Commerce Secretary Jim Fain and leaders from other state agencies announced today the launch of Business Link North Carolina, a comprehensive business-support network designed to assist North Carolina companies. BLNC, or “blink,” offers quick access to a wide range of information and resources available from statewide, state-supported agencies and organizations. A Web portal, http://www.blnc.gov, and a toll-free number, 800-228-8443, will link users to the resources.
“Tough economic times mean challenges for all businesses, whether they are Fortune 500 companies or start-ups,” Fain said. “North Carolina is committed to providing the help these companies need in today’s rapidly changing market, and Business Link North Carolina provides that support quickly and easily—in a blink.”
In addition to Commerce, BLNC participants include: the Small Business Center Network of North Carolina’s Community Colleges; Employment Security Commission of North Carolina, N.C. departments of Agriculture & Consumer Services, Revenue and Secretary of State; N.C. Biotechnology Center; N.C. Community Development Initiative; N.C. Institute of Minority Economic Development; N.C. Rural Economic Development Center; and the University of North Carolina System, including the Small Business and Technology Development Center and N.C. State University’s Industrial Extension Service.
Leaders of the participating organizations met Wednesday afternoon at Commerce to sign a formal memorandum of understanding. The MOU outlines specifically how the service providers will work together to promote the availability of BLNC and to coordinate multi-agency assistance and solutions for North Carolina businesses. Several interagency training sessions have already been held across the state.
BLNC’s information-rich Web site catalogues for the first time all business services available from the partnering agencies and will provide a frequently updated reference. The site includes sections on critical topics such as business planning, financing and capital, licensing and permitting, international business and government contracting. The sections contain a brief topic overview and links to relevant sites in the BLNC network, as well as other resources as appropriate.
The BLNC organizations have long served North Carolina businesses well, Fain noted, but business people often are not aware of the services available. “Until now, there has been no central place to access the state’s wealth of resources. The BLNC Web site and toll-free number will provide that access,” Fain said.
Commerce, through its existing Business ServiCenter, will provide the toll-free number: (800) 228-8443, available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time. Commerce’s business consultants will answer questions or refer callers to the participating agencies or other resources.
Commerce will maintain the site, based on information provided by participating state agencies and nonprofit organizations, and also will promote the BLNC brand and advertise the services portfolio. “Promoting the services as a package makes the marketing effort very cost-effective,” Fain said.
The Department of Commerce is the state’s lead economic development agency, developing and implementing long-term strategies around job creation and investment, community and workforce development, and innovation. For more information, see http://www.nccommerce.com.