Governor Josh Stein has proclaimed May 3-9 as Small Business Week to recognize the contributions of entrepreneurs and small businesses to North Carolina’s economy, according to a May 4 announcement.
The week aims to highlight the role that more than one million small businesses play in creating jobs and supporting economic growth across the state. Governor Stein said, “North Carolina communities are energized by the one million small businesses that innovate, create jobs, and spur growth. As we celebrate Small Business Week, we recognize the immense contributions of entrepreneurs statewide and reaffirm our commitment to supporting their success and resiliency by fostering opportunity in every corner of the state.”
N.C. Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley said, “Small businesses employ nearly half of all private sector jobs while driving local economies. Even as we face shifting economic conditions, our commitment is clear: We must continue creating the conditions that allow these entrepreneurs to grow, adapt, and lead.”
Small Business Week was established by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) as a nationwide celebration of entrepreneurship. The SBA defines small businesses as those with fewer than 500 employees. In 2025, small businesses made up over 99 percent of all North Carolina companies and employed about 1.8 million people statewide.
According to recent data from 2023, more than 9,500 small businesses exported goods from North Carolina for a total value of $8.8 billion in exports. The state’s recognition as the Top State for Business in 2025 is attributed in part to its strong business climate.
Several programs support these enterprises across North Carolina. NCWorks Small Business Work-Based Learning grants have helped train over 1,210 individuals at nearly 480 small businesses since being awarded through local workforce development boards using American Rescue Plan Act funds.
The One North Carolina Small Business Program provides nondilutive grants for innovative technology-based companies seeking federal research awards; it has supported more than 520 companies over two decades resulting in more than 2,000 high-paying jobs created or maintained across dozens of counties.
Other efforts include rural development initiatives such as building reuse programs and outdoor recreation planning under Commerce’s Rural Economic Development Division—efforts that improved or created over two thousand rural enterprises last year alone.
In response to Hurricane Helene’s impact on western regions of the state, new grant programs like Commercial District Revitalization (CDR) have launched alongside recovery funding including rapid loans from WNC Strong: Helene Business Recovery Fund backed by federal support.
Public agencies work together with educational institutions and private organizations throughout North Carolina offering services ranging from workforce training to business mentoring through resources such as NCWorks centers and toll-free hotlines dedicated to helping entrepreneurs succeed.
