Dear Readers, Welcome to the October edition of the First Choice Triangle Tribune , from First Choice Business Brokers of the Triangle. This month we’re looking at something practical and very local: how North Carolina is helping small businesses grow through grants that put real resources into your hands without debt or equity strings attached. In this issue: How NC state grants are helping 90 small businesses grow A clear checklist for applying and tracking these funds Why grants can improve your company’s value when it’s time to sell State Grants Fueling Growth: What NC Business Owners Should Know This fall, North Carolina awarded more than $4 million to 90 small businesses through the One North Carolina Small Business Program. These grants are designed to help companies cover the cost of preparing federal research funding proposals and to match federal awards when they’re won. Here’s what that actually means: Incentive Fund: Helps pay for proposal prep costs like consulting, lab work, or professional writers. The state reimburses eligible expenses up to a set cap. Matching Fund: If you win a federal Phase I award, the state can match a portion of it. That match is spread out over project milestones and doesn’t cost you equity or add debt. What’s next: A bill under consideration in the state legislature could create even broader grant support for facility expansion and job growth. If passed, it would open doors for more types of businesses to benefit. Why this matters to owners thinking about value Keeps ownership intact. Since these funds don’t dilute equity or add debt, your ownership position and financial picture stay cleaner. Adds credibility. A grant win shows outside experts believe in your idea or product. That’s something buyers look for. Builds discipline. To get and keep these grants, you’ll need budgets, milestones, and reports. Those are exactly what buyers expect to see during due diligence. Common gotchas to know up front Your headquarters must be in North Carolina. Applications are tied to strict timing windows. Miss the deadline and you may have to wait for the next round. Only certain expenses are eligible. Therefore, you’ll need to keep receipts and separate records or risk losing reimbursement. County development tiers matter. Businesses in Tier 1 or Tier 2 counties may qualify for higher levels of support and investment. A short checklist you can use this week Confirm you’re eligible by checking your HQ location and the current state solicitation window. Assign one person to own the process - application, documentation, and reporting. Pull together current financials, staff bios, a simple project timeline, and a budget. List all proposal prep costs that might qualify for reimbursement. Plan how you’ll track milestones and submit reports if you’re awarded funds.

 Dear Readers, Welcome to the September edition of the First Choice Triangle Tribune. If you’re like most owners, you’re thinking beyond just this quarter - you’re thinking about stability, scalability, and how your business can stay strong in a changing economy. This month, we’re tackling three critical areas that shape not just your bottom line today, but the long-term value of your company tomorrow: ✅ Why succession planning is the cornerstone of business continuity ✅ How to turn operational bottlenecks into growth opportunities ✅ The role of innovation in staying relevant in highly competitive markets Let’s dive in.

 Dear Readers, Welcome to the August edition of the First Choice Triangle Tribune , brought to you by First Choice Business Brokers of the Triangle your trusted partner in business sales, valuations, and exit planning across Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, and surrounding North Carolina communities. As we round the corner into Q4, the decisions you make today can drive exponential results through the end of 2025 and even lay the foundation for a strong 2026. This month’s issue is packed with strategic insights to help you take your next step whether you’re modernizing operations, rethinking marketing, or planning a future sale or business exit in North Carolina’s booming market. In this issue: ✔️ Research-backed ways to integrate AI into your business ✔️Agile marketing strategies that are outperforming traditional campaigns ✔️Why North Carolina continues to lead in small business opportunity Let’s dive in. Smart AI for SMBs: Big Tools, Real Impact AI is no longer exclusive to Silicon Valley. It’s become one of the most accessible and transformative tools for small and mid-sized business owners. Those who adopt it early are gaining a measurable advantage in operational efficiency and business value. According to McKinsey & Company: Generative AI could contribute $2.6–$4.4 trillion in annual economic value globally. AI-assisted developers complete tasks up to 50% faster. In R&D-heavy industries, AI reduces time-to-market by 50% and boosts innovation productivity by 15–60%. These aren’t just stats—they’re proof points for how AI can cut overhead, improve output, and support smarter decision-making. Here’s how to use AI where it matters most in your North Carolina business: Deal & Document Analysis Upload financial statements or vendor contracts into Notion AI or Claude. Ask: “What red flags should I watch for?” or “Summarize this for negotiation prep.” Turn Conversations into SOPs Record onboarding or strategy calls using Fireflies.ai or Otter. Then convert them into documented processes or training material. Identify Customer Feedback Trends Drop surveys, reviews, or help desk notes into ChatGPT or Perplexity. Ask: “What recurring pain points or product opportunities do you see?” A/B Simulations Use AI to generate ad or email variations and simulate how different customer personas might respond.

Dear Readers, Welcome to the July edition of the First Choice Triangle Tribune! As Henry David Thoreau once said: “Success usually comes to those who are too busy to be looking for it.” This month, we’re spotlighting the behind-the-scenes work that leads to long-term wins—from preparing your business for a future sale to avoiding the red flags that scare buyers away. In this issue: ✔️ How to Talk to a Business Broker – Even if you're just exploring ✔️ 7 Deal-Breakers That Make Buyers Walk Away – And how to avoid them ✔️ Reducing Owner Dependence – Practical tips to help your business run without you ✔️ Featured Listing of the Month – A standout opportunity worth a closer look  Here’s to building quiet momentum that pays off when the time is right!

Dear Readers, Welcome to the June edition of the First Choice Triangle Tribune! With half the year behind us, it’s the perfect time to step back, take stock, and look ahead with a fresh perspective. As Colin Powell once said: “There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work, and learning from failure.” This issue is all about making smart, intentional moves before the second half of the year races past us. In this issue: ✔️ Midyear Moves – Practical (and often overlooked) things to reflect on, clean up, or rework this summer ✔️ Should You Sell in the Second Half of 2025? – Key considerations for owners weighing a sale before year-end ✔️ Exit Strategy Video Playlist – A curated collection of YouTube videos to help you plan your next move ✔️ Featured Listing of the Month – Explore a new opportunity that might just be the perfect fit Here’s to thoughtful planning, bold decisions, and building momentum in the months ahead!