A joint endeavor by Wilson County and the City of Wilson, the purpose of this economic incentive policy is to promote infill growth with new commercial, residential, and mixed-use development and major rehabilitation of older buildings with the City of Wilson’s downtown commercial district. This policy shall automatically expire on June 30, 2019
Wilson County D.R.I.G Guidelines
The Building Reuse Program, under the Rural Grants/Programs Section of the North Carolina Department of Commerce, will provide grants to local governments. Three categories of funding are available for 1) the renovation of vacant buildings, 2) the renovation or expansion of a building occupied by an existing North Carolina company wishing to expand in their current location and 3) the renovation, expansion or construction of health care entities that will lead to the creation of new, full-time jobs.
For the N.C. Department of Commerce grants, the City of Wilson would be the actual applicant. Thus, the City would have to be willing and able to partner with the building owner and business owner who would be creating full-time jobs, which must be documented with the State quarterly. The City can only have one open award at a time on some of these grants.
The Business Development Center is an entrepreneurial business incubator serving startup and existing small businesses in the Upper Coastal Plain Region of Eastern North Carolina. Their Council of Governments and Development Corporation are proud to be able to offer loan programs to businesses to benefit rural areas as an alternative lender.
The North Carolina Rural Center delivers resources for rural people, businesses and communities. Microenterprises are our smallest businesses, commonly called mom-and-pop businesses. The N.C. Rural Center will work with people who have good ideas and sound character, but may have difficulty obtaining a loan from traditional sources.
There is a branch here in Wilson and the Self-Help Credit Union can offer commercial loans for $250,000 and up, with no maximum project size. We consider applications for all kinds of businesses and projects, but we specialize in sectors like green businesses, renewable energy, charter schools, healthy-foods businesses and more.
The North Carolina offices of the US SMA offer business resources including loans, grants and much more.
Federal Fire Sprinkler Tax Incentive
Allows small business owners to deduct the cost of retrofitting their buildings with fire sprinklers.
Assists in the identification, evaluation, protection, and enhancement of properties significant in North Carolina history and archaeology. Some buildings in Historic Downtown Wilson may qualify for Federal and State tax credits.
The Federal Historic Preservation Tax Incentives program encourages private sector investment in the rehabilitation and re-use of historic buildings.
The SBC is a state funded organization which is part of the Small Business Center Network of North Carolina, providing small business owners with information they need to start or expand their small business. Confidential, one-on-one counseling with the SBC director is provided.
www.wilsoncc.edu/continuing-education/small-business-center
A membership-based organization, the Chamber is a 501c6 association serving the business community of the greater Wilson area.
Known as the technological hub of Eastern North Carolina, the GigEast Exchange is a community for everyday entrepreneurs, tech startups, remote workers and anyone who values innovation in action.
Administered by North Carolina State and operated in partnership with US Small Business Administration, the SBTDC is committed to providing knowledge, education and other supportive resources that enable existing small and mid-sized businesses, emerging entrepreneurs and local/state leaders to innovate and succeed.
BLNC, or “blink”, is a business resource access point for an extensive network of experts who can help your business succeed. Business Link North Carolina can connect you to services provided by state-supported agencies, many of which are free.
www.nc.gov/agency/blnc-business-link-north-carolina
This program expands business finance options for businesses across the state. By reducing risk, it encourages banks and other qualified lenders to consider loans that otherwise fall just outside of conventional underwriting standards. Site includes a list of participating banks and institutions as well as more information about the program.
www.ncruralcenter.org/lending/capital-access-program