UNCP hosts business roundtable with Secretary of State

Secretary of State Elaine Marshall recently visited UNC Pembroke’s Thomas Entrepreneurship Hub to meet with local business owners and discuss ways to support rural businesses in North Carolina. Marshall hosted a business roundtable event where she engaged with entrepreneurs like Joseph White, founder of Tuff Digital Marketing, who has found success with the resources provided at the Hub.

During the event, Marshall highlighted the Rural RISE NC initiative, which aims to connect business owners with mentors, counselors, and funding opportunities. The initiative, which started in 14 counties in 2020 and has since expanded to 72 counties, has been instrumental in helping entrepreneurs navigate the challenges of starting and growing their businesses.

Marshall emphasized the importance of entrepreneurs being aware of the resources available to them, noting that North Carolina has seen a significant increase in new business creation. With 172,000 new companies formed in 2023 alone, the state is experiencing a surge in entrepreneurial activity.

Local business owners, like Alfredo Irra of Vinyl Kings, expressed optimism about the growth of North Carolina businesses and the support provided by initiatives like Rural RISE NC. The event at the Thomas Entrepreneurship Hub served as a platform for entrepreneurs to network, collaborate, and learn from each other’s experiences.

Overall, Secretary Marshall’s visit to UNC Pembroke’s Entrepreneurship Hub was a success, with attendees appreciating the opportunity to connect with valuable resources and support systems to help them succeed in their entrepreneurial endeavors.