Office Hours: Business with SBTDC

Are you an innovator, entrepreneur, or creative mind looking to take your ideas to the next level? Join us for Free Office Hours at Innovate Carolina Junction, where you'll have access to a diverse array of subject matter experts ready to help you navigate the challenges of your journey. Whether you need guidance on creative projects, insights into emerging technologies, business strategy support, alumni mentorship, or legal advice, our experts are here to provide personalized, actionable feedback.

Connect with experienced professionals across various fields, gain fresh perspectives, and get the support you need to turn your vision into reality. No matter where you are in your journey, Innovate Carolina Junction is your hub for innovation, collaboration, and growth.

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Joel Harper serves as regional director with the Small Business Development Technology Center, a no-cost, confidential small business counseling service​ affiliated with Kenan Flagler Business School and the Small Business Administration. Previously, Harper assisted small business owners as executive director of the Chapel Hill-Carrboro Chamber of Commerce. Overall he has been helping business owners launch, grow and prosper for 20+ years. In his spare time, Harper enjoys growing vegetables and Dutch oven cooking.

Bill Rollinson is a General Business Counselor with the SBTDC (Small Business Technology Development Center). Before moving to North Carolina in 2020, he spent most of his career in Silicon Valley as an entrepreneur and product manager. He helped to create some of the first software for the Apple Macintosh in 1984 and co-founded the first online retailer on the web, Internet Shopping Network in 1994. He’s been involved in numerous start-ups as an operating executive, founder, investor, and board member. He received a Design degree from UCLA.

Patricia Breen joined the SBTDC in 2020 as a Business Resiliency Counselor, a temporary position funded by the CARES ACT during the COVID 19 pandemic, and has returned to the SBTDC as a General Business Counselor, housed at North Carolina Central University. Before joining the SBTDC, Patricia built a successful consulting practice and has extensive experience guiding organizations and teams through systemic growth issues. She works across multiple functional areas and has lived and consulted in urban, rural and international markets. A few specialty areas of interest include: Assessment and planning, Marketing, branding and communications, technology and data management (CRM), Group facilitation and training and executive and leadership development

Ask Joel, Bill, or Patricia about:

• Business Plan Development
• Business Structure and Legal Considerations
• Financial Planning and Projections
• Funding and Capital Acquisition
• Growth and Scaling Strategies

Sheila Dalton is a General Business Counselor for the Small Business Technology & Development Center, a collaboration between the Small Business Administration and the UNC System. She is the co-founder and previous owner of Neal’s Deli in Carrboro. She has 25+ years in small business, with extensive experience in the Triangle’s local food system. Dalton is an avid trail runner, a YA fiction fan, a trained cook, and a certified nutrition coach with a private practice. She lives in Carrboro with her two kids, one cat, and a loving community of friends.

Ask Sheila about:

• Management & Operations
• Restaurant Industry KPIs
• Marketing & Branding
• Working with Local Food Systems
• Understanding Profit & Loss Statements

Lindsay Hinger is an entrepreneur, Air Force Veteran, and business counselor. She is a two-time small business owner, and works as a Business Launch Specialist with the SBTDC. Lindsay is also a Board member of NC Vet Biz, and is a mentor to veterans and military spouses through American Corporate Partners (ACP).

Ask Lindsay about:

• Lean Canvas Model
• Customer Discovery
• Entity Selection
• Military Specific Resources
• Business Plan Development

Need a zoom link or separate time? Email Joel Harper ([email protected]), Bill Rollinson ([email protected]), Patricia Breen ([email protected]), Sheila Dalton ([email protected]), or Lindsay Hinger ([email protected]), depending on the date.

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Innovate Carolina is UNC's vice chancellor’s office of innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic development. Innovate Carolina Junction office hours are in-person, free and geared towards innovators, entrepreneurs, and startup companies. You do not need to be associated with UNC.

Enter the building at 136 E. Rosemary St. All walk-ins and registered attendees must check in at the front desk. You are welcome to hang out at Meantime coffee shop before or after your scheduled appointment. If you are interested in a complete tour of the coworking space and innovation hub or learning more about free coworking days, please email [email protected].

Host or Publisher Innovate Carolina