The Cape Fear Regional CDC has a program to fit every need.   As needs change so does the programs at CDC. Our goal is to assist in the successful creation of businesses that will grow for years to come. Currently there are 3 programs with a 4th being researched and created for implementation in 2004. The needs being met presently are listed below. Click on the links for more information about each program. 

• Incubator without Walls Program is designed for business professionals who need counseling and administrative services, but do not require office space, to conduct business.
  
• Business Suites program serves companies that need office space at an affordable price as well as business administrative support and counseling.
  
• The Business Center program is for service companies and light manufacturing who need commercial space to do business.

In addition to the programs we offer the following services:

Advice and Support

The Business Center Staff act as partners with all program participants in helping their businesses become successful. Although there are formal review processes, the daily give and take that is critical to ensuring the viability of any new business is part of the process. Whether on a formal or informal basis, all program participants can make use of expert assistance in:

Developing and implementing a business plan

Solid management practices

Marketing and advertising

Financial planning

Tracking success

Technical training

Securing low-interest business loans

The Graduation Process

At the beginning of the sixth year, or on request by the tenant, an exit process, which we call graduation, will begin. At this time, the Business Center Staff will provide the following:

Counseling through the relocation process
Assistance in market awareness
Information on available sites
Assistance in making comparisons in property values and locations for highest and best use for a particular business

Businesses are eligible for graduation when the following are firmly in place:

Current business plan
Current financial statement
Established insurance policies
Stable working capital and cash flow
Relationship with a financial institution
Job descriptions
Bookkeeping strategy
Payroll and Tax Requirements

The Business Center Staff will make a final program visit to the new business location subsequent to the move to complete the graduation process. The business will receive a certificate of accomplishment and the business' name will be added to the Incubator Monument. In the event that a business grows rapidly and exits the Incubator Program earlier than seven years, the Business Center recommends a monitor program for the remainder of the seven year period.

Alumni Requirements

Alumni businesses may be called on for a limited amount of "mentor" assistance to new incubator businesses. As a member of the NCBIA, the CDC is required to follow up and stay in contact with the success of its graduates. Cards will be mailed to alumni businesses to track progress and identify continuing success. This information will be compiled for local, state, and national statistics and will be used in the continuing progress of perfecting the incubator programs.