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When times get tough, people get entrepreneurial. History shows that recessions in the United States are typically marked by increases in small business startups. When COVID-19 forced furloughs, layoffs, and business closures, people responded by starting small businesses in droves.

According to the Census Bureau, more than 4.4 million new small businesses were created in the U.S. during 2020/21 — the highest total on record. For reference, that’s a 24.3% increase from 2019 and 51.0% higher than the 2010-19 average.

These numbers are even higher in Rural communities like Beaufort County where, on average, 97% of the total business entities are small businesses with under 50 employees.

For those in Beaufort County who are starting a new small business, Beaufort County has a strong cadre of small business resources that will provide them with education, training, mentorship, counselling, and other resources that will help assure their business success and sustainability.

Beaufort County Community College (BCCC) has a great Small Business Center that provides high quality, readily accessible assistance to prospective and existing small business owners which will lead to job creation and retention.  The SBC provides community-based business start-up education and training, counseling, referral, and other information. Call 252-940-6306 for more information

Beaufort County Economic Developments mission is to recruit and expand business, retain and nurture our existing businesses and market Beaufort County as a desirable community in which to live, work and play. They can offer help with business funding, locations, and getting established – Call 252-946-3970

The Pamlico Business Resource Center is a new private nonprofit organization located in downtown Washington NC that offers friendly, no initial cost, one on one confidential help, information and counselling related to startups, business planning, incorporation, general business information, and local resources. Call 252-833-0137

The Washington Beaufort County Chamber of Commerce (WBCCC) partner with those who are considering starting a business in our area.  WBCCC has many resources for the new business owner and will meet with them one on one to discuss their business plans. Call (252) 946-9168

Washington Harbor District Alliance (WHDA) is a non-profit organization focused on economic development in the downtown historic business district located on the water in Washington, NC. WHDA continues to be integral in Washington’s Revitalization and Reinvestment strategy for the Harbor. A great asset for downtown business owners – Call (252) 947-1487

There are few things as professionally fulfilling as leveraging a skill you’re passionate about in order to help others. At its current rate of growth, the GIG economy will account for more than 50% of the U.S. workforce by 2027.

Keith Hudson is CEO of the Pamlico Business Resource Center, a non-profit organization in Washington, N.C. He can be reached at keith@pamlicobrc.com.