The SBTDC is a business and technology extension program of the UNC System. With offices at the 16 campuses, counselors provide personalized management counseling and education services that help entrepreneurs make their businesses better, create and retain jobs, and improve the economy of North Carolina. The SBTDC's office at UNC Chapel Hill is affiliated with the UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School. | Our staff members that serve midsize businesses: | |
Neal McTighe
Regional Director
(919) 962-8315
nmctighe@sbtdc.org
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Joel Harper
Business Counselor
(919) 962-7708
jharper@sbtdc.org
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Owen George
International Business Counselor
(336) 750-8437
ogeorge@sbtdc.org
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Joel Guge, MSML
Government Contracting Counselor
(919) 513-0623
jguge@sbtdc.org
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Gene Holland
Business Resiliency Counselor
(919) 515-9480
gholland@sbtdc.org
| |  | WELCOME TO OUR NEWSLETTER | |
Welcome to our first edition of the “Midsize Minute.” This quarterly newsletter will cover issues and promote training sessions that are relevant to businesses with 10 or more employees, what we call “midsize” businesses.
My name is Neal McTighe. As the Regional Director of the Small Business and Technology Development Center (SBTDC) office, we serve businesses in Alamance, Chatham, Durham, Lee, Orange, and Person counties. Founded in 1984, the SBTDC provides confidential management counseling and educational services to businesses like yours across North Carolina. Most of our services are free of charge.
| A TEAM APPROACH TO SERVE YOUR BUSINESS | |
The SBTDC is comprised of approximately 90 professional staff across the state. Business counselors are available to work with companies like yours to improve leadership and employee performance, develop and implement strategy, prepare for securing financing, conduct research and financial analysis, improve marketing and sales strategies, and general management advice. Additionally, we have experts on hand with knowledge about international business development and government contracting.
The expert team of business counselors that serves our six county region include:
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Joel Harper - An Economic Development Finance Professional that previously led a large Chamber of Commerce.
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Owen George - An Economic Development Finance Professional that has over 20 years of experience in international business.
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Joel Guge - Held executive positions in a manufacturing company that was a Prime Defense Subcontractor for almost 30 years.
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Gene Holland - A prior successful business owner and was also an Assistant Vice President in a commercial bank.
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I’ve witnessed firsthand since I arrived at the SBTDC in March 2020 how much value our counselors have provided to businesses like yours. In future editions, I’ll share a specific client success story, but I’d like to start with some general comments.
Since March 2020, we’ve provided over 10,000 hours of counseling for our clients. We’ve helped our clients secure nearly $80 million in capital, whether PPP or EIDL loans, Lines of Credit, SBA 7(a) or SBA 504 loans, Shuttered Venue Operator Grants, or equity investments. We’ve even assisted with Employee Retention Tax Credits.
We’ve assisted companies with 200+ employees to those with 60 or 15. It’s been a joy of mine to witness this incredible, noble work by our expert counselors.
| UPCOMING TRAINING & EVENTS | |
MFGCon
May 18-19
Durham, NC
Learn more
MFGCon is a two-day conference that offers manufacturing-based businesses the opportunity to learn about workforce excellence, leadership and culture, operational excellence and technology, and innovation and strategic growth. There will also be ample time to network during the conference. The SBTDC team will have a booth, be presenting, and networking at the conference.
Opportunities: Making Dollars and Sense Selling to the Government
June 6
Asheville, NC
Learn more
Opportunities 2022 is a one-day regional biennial "reverse" trade show and conference where attendees can meet face-to-face with prime contractors and government agencies. In addition, attendees can enhance their government contracting skills with a series of seminars designed to provide the latest information on selling to the government. Speakers will provide update on contracting opportunities resulting from the Infrastructure and Jobs Act.
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Guide to Selling a Small Business
The SBTDC's Guide to Selling a Small Business reviews the key steps and documents involved in the sale of a small business. Are you thinking about your exit? Are you considering acquiring an established business? Please reach out to see how our team can help.
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North Carolina Small Business Handbook
The SBTDC was pleased to provide the editorial content for the North Carolina Small Business Handbook. Included in the handbook is information on the state of small business in North Carolina, a list of small business resources, numerous case studies, along with small business tips and tricks.
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Whether you are surviving, sustaining, or scaling in this new economy, don't go it alone. The SBTDC is here to help. Too many businesses with 10 or more employees end up seeking no outside counsel apart from their lawyers and accountants.
Please let me know directly at uncch@sbtdc.org or (919) 962-8315 if you'd like to set up time with an expert business counselor. Additionally, let us know if there's any content you would enjoy seeing in these "Midsize Minute" newsletters.
Cheers to your success in 2022.
Neal McTighe, PhD
Regional Center Director
SBTDC at UNC Chapel Hill and NC Central University
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