News Summary
Raleigh, North Carolina, has announced the launch of the North Carolina Starters Coalition to assist small businesses during local developments like the Crabtree Valley Mall renovations. This collaborative effort will provide entrepreneurs with guidance on permits, financing, and more, aiming to boost small business success. Despite challenges from the mall’s $60 million renovation, local sentiment remains cautiously optimistic about the economic outlook and the importance of small businesses to the community.
Raleigh, North Carolina, Launches Initiative to Support Small Businesses Amid Mall Renovations
The city of Raleigh, North Carolina, has recently initiated the North Carolina Starters Coalition, a collaborative effort designed to provide support and guidance to small businesses across the state. The coalition involves multiple organizations working together to bolster entrepreneurial efforts, especially during significant local developments such as the ongoing renovations at Crabtree Valley Mall.
Supporting Local Entrepreneurship and Addressing Rural Service Gaps
One notable participant in the coalition is an entrepreneur named Ray Johnson, who is developing a ride-sharing application aimed at better serving underserved communities. Johnson identified a gap in transportation services in rural areas, pointing out that existing providers like Uber and Lyft have limited presence in these regions. He has expressed the need for additional funding to fully develop and launch his app, with a goal to bring it to market by early 2026.
Johnson took part in a recent meeting with state and local leaders to discuss how the Starters Coalition can aid entrepreneurs like him. The coalition’s mission is to offer guidance on challenges such as permits, financing, and physical space—barriers often faced by small business owners.
City Rankings and Economic Development
According to a recent ranking, Raleigh was designated as the 9th best large city to start a business in 2025, while Durham was ranked 12th. These rankings highlight the city’s favorable environment for entrepreneurs and indicate strong local support for new business ventures. Raleigh Mayor Janet Cowell emphasized the vital role small businesses play in the city’s economic vitality. She acknowledged that small businesses frequently underestimate the complexities involved in securing necessary permits, funding, and physical locations, reinforcing the importance of initiatives like the Starters Coalition.
Crabtree Valley Mall Renovation and Impact on Small Business Owners
The Crabtree Valley Mall, a significant retail hub in Raleigh, is preparing for a substantial $60 million renovation under new ownership by the California-based Macerich Company. As part of this redevelopment, the Retail Merchandising Unit (RMU) operators, many of whom are small local business owners with longstanding community ties, have been notified to vacate their premises by the end of September.
The decision to remove the RMU operators was not previously announced as part of the mall’s renovation plans, leading to shock and heartbreak among those affected. Several operators have been located at Crabtree for over ten years and have expressed concern about the timing of the closures, which coincide with the crucial holiday shopping season. Some small business owners are seeking to delay their departure until after the holidays to preserve earnings during this busy period.
The mall’s management stated that the redevelopment aims to create a more vibrant environment, although the immediate impact on existing small vendors remains a concern for many in the community.
Economic Outlook and Community Sentiment
Despite these challenges, a recent semi-annual survey indicates that 84% of business owners nationwide feel optimistic about their prospects, even with ongoing inflation concerns. In Raleigh, over 50% of business owners expect demand for their products to grow within the next six months. However, about 35% of respondents anticipate a recession within the next year, reflecting cautious optimism amid broader economic uncertainties.
Local business leaders and owners like Terrance Taylor, who owns Nazar Fragrances and had planned to leave the mall in January 2026, expressed concerns over the abrupt change, highlighting the potential loss of community connection and economic stability.
Summary
The launch of the North Carolina Starters Coalition signals a strategic effort to support small business growth amidst significant development projects like the Crabtree Valley Mall renovation. As entrepreneurs seek funding and navigate new opportunities, local governments emphasize the importance of small businesses to Raleigh’s economic health. Meanwhile, the upcoming changes at Crabtree Mall illustrate the ongoing tension between commercial redevelopment and the retention of long-standing small business tenants in the community.
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Additional Resources
- ABC11: North Carolina Starters Coalition Launch
- Wikipedia: Small business
- News Observer: Entrepreneurship in North Carolina
- Google Search: Small business support North Carolina
- WRAL: Crabtree Valley Mall Renovation
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Economic Development
- Business North Carolina: Small Business Owner Confidence
- Google News: Crabtree Valley Mall renovation
- FOX 8: Business Grants for Raleigh Businesses
- Google Search: Entrepreneurship North Carolina
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.
