MARSHALL EXPANDS SMALL BUSINESS PROGRAM.

• Position: NC TREND: Public affairs

Secretary of State Elaine Marshall's office is expanding a pilot program that helps new small business creators in rural counties. The Rural RISE NC (Resources for Innovators, Start-ups, and Entrepreneurs) program started in 14 counties to offer business counselors, lender information and a "checklist of crucial steps new business should follow to be successful, such as important tax and reporting deadlines," according to a news release.

The program will be available in all 78 counties classified as rural, with business owners receiving emails about it when they file paperwork to create a business.

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