News Summary
The North Carolina Department of Commerce has launched the ‘Certified North Carolina Destination Business’ program aimed at boosting small businesses and enhancing tourism. This initiative provides businesses with resources, training, and tools to become attractions that drive community engagement and economic growth. Over 500 small business owners are already interested, with a focus on transforming local storefronts into vibrant visitor destinations. With assistance from experts and financial support through grants, this program looks to foster sustainable growth within North Carolina’s Main Street communities.
Chapel Hill, NC — New Certification Program Aims to Support Small Businesses and Boost Tourism
The North Carolina Department of Commerce has introduced a new initiative to strengthen small businesses across the state through a certification program called “Certified North Carolina Destination Business.” The program seeks to enhance local economies by transforming small businesses into destination attractions that draw more visitors and foster community engagement.
Program Details and Goals
Launched through the Main Street & Rural Planning Center within the Rural Economic Development Division, the Certified North Carolina Destination Business program offers participating small businesses comprehensive tools, training, and resources. The goal is to help businesses become more resilient amidst economic uncertainties by shifting from solely providing products or services to creating memorable experiences that increase customer loyalty.
The program emphasizes not just operating as storefronts but transforming into attractions that encourage visitors to explore and return. As a result, it supports the broader objective of economic development by promoting tourism, especially within North Carolina’s 72 designated Main Street communities.
Community Engagement and Local Examples
One of the businesses involved in the certification process is the Pittsboro Gallery of Arts, located at 44-A Hillsboro Street. This arts venue serves as a cooperative hub for local artists and art enthusiasts, showcasing a variety of artistic expressions such as paintings, pottery, woodwork, photography, sculpture, and fine jewelry.
The gallery actively hosts community-focused art events, classes, and workshops that foster local artistic talent and encourage community participation. Most of the artwork featured and events hosted highlight the talents of local artists, contributing to a lively artistic community in Pittsboro and neighboring towns.
Artists interested in participation can join as members, gaining opportunities for collaboration, educational workshops, and event organization, all aimed at artistic growth and community engagement.
Training and Certification Process
Small businesses participating in the program receive hands-on training led by Jon Schallert, a recognized expert in destination development. The training covers various aspects, including destination creation assessments, marketing strategies, and access to exclusive resources designed to help businesses attract more visitors.
Schallert’s 14-Step Destination Creation process offers practical strategies that business owners can implement to boost visibility and appeal as destination attractions. Workshops, complemented by question-and-answer sessions and online support groups, are available for all eligible businesses until December 2025.
To attain official certification, businesses are required to complete coursework by October 31, 2025. Certified businesses will receive a program-specific window decal and are recognized on the official community Main Street program website, enhancing their visibility and credibility.
Broader Impact and Funding
The certification program aims to complement the existing NC Main to Main Trail initiative, which focuses on economic development and tourism promotion across the state’s 72 designated communities. It is part of broader state efforts for rural revitalization and tourism expansion, contributing to economic growth in local communities.
Since its launch, over 500 small business owners have expressed interest by starting the certification process, with 33 businesses across North Carolina already completing all requirements to become certified.
Early pilot program participants have reported tangible benefits, including increased sales, higher levels of customer engagement, and stronger community partnerships. The program’s initial workshops were held last year across eight prosperity zones, with advanced training sessions continuing into 2025.
Funding Sources
The initiative received financial support through a State Outdoor Recreation, Travel & Tourism Grant provided by the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA). This funding has facilitated the rollout of workshops and certification support, ensuring that small businesses nationwide can benefit from these development tools.
As the program progresses, its focus remains on fostering sustainable growth and community vibrancy through destination development strategies, helping small businesses thrive while attracting more visitors to North Carolina communities.
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Additional Resources
- Chatham Journal: Pittsboro Gallery of Arts Awarded Certification
- WITN: ENC Businesses Certified as Destination Cohort
- News Observer: NC Small Business Certification Program
- Google Search: North Carolina Destination Business
- ABC11: NC Made Opulence in Southern Pines
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.
