Business Resources

Looking to start a small business?

While the City offers grants and loans to assist business owners with small business development, we also partner with various community organizations that also support business growth and entrepreneurship.

Additional small business resources:

• Fayetteville & Cumberland County Entrepreneur Support Contacts(PDF, 1MB)
• Center for Economic Empowerment and Development (CEED)
• NC Institute of Minority Economic Development
• N.C. Rural Economic Development Center
• Small Business Technology and Development Center (SBTDC) at Fayetteville State University
• Fayetteville Technical Community College (FTCC) Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship
• Brian Hamilton Foundation
• Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC)
• Small Business Administration (SBA)
• Greater Fayetteville Chamber
• The Thomas Entrepreneurship Hub
• SCORE
• Fayetteville-Cumberland Regional Entrepreneur and Business HUB

Listed below are small business programs and resources available through various organizations:

• EDA University Center at Fayetteville State University
• Fayetteville Cumberland Economic Development Corporation (FCEDC)
• Greater Fayetteville Chamber

Need help writing your Business Plan?

The following organizations can provide assistance with writing a business plan as well as providing other technical assistance:

• Fayetteville State University Small Business and Technology Development Center (SBTDC)
• Fayetteville Technical Community College (FTCC) Small Business Center
• Center for Economic Empowerment and Development (CEED)
• Women’s Business Center of Fayetteville
• The Thomas Entrepreneurship Hub

Exiting the Military and want to start a business?

• Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Operation Boots to Business (B2B)
• Military Transition Readiness
• Fayetteville State University Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC)
• Program and Veteran Pledge Initiative
• Center for Economic Empowerment and Development (CEED)
• Association of Military Spouse Entrepreneurs

Have a criminal background but want to start your own business?

• Inmates to Entrepreneurs (I2E)
• I2E Eight-week course

Additional Technical Assistance

Technical Assistance connects entrepreneurs and small business owners with the support, guidance, and resources they need to succeed.

The Economic and Community Development (ECD) Department works directly with each business to understand their goals, identify challenges, and provide tailored assistance. Support may include business planning, marketing strategies, financial management, and other critical areas that help businesses grow and adapt. 

The Cool Spring Downtown District Inc. (CSDD) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating and sustaining a vibrant arts and entertainment district in downtown Fayetteville. Through its work, CSDD helps foster a dynamic center for artistic, cultural, civic, and commercial activity.

CSDD also provides support and guidance for individuals and businesses interested in locating or expanding downtown, connecting them with local resources and helping navigate the requirements of operating a business in the district.

Small business startup and development programs are also available to support downtown businesses.

Read additional information regarding the Downtown Social District.

Contracting Opportunities

City Purchasing
The City of Fayetteville purchases goods, services, systems, equipment and supplies as a centralized function under Purchasing and Contracting. We have a team of procurement specialists and buyers who conduct this work and who specialized in certain products and services. Your business is important to us and we welcome all potential vendors to seek opportunities with the City. Click below to learn more about doing business with the City.

Additional Resources Available through Various Organizations

• North Carolina Military Business Center (NCMBC)
  North Carolina Military Business Center (NCMBC) provides guidance and information on newly released federal business opportunities.
• Historically Underutilized Business
  The N.C. Office for Historically Underutilized Businesses promotes economic opportunities for historically underutilized businesses in state government contracting and procurement that will foster their growth and profitability.
• Small Business Administration (SBA) Government Contracting Resources
  Includes the HUBZone Program.
• Small Business Technology and Development Center (SBTDC)
  Provides guidance on selling to the government. The North Carolina Government Contracting Assistance Program (GCAP) educates business associates on how to obtain contracts by providing comprehensive assistance in selling products and services to local, state and federal government agencies.
• U.S. General Services Administration (GSA)
  Advocates for small business owners located in the Southeast Sunbelt Region. Their mission to promote increased access for small businesses to GSA’s nationwide procurement opportunities.

City Council approved the adoption of the Social District ordinance in November 2022. To read more about Downtown Fayetteville's Social District, click here.