Business Link North Carolina, a division of the N.C. Department of Commerce, celebrates and thanks small businesses for being a vital part of the state’s economy during National Small Business Week, May 20-26. In North Carolina, 98 percent of employer businesses are considered small, with fewer than 500 employees. This means that as small businesses grow, employment and the overall economy grows.
One North Carolina business owner with 34 employees, Oscar Wong, was honored at the national awards luncheon in Washington, D.C., on May 21 as the N.C. Small Business Person of the Year for his work as president of craft brewer Highland Brewing Company in Asheville. It is difficult to run a business, especially a small one. In true fashion, Wong does a little of everything and even acts as receptionist on occasion.
Small businesses need assistance to get started, and last year BLNC responded to more than 17,000 requests for information throughout the state. BLNC is a one-stop portal for information, licensing requirements and other valuable resources for starting and growing a small business. Contact a BLNC counselor through the toll-free number (800) 228-8443.