Business incubators provide an opportunity to share equipment and facility resources for emerging businesses and provide a variety of support services for entrepreneurs and start up businesses.

Fayetteville Business Center 910-222-8900

Tabor City Business Incubator 910-642-7054

Whiteville Business Incubator 910-642-7054

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance www.cfda.gov

The Catalog describes federal domestic assistance programs, financial and non-financial assistance programs administered by various departments and agencies of the federal government.

Chambers of Commerce www.chambersofcommerce.org

Chambers of Commerce are located throughout the state which provide small business information and assistance.

College Foundation of North Carolina www.cfnc.org

Provides education information and resources. Contact them at 1-919-549-8614.

Cape Fear Council of Governments, Wilmington 910-395-4553

Eastern Carolina Council of Governments, New Bern 252-638-3185

Lumber River Council of Governments, Lumberton 910-618-5533

Mid-Carolina Council of Governments, Fayetteville 910-323-4191

Community Public Libraries offer a wealth of information and resources. Visit your local Public Library.

Corporation for National and Community Service www.cns.gov/

Engages Americans of all ages and backgrounds in service to help strengthen communities

Bladen County, Chuck Heustess 910-862-6755

Sampson County, Ray Jordan 910-582-8921

Fannie Mae www.fanniemae.com

Fannie Mae’s goal is to help more families achieve the American Dream of homeownership.

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) www.fema.gov

An independent agency, which reports to the President and is tasked with responding to, planning for, recovering from and mitigating against disaster. The US Fire Administration (USFA) operates as an entity of FEMA, whose mission is to reduce life and economic losses due to fire and related emergencies, through leadership, advocacy, coordination and support. A link to USFA available on the FEMA website.

First Gov www.firstgov.gov

A public private partnership created to connect the world with U.S. government information and services.

The Foundation Center www.fdncenter.org

A private, non-profit entity that helps grant seekers identify possible resources and guides them through the application process. The Foundation Center is available for review at selected libraries or for purchase by calling 202-331-1401. You may also contact Congressman McIntyre’s District Office to make an appointment to review the Foundation Center Directory.

Foundations.org www.foundations.org

A website for direct charitable giving. Research and search for foundations and charitable organizations.

The Grantsmanship Center www.tgci.com

This site provides information on community foundations and international funding opportunities as well as useful links to other government resources.

Grantsmart www.grantsmart.org

Information and resources for and about the non-profit community.

Grant Writer Support Group jhills@eccog.org

Eastern Carolina Council of Governments offers a grant writers support group for information and assistance with writing grants. Contact ECC for more information.

The Institute of Minority Economic Development www.ncimed.com

A state wide, non-profit organization that represents the interest of underdeveloped and underutilized sectors of the state’s economic base.

Institute of Museum and Library Services www.imls.gov

IMLS is a federal grant-making agency that promotes leadership, innovation, and a lifetime of learning by supporting the nation's museums and libraries.

Center for Entrepreneurship at Methodist College, Fayetteville www.methodist.edu/mcce/mcce.htm

The Center for Entrepreneurship at Methodist College advocates entrepreneurship as a significant economic force in the local and national economy. The Center assists entrepreneurs in converting dreams into realities, to assist entrepreneurs in exploring new frontiers of opportunity and promoting, creating and preserving of wealth. Contact the Center at 910-630-7642.

Minority Business Development Agency www.mdba.gov

Dedicated and focused on empowering minority business enterprises for the purpose of wealth creation in minority communities.

National Association of Community Health Centers www.nachc.com

A resource for information on meeting the needs of America’s medically underserved communities.

NASASP offers information regarding federal surplus property and equipment available to eligible federal, state and selected non-profit agencies for a minimal service charge. It takes items that the federal government no longer needs and donates the equipment and supplies to non-profit organizations, municipalities and emergency services organizations. Or call the North Carolina State Surplus Property Agency at 919-733-3889.

National Endowment for the Humanities www.neh.gov

NEH is an independent grant-making agency of the United States government dedicated to supporting research, education, preservation, and public programs in the humanities. A variety of grant programs are available to help libraries, archives, museums and historical organizations enhance their capacity to preserve their humanities collections.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration www.nhtsa.gov

NHTSA is responsible for reducing deaths, injuries and economic losses resulting from motor vehicle crashes. This is accomplished by setting and enforcing safety performance standards, and through grants to state and local governments to enable them to conduct effective local highway safety programs.

