small Business Confidence Survey
- PR Newswire: Goldman Sachs Small Businesses Program
- WRAL: Small Business Grant Program Support
- RAL Today: Service-Based Small Businesses in Raleigh
- Wikipedia: Small Business
- Google Search: North Carolina Small Business Initiatives
- Google Scholar: North Carolina Small Business Growth
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Small Business
- Google News: North Carolina Business News
Author: STAFF HERE RALEIGH WRITER
RALEIGH STAFF WRITER The RALEIGH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERERaleigh.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Raleigh, Wake County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the North Carolina State Fair, Raleigh Arts Festival, and the Hopscotch Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce and Visit Raleigh, plus leading businesses in technology and education that power the local economy such as Red Hat and NC State University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
