Grow Your Business with Our Small Business Center
Richmond Community College’s Small Business Center supports the development of new businesses and the growth of existing businesses by being a community-based provider of counseling, training, and resource information. Our professional staff helps to find solutions to challenging business questions, assistance in the creation of a business plan and other areas that would generate growth/expansion of existing businesses. No question is too simple or complicated. Whether you have a desire to start a new business or want to take professional development courses, the Small Business Center has something to offer you.
Seminars & Professional Development
The Small Business Center offers year round a wide variety of seminars and workshops to help small businesses be successful. Professional Development seminars are also offered to assist businesses and start-ups on promoting professionalism through motivating, networking, strategizing and other areas that impact the work environment.
COVID-19 Resources
N.C. Department of Revenue (NCDOR)
The NCDOR plans to launch Phase Two of the Business Recovery Grant Program. $200 million remains available as categories of eligible businesses expand.
Business Recovery Grant Program
COVID-19 Guidance Webinar
"COVID-19 Guidance – What Small Business Owners Need to Know Right Now," a webinar presentation by Gwendolyn Lewis, Tricia Derr and Kathi Lucchesi of Lincoln Derr PLLC (Charlotte). Participants will receive guidance regarding legal issues surrounding employer requirements as a result of COVID-19. The panel will answer questions from webinar participants immediately following the presentation. If you have any questions that you would like to send the presenters in advance of the program, please visit the N.C. Bar Foundation.
Has Your Small Business Suffered Due to COVID-19?
The U.S. Small Business Administration is providing Economic Injury Disaster Loans for Coronavisus related economic disruptions. The loan program includes 1 year deferred interest and 1 year deferred payments for small businesses.
- To learn more check out: SBA Disaster Assistance Loans
- Here is a guide and checklist for Coronavirus Emergency Loans: Guide & Checklist for Small Businesses
If you need assistance with your application, please contact the RichmondCC Small Business Center.
Visit the Small Business Center Network and the NC Small Business and Technology Development Center for additional resources to help you navigate challenges associated with COVID-19.
CARES Act
The programs and initiatives in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act that was just passed by Congress are intended to assist business owners with whatever needs they have right now. When implemented, there will be many new resources available for small businesses, as well as certain non-profits and other employers. This guide provides information about the major programs and initiatives that will soon be available from the Small Business Administration (SBA) to address these needs, as well as some additional tax provisions that are outside the scope of SBA.
CARES Guidelines for Small Businesses
Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF)
The American Rescue Plan Act established the Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF) to provide funding to help restaurants and other eligible businesses keep their doors open. This program will provide restaurants with funding equal to their pandemic-related revenue loss up to $10 million per business and no more than $5 million per physical location. Recipients are not required to repay the funding as long as funds are used for eligible uses no later than March 11, 2023.
Restaurant Revitalization Fund
Counseling Services
Small business owners and prospective owners may also receive free one-on-one counseling, assistance and referrals to appropriate agencies for further counseling. Available on an as-needed basis, this local confidential service acts as a sounding board for new ideas and/or concerns individuals may have about their new or existing business.
If you would like to schedule an appointment for our free, confidential, one-on-one small business counseling, follow this link, fill in your information and submit your form. We will respond to your request promptly and work to schedule your time with one of our expert counselors.
Resource Library
The Small Business Center has an onsite Business Resource Center that is stocked with a library of professional resources that will help boost your business knowledge. Visit us today and take advantage of these no charge resources just waiting to be tapped. This library includes printed and multimedia material. There are also internet accessible computer workstations. The Resource Center is open during normal office hours Monday-Thursday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Friday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.