National Institute of Health www.nih.gov

A federal bio-medical research agency, whose mission is to uncover new knowledge and technology that will lead to better health for everyone.

National Park Service www.nps.gov

The National Park Service preserves the natural and cultural resources and values of the national park system for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations. The Park Service cooperates with partners to extend the benefits of natural and cultural resource conservation and outdoor recreation throughout this county and world.

National Science Foundation www.nsf.gov

An independent governmental agency to promote the progress of science; advance the national health, prosperity, and welfare; and to secure the national defense.

NonProfit Gateway www.nonprofit.gov

A network of links to federal government information and services devised to assist nonprofit organizations.

North Carolina Association of Community Development Corporations (CDC) www.ncacdc.org

NC CDC’s goal is to empower low and moderate income people to improve their quality of life. They offer information, technical assistance, training, advocacy, and a variety of services to reach their goals.

North Carolina Black Chamber located in Fayetteville. Contact them by calling 910-867-4322.

North Carolina Center for Nonprofits www.ncnps.org

The NC Center for Nonprofits seeks to promote and strengthen the nonprofit sector of the state.

North Carolina Community Resource Information System (CRIS) www.cris.state.nc.us

Provides information about grants and loans administered by North Carolina state agencies.

North Carolina Department of Administration www.doa.state.nc.us/DOA

The State’s Purchase and Contract Division, Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) Office, Construction Office, Division of Veteran Affairs, as well as others, are under the control of the North Carolina Department of Administration.

North Carolina Government www.ncgov.com

A directory for North Carolina Government, with a search engine and links to state agencies.

North Carolina’s Governor’s Crime Commission www.gcc.state.nc.us

The Governor’s Crime Commission’s mission is to improve to quality of life for all North Carolina citizens, enhance public safety, and reduce and prevent crime by improving the criminal justice system.

North Carolina Housing and Finance Agency www.nchfa.com

A self-supporting public agency established to create affordable housing opportunities for North Carolinians. They offer a variety of programs from new homes to urgent repair programs to rehabilitation programs.

North Carolina Humanities Council www.nchumanities.org

Their mission is to bring North Carolina together to make sense of the world we share by providing opportunities to share and understand the state’s cultural diversity. Three different types of grant programs are available.

North Carolina Low Income Housing Coalition www.nclihc.org

A private, nonprofit organization working for safe, decent, affordable housing that promotes self-determination and stable communities for low-income North Carolinians.

North Carolina Rural Economic Development Center, Inc. www.ncruralcenter.org

North Carolina’s leading rural development organization. The Rural Center provides a variety of resources that include information, technical assistance, leadership development programs, grant programs, and loan programs.

North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority www.ncseaa.edu

North Carolina’s agency for college student financial aid.

Sallie Mae www.salliemae.com

Useful information for planning and paying for college.

Self-Help www.self-help.org

A community development lender that provides financing to homebuyers, small businesses, and non-profits. Their services reach people who are underserved by conventional lenders, particularly minorities, women, rural residents, and low-wealth families.

Fayetteville Branch, Fayetteville 910-354-1010

Southeastern Regional Office, Wilmington 910-341-3272

Small Business Administration www.sba.gov

Provides financial, technical, and management assistance to help Americans run, start, and grow their businesses. SBA also plays a role with the government’s disaster relief efforts making low-interest loans to homeowners and businesses. SBA generates an annual North Carolina Small Business Resource Guide, which provides a wealth of information. Contact the North Carolina District Office at 1-704-344-6563 for more information or to request a copy of their Resource Guide.

Small Business Technology and Development Center (SBTDC) www.sbtdc.org

The SBTDC provides management counseling and educational services to help North Carolina businesses meet challenges, manage change and plan for the future. SBTDC Counselors offer assistance with developing and writing business plans, export assistance, e-business, and assistance in a variety of other areas.

SBTDC Procurement and Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) www.sbtdc.org/procure/procure.htm

The purpose of the PTAC is to generate employment and to improve the general economic condition of North Carolina by assisting North Carolina businesses–including disadvantaged, veteran, and woman-owned businesses–in obtaining and performing under federal, state, and local government contracts. They provide procurement technical assistance by offering counseling on selling your products and/or services to the government. Contact the PTAC at 919-715-7272.

