It’s a question we hear from business owners: I know there’s room to grow, but what should I do next?
Expansion can mean hiring your first employee, adding a service, reaching new customers, moving into a larger space, or opening another location. Each path brings different questions. Before making a major commitment, it helps to talk through the opportunity, understand what your business needs, and find the people who can help.
Here are some local places to start.
Talk through your options: South Piedmont’s Small Business Center
If you’re unsure which growth opportunity to pursue or whether your business is ready the
South Piedmont Community College Small Business Center is a good first conversation. Its confidential, one-on-one counseling and no-cost seminars can help you work through questions about planning, marketing, operations, and other parts of running a business.
You don’t need a finished plan to ask for help. Bring the opportunity you’re considering and the questions that are holding you back.
Make a plan and find your community: Ascend704
If you’re ready to step back from the daily demands of your business and plan its next stage,
Level Up Business Accelerator is an Ascend704 program built for that work. The no-cost program helps established business owners develop a three-year growth plan with guidance from experienced advisors and a group of peers. Applications are open for the January 2027 cohort. Learn more and apply.
Growth can also change where and how you work. Ascend704 brings flexible workspace, meeting space, programs, and community together. Our founding members and partners are already connecting ahead of our January opening. Reach out to our team to explore the program, the space, and the people who could become part of your next chapter.
Prepare your team: South Piedmont Community College
Growth often changes what you need from your workforce. You may need to train current employees, develop new skills, or build a pipeline of future talent.
South Piedmont’s
Career & Workforce Development programs can help employers explore customized training, apprenticeships, and work-based learning opportunities. The College’s
Career Connector also provides a connection to students and alumni, including opportunities for partner employers to share job openings.
If people and skills are central to your growth plans, bring the College into the conversation early.
When growth means hiring: NCWorks Career Center
If your next step involves adding employees,
NCWorks can help you connect with candidates and navigate recruiting. Its local Career Center in Monroe offers employer services, including applicant screening, candidate referrals, and assistance with hiring events, at no cost to businesses.
As you plan your next hire, connect with NCWorks to explore the support available.
Build relationships: Union County Chamber
You may have a sound plan but need more connections to carry it forward. The
Union County Chamber of Commerce brings local businesses together through events and programs and advocates on issues that affect the business community.
It can be a place to meet fellow owners, learn from their experience, and build relationships as your business becomes more visible in Union County.
Explore a significant expansion: Union County Economic Development
If growth could involve a new facility or a substantial expansion of your operations,
Union County Economic Development can help you explore the county as a place to invest and grow. Its team works with companies considering Union County and existing industries planning for expansion.
A conversation early in your planning can help you understand the location, workforce, and other factors that may affect a major project.
Grow within Monroe: City of Monroe Office of Economic Development
For businesses locating or expanding within Monroe, the
City of Monroe Office of Economic Development is another valuable contact. The Office supports existing businesses and industries, attracts new business opportunities, and works with partners on the city’s long-term economic growth.
If Monroe is part of your plans, connect with the City’s team to discuss your goals and explore relevant local opportunities.
You don’t need the entire answer today.
Start by naming the decision in front of you. Do you need a growth plan? A stronger team? New relationships? Space to expand? Choose the resource that fits that question and begin there. One conversation can help make the next step clearer.
This is a starting point for business owners in Union County. Future posts will explore more organizations and tools to keep you connected to the people and resources that can help elevate you and your business.
