SBTDC at ECU

05/04/2026

Tomorrow at noon. 🗓

Free. Hybrid. Four lenders. Two hours.
Built for childcare business owners in Eastern NC.
If you haven't registered yet do it now. Takes 2 minutes.
👉 https://access.sbtdc.org/workshop.aspx?ekey=6460003

Building Strong Foundations | May 5 | 12 PM | ECU Willis Building + Virtual

Child care providers in Eastern NC face real barriers to growth — funding gaps, staffing challenges, licensing delays, and limited access to capital. This event is designed to connect you with the people and resources that can help.

05/01/2026

Do you know what Self-Help Credit Union has done for small businesses in NC? 👀

They've helped business owners access capital when traditional banks said no and they're going to be in the room on May 5 talking directly to childcare business owners about what's possible.
First Bank, Partner Community Capital, Carolina Small Business Development Fund, and our SSBCI team will be there too.

This is FREE. Virtual or in person. May 5 at noon.
👉 https://access.sbtdc.org/workshop.aspx?ekey=6460003
Tag a daycare owner who needs to hear this. 👇

Child care providers in Eastern NC face real barriers to growth — funding gaps, staffing challenges, licensing delays, and limited access to capital. This event is designed to connect you with the people and resources that can help.

04/30/2026

The #1 barrier childcare businesses face in Eastern NC isn't the work. It's access to capital.

Most centers are profitable businesses being held back by lenders who don't understand the childcare model or owners who don't know what funding options exist for them.

That's exactly what May 5 is about.

Building Strong Foundations brings four lenders to the table to talk specifically about childcare business financing what qualifies, what doesn't, and what you should be asking for.

Free. Hybrid. Open to all.

📅 May 5 | 12 PM | ECU Willis Building + Virtual
👉 Register: https://access.sbtdc.org/workshop.aspx?ekey=6460003

Child care providers in Eastern NC face real barriers to growth — funding gaps, staffing challenges, licensing delays, and limited access to capital. This event is designed to connect you with the people and resources that can help.

04/23/2026

Free event!!!!

If you Owner or know someone that owns or is trying to start their own daycare business this is the event to attend… PLEASE SHARE and REGISTER!!!!
👉 Register here: https://access.sbtdc.org/workshop.aspx?ekey=6460003

If you missed the opportunity to join us for our childcare funding event earlier this month good news. We have a new date and there is still time to register.

Building Strong Foundations: Funding the Future of Child Care in Eastern NC is scheduled for May 5, 2026, and we want you there.

💚 Building Strong Foundations: Funding the Future of Child Care in Eastern NC
📅 Tuesday, May 5, 2026 | 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
📍 IN PERSON: Willis Building | 300 E. 1st Street, ECU | Greenville, NC 27858 or
💻 VIRTUAL: Hybrid — join from anywhere in NC

This free event brings together four lenders and funding resource partners who specialize in childcare businesses:

• First Bank
• Self-Help Credit Union
• Partner Community Capital
• Carolina Small Business Development Fund
• SBTDC SSBCI Capital Access Team

In two hours you will hear about capital options built specifically for childcare businesses, SSBCI and other funding programs, get your questions answered live by real lenders, and walk away with direct contacts and next steps you can act on immediately.

This is completely free and open to current daycare owners, childcare operators, and anyone working toward opening a center

03/27/2026

Friday check-in — and I’m being real with you. 👋

We have a FREE lender event for childcare business owners happening THIS Wednesday and I need more people in the room in person OR virtually. If we don’t hit our minimum by end of today, we have to make some tough decisions about the event.

So I’m asking you directly: if you’ve been on the fence, TODAY is the day to register. And if you know someone who runs a daycare, wants to open one, or is trying to figure out funding please send this to them right now.

💚 Building Strong Foundations: Funding the Future of Childcare in ENC

📅 Wednesday, April 1, 2026 | 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
📍 IN PERSON: Willis Building, 300 E. 1st Street | ECU | Greenville, NC 27858
💻 VIRTUAL: Join from anywhere

You’ll hear from four lenders on capital options built for childcare businesses, learn about SSBCI and other funding programs, and walk away with real contacts and next steps.

It’s free. It’s one afternoon. It could change the trajectory of your business.

👉 Register NOW: https://access.sbtdc.org/workshop.aspx?ekey=6460003

Tag a daycare owner below. Share this post. Help me get the word out today.

Child care providers in Eastern NC face real barriers to growth — funding gaps, staffing challenges, licensing delays, and limited access to capital. This event is designed to connect you with the people and resources that can help.