The Small Business Center Network of the North Carolina Community College System exists to increase the success rate and number of profitable businesses in North Carolina by providing high quality, readily accessible assistance to prospective and existing small business owners and their employees. Each Small Business Center (SBC) is community based and provides education and training, counseling, information, and referral. Additionally the SBCs offer seminars, workshops, resources and networking opportunities.

Listed below are the SBCs who serve the 7^th Congressional District.

SpinNC www.spinnc.org

Provides a comprehensive location where citizens of Southeastern North Carolina can go to access information on area services and resources.

University of North Carolina-16 Campuses www.northcarolina.edu/

Contact your educational institutions, college, or university directly for further information regarding grants, student financial aid and/or possible work-study programs available for college students. Find information on the 16 North Carolina University campuses, admissions, tuition, financial aid, student services, and more at their web site.

U.S. Department of Agriculture www.rurdev.usda.gov/nc

Office of Rural Development provides assistance to rural North Carolina citizens to improve the quality of life by providing technical and financial services toward the betterment of basic needs such as water and wastewater infrastructure, affordable housing, community facilities, and business development.

U.S. Department of Commerce www.doc.gov

The U.S. Department of Commerce encourages, serves and promotes international trade, economic growth and technological advancement. Additionally the Department develops policies and conducts research on telecommunications, provides assistance to promote domestic economic development and assists in the growth of minority businesses. Link to the Spanish web site at www.commerce.gov/index_spanish.htm

The Economic Development Administration (EDA) www.osec.doc.gov/eda

EDA operates under the US Department of Commerce providing grants for public works and development facilities, planning and coordination, economic adjustment, and other financial assistance to reduce substantial and persistent unemployment in economically distressed areas.

U.S. Department of Defense www.dod.gov

Offers links to all Department of Defense agencies and information about business opportunities.

U.S. Department of Education www.ed.gov

Provides information on available discretionary and formula grants. Also provides source of information for financial aid and loan program for college students. Information on Faith-Based and Community Initiatives can be obtained www.ed.gov/offices/OIIA/faithandcommunity

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development www.hud.gov

HUD’s mission is to provide decent, safe, and sanitary homes for every American. They provide housing assistance, rehabilitate homes and work with homebuyers and communities. Link to information about Faith-Based and Community Initiatives through www.hud.gov/offices/fbci/index.cfm

Community Connections www.comcon.org

Community Connections is the Information Center of HUD’s Community Planning and Development Division. It serves state and local agencies, nonprofits, public interests groups, and others interested in housing and community development issues.

U.S. Department of the Interior www.doi.gov

The Department of the Interior’s mission is to protect and provide access to our Nation’s natural and cultural heritage, and honor our trust responsibilities to Indian tribes. This Department is also responsible for historic preservation, national parks, as well as others areas.

U.S. Department of Justice www.usdoj.gov

Office of Justice Programs www.ojp.usdoj.gov

Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) www.cops.usdoj.gov

Bureau of Justice Assistance www.ojp.usdoj.gov/BJA

National Criminal Justice Reference Service www.ncjrs.org

U.S. Department of Labor www.dol.gov

The purpose of the Department of Labor is to foster, promote and develop the welfare of the wage earners of the U.S., to improve their working conditions, and to advance their opportunities for profitable employments. Link to information about Faith-Based and Community Initiatives through www.dol.gov/cfbci/

Office of Disability Employment Policy operates under the U.S. Department of Labor, offering information, counseling and referrals about self-employment and small business ownership opportunities for people with disabilities.

U.S. Department of Transportation www.dot.gov

The U.S. Department of Transportation establishes the Nation’s overall transportation policy. Contracting opportunities

U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs www.va.gov

The U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs operates to benefit veterans and members of their families.

U.S. General Services Administration www.gsa.gov

Help to federal agencies to better serve the public by offering, at best value, superior workplaces, expert solutions, acquisition services and management policies.

The White House www.whitehouse.gov

Official web site for the White House with a variety of links to other governmental agencies’ web sites.

Women’s Business Center Online www.onlinewbc.gov

Promotes the growth of women owned businesses through a variety of programs and services.

The Women’s Center of Fayetteville www.wcof.org

Program to provide a full range of training and counseling services for aspiring and existing women business owners in North Carolina. Additionally, the Center is a source of financial consulting, loan packaging, and contracting assistance for small businesses. Contact the Women’s Center at 910-323-3377.

Provides assistance for veterans wanting to start their own business or veterans already in business.