Elizabeth City, N.C. — Entrepreneurs from across northeastern North Carolina connected with lenders, business counselors and resource partners during a Lender Match Event June 23 at the College of The Albemarle’s Edenton-Chowan campus. Participants explored financing opportunities, loan readiness and resources designed to help small businesses grow. Elizabeth City State University’s (ECSU) Small Business and Technology Development Center (SBTDC) hosted the event to strengthen access to capital while supporting entrepreneurship and regional economic development.
The two-hour program featured remarks from special guests, a panel discussion with small-business lending professionals, and opportunities for attendees to meet one-on-one with lenders to discuss loan inquiries. Resource partners also provided guidance on loan preparation and general business counseling.
According to SBTDC’s business counselor Brandy Ballard, the event attracted strong participation from entrepreneurs interested in learning more about financing options and preparing their businesses for lending opportunities.
“The event generated strong engagement from attendees who were eager to learn about financing options, loan readiness and available resources to support their business growth,” Ballard said.
Participants had the opportunity to hear directly from lending professionals, ask questions during the panel discussion, and build relationships with lenders and business resource organizations serving the region.
“The level of interaction and enthusiasm throughout the event demonstrated the growing demand for small business support and access to capital in our service area,” Ballard said.
Several attendees expressed appreciation for the opportunity to meet face-to-face with lenders and gain insight into the lending process.
“Events such as this strengthen our commitment to supporting entrepreneurship, fostering economic development, and expanding opportunities for small businesses throughout northeastern North Carolina,” Ballard said.
The SBTDC is administered statewide by North Carolina State University on behalf of the University of North Carolina System and operates in partnership with the U.S. Small Business Administration. The Elizabeth City SBTDC serves entrepreneurs and small to mid-sized businesses across 11 counties in northeastern North Carolina by providing confidential business counseling, assistance with accessing capital, financial analysis, market expansion strategies and leadership development. Business owners interested in starting or growing a business can connect with the center by requesting counseling through the SBTDC’s Elizabeth City office.
“We look forward to building on this momentum and continuing to create impactful programs that connect entrepreneurs with the resources they need to succeed,” Ballard said.
