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Starting a Business in the Greater Hickory Metro Area of North Carolina

Click here to return to the home page of Grow Your Own Biz

Click here to go to the self-assessment

Click here to go to the frequently asked questions section of the SBA web site

Click here to go to a section on no-cost business accounting

Click here for links on choosing professional services

Click here for an index to the site
Click here for a listing of area agencies that may be able to help you
Click here for information about business planning and budgeting
Click here for information about educational opportunities

Click here for information about financing and capital
Click here for information about inventions and patents
Click here for information about the legal structure of business
Click here for information on licenses and permits
Click here for information on choosing a location
Click here for places to do market research
Click here for information about staffing
Click here for start-up options
Click here for a listing of network members

Business Counseling (at No Cost)

Catawba Valley Community College Small Business Center

CVCC's Small Business Center Director counsels individuals by appointment. Counseling sessions last an hour and a free packet of information is reviewed along with the booklet "How to Start a Successful Business". Sessions are free and the startup booklet is available for $5.00.  Please call (828) 327-7000, Ext. 4112 for an appointment.

SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives) counseling is available by appointment through the Catawba Valley Community College Small Business Center.

Caldwell Community College Small Business Center

Western Piedmont Community College Small Business Center

Small Business Technology and Development Center

The SBTDC provides free, confidential business management counseling in the areas of financing, marketing, human resources, operations, business planning, strategy, feasibility assessment, government procurement, international, business development and technology development. Call (828) 345-1110 for an appointment.

NC State Industrial Extension Service

The Industrial Education Service at NC State University, offers a variety of reasonably priced consulting services for manufacturers in the areas of:  construction, energy, environmental issues, facility layout and management, modern manufacturing methods, quality, health and safety.  Call (828) 327-4550 for an appointment.

Catawba County Chamber of Commerce

The Chamber offers one-on-one free counseling on the third Tuesday of every month (by appointment.)

 

Disclaimer: The information presented here is intended as a public service. Although efforts have been made to assure that the information is accurate and up-to-date, the user assumes all responsibility for the use of information provided. The sponsors of this web site expressly disclaim any liability for the information provided herein.

©Greater Hickory Metro Business Development Network, 2006