Start Here Before You Start Your Business

Sanford is home to a bevy of entrepreneurs and big thinkers. Luckily, we also have motivated and experienced local organizations committed to turning those ideas and plans into businesses that succeed.

If you’re interested in turning your passion or hobby into a profitable enterprise, you’ll want to tap into these resources along the way:

• Lee County Small Business Center, 1105 Kelly Drive, Sanford NC
  Contact: 919-774-6442, sbc@cccc.edu
  
  Anyone interested in starting a business or making a business more successful should first schedule a meeting with Dale Fey at the Lee County Small Business Center. Dale is able to offer free business coaching and counseling, as well as connect you with an expansive network of local, state, and federal resources.
  
  The Lee County Small Business Center also houses a comprehensive library of printed and multimedia tools, including books, magazines, guides, DVDs, and software. Business-minded people without Internet access can use the Lee County Small Business Center’s workstation free of charge.
  
  Get started: Explore the many ways the Lee County Small Business Center can help you on the SBC website. You’ll find templates, financial help, and structural guidance along with links to loan materials and more.
  
  And from September through June, the Lee County Small Business Center offers a full slate of free seminars on topics geared toward business owners -- from networking and writing your business plan to social media and marketing.

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OTHER RESOURCES

• Lee Economic Development Corporation, 5825 Clyde Rhyne Drive, Sanford NC
  Contact: 919-774-8439, info@lcedc.com
  What: A nonprofit organization that works to enhance job opportunities and promote sound planning across Lee County. Its website boasts many free tools for business owners.

• Practical Knowledge Seminar Series, Sanford NC
  Contact: pkseminars@gmail.com
  What: Low-cost, small-group guided work sessions that feature a range of business topics. Attendees will leave each session with a finished product.

• Sanford Area Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Program, 211 South Steele Street, Sanford NC
  Contact: 919-775-7341, frontdesk@sanford-nc.com
  What: A program that introduces entrepreneurs to community and government leaders while helping them better understand the community’s needs.

• Sanford Area Networking Groups, Sanford NC
  What: There quite a few local networking groups for entrepreneurs and small business owners in the area. Find them in the SocialSanford Professional Networking Guide.

• SCORE in Southern Pines, Chapel Hill, and Raleigh
What: A nonprofit association dedicated to helping small businesses get off the ground, grow and achieve their goals through education and mentorship.

• Women's Business Center in Durham NC or Fayetteville NC
  Contact: 919-956-8889 or 910-323-3377
  What: A nonprofit organization that provides technical assistance and support to women entrepreneurs who are looking to start or expand their small businesses.

• NC Rural Entrepreneurship through Action Learning (REAL), 3739 National Drive, Suite 100, Raleigh NC
  Contact: 919-781-6833, info@ncreal.org
  What: A nonprofit organization that offers training programs, curriculum, and support to entrepreneurs to help create new jobs throughout the state.

• U.S. Small Business Administration, 800-827-5722
  What: The US SBA offers online training and counseling for potential and existing business owners. You’ll also find loan programs, business tools, and marketing strategies.

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Do you know of a group or organization we should add? Let us know!