State agencies.

• Position: SMALL BUSINESS RESOURCE

N.C. Department of Commerce

(919)733-4151 www.nccommerce.com

The Department of Commerce oversees the state's business development initiatives, including employment security, film, international trade, labor and economic analysis, science and technology, small business, tourism and workforce. Business Link North Carolina is the department's primary arm for assisting small businesses. The Department's Labor & Economic Analysis Division (LEAD) also prepares analyses of the state's industry sectors, occupations, workforce, and key economic trends; tracks and analyzes jobs and investments for economic and workforce development; and is your one-stop source and provider of labor market information for North Carolina.

N.C. State University's Industrial Extension Service

(800) 227-0264 www.ies.ncsu.edu

The Industrial Extension Service (IES), an outreach and extension organization affiliated with the N.C. State College of Engineering, was established in 1955 to help North Carolina industries grow and prosper. IES' tailored solutions, university and community connections, and engineering know-how can help companies stay abreast of the latest technologies and best practices in engineering and business management. Their mission is to help business owners increase productivity, efficiency, safety and quality, with expertise in Lean enterprise and quality initiatives such as ISO management systems and Six Sigma, environmental and energy concerns, and safety and health management.

Business Link North Carolina (BLNC)

(800) 228-8443 www.blnc.gov

BLNC or Business Link North Carolina is a collaboration of state-wide, state-funded business resource providers who offer services from business start-up to expanding multi-national corporations. BLNC gives business owners access to an extensive network of experts who can provide everything businesses need to succeed - from licenses, government contracting, business plans, tax information to marketing and access to capital. BLNC business counselors are available to answer questions during regular business hours.

N.C. Department of Revenue

(877) 252-3052 www.dornc.com/business/index.html

The Department of Revenue oversees collection of state business taxes and provides information on changes to tax laws that concern business owners. DOR offers online filing and payment services, as well as an online business registration, which allows business owners to electronically register for an account ID number for Income Tax...