03/26/2026

Access to capital is one of the biggest barriers facing childcare business owners in Eastern North Carolina — and we’re doing something about it.

Next Wednesday, the SBTDC at East Carolina University is hosting a free virtual panel bringing together four lenders and funding resource partners who work directly with childcare businesses.

💚 Building Strong Foundations: Funding the Future of Childcare in ENC
📅 April 1, 2026 | 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM EST
💻 Virtual and in-person
300 E. 1st Street | Willis Building, East Carolina University
Greenville, NC 27858

Panelists include representatives from:
• First Bank
• Self-Help Credit Union
• Partner Community Capital
• Carolina Small Business Development Fund
• SBTDC SSBCI Capital Access Team

Attendees will leave with a clear picture of funding options available to them, direct lender contacts, and actionable next steps for their business.

This session is free and open to current daycare owners, childcare operators, and aspiring providers across Eastern NC.

If you work in early childhood education, economic development, workforce, or community development please share this with the childcare business owners in your network. The need is real and the room is open.

👉 Register: https://access.sbtdc.org/workshop.aspx?ekey=6460003

02/11/2026

Taking the Leap – Business Launch Program

Our January cohort was another success, with 8 entrepreneurs successfully completing the program and moving closer to launching their businesses.

Taking the Leap is a structured 4-week virtual cohort designed to help you move from idea to launch with clarity, confidence, and direction.

Join me beginning March 2, 2026 from 6-8 pm for our next Virtual Taking the Leap program. During this cohort, we will:

-Strengthen your business decision-making

-Clarify your value proposition and target market

-Build your confidence as an entrepreneur

-Provide practical guidance to prepare for launch

If you are serious about starting a business in 2026, this program will provide the framework and accountability to help you move forward.

Applications are now open.
I invite you to register today and submit your business application.

🔗 Register here:
https://sbtdc.org/events/taking-the-leap-greenville-mar-2026

12/11/2025

Join us for Ask Me Anything: Starting a Business in 2026 — a live, open Q&A session designed to help aspiring entrepreneurs get real answers to their biggest startup questions.

Whether you're exploring an idea, preparing to launch, or looking for guidance on business planning, funding, licensing, or marketing, this is your chance to get expert insight in a relaxed setting.

🗓 December 17th
⏰ 12:00–1:00 PM
💬 Come ready with your questions — we’re here to help you launch with confidence!

Register today:

Thinking about launching a business in 2026? Join us for an open Q&A session designed to help aspiring entrepreneurs get clear, accurate answers to their biggest startup questions. Whether you’re exploring an idea, preparing to launch, or looking for guidance on next steps, our experts will be ava...

09/29/2025

Are you dreaming of starting your own business? Do you have a groundbreaking idea but are not sure how to turn it into reality? ECU's Small Business & Technology Development Center is excited to announce "Taking the Leap," a 4-week intensive program designed to transform your entrepreneurial aspirations into actionable plans.

Virtual sessions start Monday, October 6th.

This virtual series is a unique chance to gain valuable insights, network with like-minded individuals, and receive personalized guidance from experienced business professionals. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur or a seasoned professional looking to venture into new territories, "Taking the Leap" offers the tools and support you need to succeed.

Weekly sessions will cover:
• Identifying Potential Markets: Dive deep into market research to find your niche.
• Understanding Your Customers: Learn how to uncover and meet the needs of your target audience.
• Crafting a Business Plan: Get expert guidance on how to write a comprehensive business plan that attracts investors.
• Navigating Business Finances: Understanding of the financial aspects of running a business, including budgeting, forecasting, and managing cash flow.
• Marketing Mastery: Develop a strategic marketing plan to create buzz and attract customers.

Space is limited, so register today to secure your spot in this transformative program. Share this opportunity with anyone you believe would benefit from joining the entrepreneurial community.

Let's take the leap together. Register today!

Helene Disaster Assistance: View information and resources available to North Carolina businesses impacted by Hurricane Helene. [ Go Now ]

06/26/2025

🚀 Starting a Business? We’ve Got Your Back!
The Small Business & Technology Development Center (SBTDC) is here to help you launch with confidence!

Whether you're just getting started or refining your vision, our experts provide:
✅ Business planning support
✅ Market research insights
✅ Help with licenses & registrations
✅ Guidance on funding & financials

Let’s build your dream — together.
📍Serving entrepreneurs across Eastern NC
📲 Connect with us today to get started!

Call now to connect with business.