Realize Your Entrepreneurial Dream in Caldwell County

Caldwell County Economic Development (CCED) understands that small businesses are the backbone of our region, plain and simple. According to the Small Business Administration, 99.9 percent of all firms in the nation are small businesses with under 500 employees. Additionally, small businesses have accounted for 62 percent of net new job creation since 1995. 

Caldwell County’s legacy industries were founded by entrepreneurs with names like Broyhill, Bernhardt and Kincaid, and entrepreneurship is still thriving today. In recent years, record numbers of new Caldwell County businesses and industries have registered with the NC Secretary of State, with 505 in 2022 alone.

In Caldwell County, CCED is your first stop for information and expert guidance to assist you in starting a new venture. Contact us today because success starts with a plan. We’ll be happy to connect you to the resources you need. Our progressive business climate is ripe for opportunity!

CaldWELL CONNECTED

The HUB Station Business Center

The Hub Station interior wall with logo and mission

The McCreary HUB Station Business Center, owned by the Town of Hudson, serves as a launchpad incubator space for Caldwell County entrepreneurs. Home to Caldwell Community College & Technical Institute (CCC&TI) Small Business Center, startups and businesses can access cutting-edge counseling, guidance and free workshops. Affordable shared and private work areas are available, featuring internet access, utilities, restrooms, a shared kitchen and access to technology. 

The HUB’s entrepreneur incubator options:

  • The Hubspot interior spaceShared and Private Remote Workspaces for Lease
    • Rent one of The HUB’s shared and private remote workspaces for access to amenities, internet and the opportunity to collaborate with like-minded entrepreneurs and business owners. 
  • Training Center
    • The spacious training center is fully equipped with a sound system, basic AV equipment and other technology you can use to hold effective and informative training.
  • Conference Room
    • The spacious conference room is the perfect location to gather employees, clients or project managers.
  • EDGE
    • Entrepreneurial Development Group Enhancement is a large, shared office space designed for up to five occupants. There’s a cabinet, chair, office desk and shared conference space for meetings.

CCC&TI Small Business Center

Kids and adults meeting at the CCC&TI Small Business Center

Caldwell Community College & Technical Institute (CCC&TI) Small Business Center, located in The HUB Station Business Center, supports the development of new businesses and the growth of existing businesses as a community-based provider of training, counseling and resource information. Confidential counseling services and access to resource libraries are free of charge, and seminars and workshops are at no cost or require a minimal registration fee.

Startup Caldwell-Watauga Entrepreneurs

Startup Caldwell-Watauga Entrepreneurs connects you with experienced entrepreneurs and small business owners in Caldwell and Watauga counties to get your business questions answered. Besides networking opportunities, Startup Caldwell-Watauga provides access to local entrepreneurial programs, events, spotlights and more.

EDPNC Small Business Advisors

EDPNC Small Business Advisors is a free service for anyone seeking to start a small business in North Carolina. Working in partnership with the NC Department of Commerce, they offer one-on-one phone consultations to those interested in starting a business, small business owners needing general support and entrepreneurs interested in moving to North Carolina. They can help entrepreneurs navigate regulatory requirements, licensing stipulations, small-business training and more.

Rural Rise NC is an initiative that connects you with mentors, business counselors, funding sources and more — within your community and beyond. Many of these resources are free.