RALEIGH — As a state recognized for its economic prowess by local, national, and even international media, it’s easy to forget that much of North Carolina’s economy is powered by small businesses. And while small businesses remain the mainstay of the state’s economy, many rural entrepreneurs and the small businesses they operate continue to struggle.

RALEIGH — Bruce Clarke couldn’t help his client, so she called a lawyer and ended up with a bill near $1,000.

ROCKINGHAM — Several companies are coming to downtown Rockingham, taking up residence in the same building.

RALEIGH — Small businesses will be able to band together to slash the costs of their health insurance after Gov. Roy Cooper let Senate Bill 86 become law.

RALEIGH — Small businesses struggling with health-care costs could gain new bargaining power with insurers, after a controversial bill passed the House, 82-32.

RALEIGH — A new joint report from the NC Rural Center and Thread Capital shows that a decade after the Great Recession, North Carolina's small businesses are still struggling to recover and catch up with their urban counterparts in the state.

HAMLET – As of January 2017, there are 500 million tweets sent each day! To help local small businesses benefit from all this online conversation, the Small Business Center of Richmond Community College will present a free seminar, “Blogging and Twitter for Business Owners,” from 9 a.m. to noon Wednesday, Aug. 9, at the Cole Auditorium.

Hamlet – Anthony Fuller decided to open Premier Auto Imports in downtown Hamlet after doing some research about the need for a foreign car dealer in Richmond County. Being new to the area, he worked with Richmond Community College’s Small Business Center to become more familiar with the surrounding community and to develop a plan for his business.