Resources
More than just a bank, our team is here to listen to you, partner with you, and most importantly, add value to your business.
In addition to our staff, you will find some additional resources that are ideal to help your business grow and prosper.
The Small Business and Technology Development Center (SBTDC) is North Carolina's leading resource for growing and developing businesses. The SBTDC can provide you with the following:
-
Business & Management Advice
-
Financial Assistance & Advice
-
Marketing Assistance
-
Research
-
Strategy Development & Implementation
- Leadership & Employee Performance
The SBTDC is administered by North Carolina State University on behalf of the University of North Carolina System and operated in partnership with the Small Business Administration.
The Small Business Administration (SBA) is also a smart resource choice. Their programs & services are available to current and future business owners in North Carolina. These programs & services include:
-
Financial Assistance — First South Bank is an SBA Preferred Lender, and therefore receives favorable qualifying guidelines
-
Contract Options
-
Disaster Assistance
-
Counseling
-
Special Audiences Advice
-
Laws/Regulations
-
Compliance
- Online Training — programs include topics such as marketing and surviving a slow economy
| SBA 7 (A) | SBA 504 | SBA Express | |
| Best For: |
Combined Needs for
|
Long-term needs for:
|
Short-term needs for:
|
| Loan Amount | $35,000 — $2 Million | Up to 90% of total project cost | $35,000 to $350,000 |
| Maturity | 7 to 25 years | 10 to 20 years | 1 to 5 years |
Which SBA loan is right for you and your business, contact your lender to find out.
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is an invaluable resource to those businesses involved in rural development. The purpose of the USDA Business Programs are to promote a healthy business environment in rural America. These programs partner with both private and community sectors to provide business planning advice and financial assistance to those whose projects will create and/or preserve quality jobs in a clean rural environment.
Those organizations or individuals who qualify for a USDA loan must be engaged in a business that will do the following:
-
Provide employment
-
Improve the economic or environmental climate
-
Promote the conservations, development and use of water for aquaculture
- Reduce reliance on nonrenewable energy resources by encouraging the development and construction of solar energy systems and other renewable energy systems
This and more information is provided on the USDA website.
The NC Department of Commerce will provide a support system to those are planning to start a business or to those who are looking to grow their business by providing much needed statistical data to help formulate an effective business plan. Specifically, the Economic Development Intelligence System helps business owners determine building sites, community data, and business climate of any area in North Carolina.
North Carolina provides a strong support system to its existing businesses helping them enhance and expand their business. This includes financing growth, exporting to other countries, recruitment & training, and improving efficiency.
North Carolina's program for assistance is one of the largest statewide retention efforts in nation!
Other Helpful Resources to Start or Grow Your Business:
Business.usa.gov
The official business link to the US Government
Although every business is different, there are some basic similarities to starting and running a business. You will find information regarding the legal process of starting and operating a business in North Carolina, as well as, information regarding local and national assistance for the small business owner.
NC Small Business Center Network
A NC Community College System
The NC Small Business Center Network is comprised of 58 small business centers throughout North Carolina. These centers serve as a community-based provider of training, counseling and resource information thereby helping start and grow small businesses through our state.
The SBCN provides one-on-one counseling, training seminars (often at little or no cost), and a network of support throughout North Carolina. At each Small Business Center, there is a Director. These Directors make up the only small business development network in North Carolina with an active Credentialing Program. Use the website to contact your local director. They are ready to help guide you through starting your business or expanding your business.
Small Business Majority
Small Businesses Driving Practical Policy
Small Businesses account for nearly 75 million jobs in the country today. The Small Business Majority is an advocacy group founded and run by small business leaders throughout the nation. Their focus is solving problems and issues that arise for business owners today. At this time, their main concentration is the Healthcare Reform Bill. The group is committed to educating small businesses regarding legislation that will affect them and educating lawmakers regarding the needs and concerns of the small business owners across the nation.
