Start or Grow Your Business
The Marion Business Association and GEM are here to support you!
Marion, NC recognizes the importance of locally owned businesses in the growth of our town. That's why our focus isn't on bringing just industry to the area, but also recruiting passionate entrepreneurs who want to start a business or existing business owners who are looking to grow or expand. Below is several resources MBA provides, along with information about GEM (Growing Entrepreneurs in Marion) our incubator and education program.
Training & Education
Connection and continued learning help businesses grow stronger. MBA helps connect local businesses with networking opportunities, training programs, workshops, partner resources, and educational events designed to support entrepreneurs and existing businesses.
Bookmark this page and check back often for a full list of:
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Upcoming training or education classes
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Networking Events
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Grant programs
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New funding partners or services
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Business promotion tips and opportunities
G.E.M. - Growing Marion Entrepreneurs
Growing Entrepreneurs Marion, or GEM, is an entrepreneur training program designed to help new and existing business owners build the knowledge, tools, and confidence needed for business success.
This free series of eight classes introduces concepts, practices, and tools to support business success. By the end of the program, each student will have produced a basic small business plan.
The next cohort begins October 26,2026.
Registration must be completed through the McDowell Technical Community College Small Business Center: https://mcdowelltech.edu/small-business-center.
Classes are held at the Historic Marion Depot, 58 Depot Street, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Upcoming Classes
Fall 2026 GROWING ENTREPRENEURS MARION / GEM SYLLABUS
PARTICIPANTS MUST SIGN UP FOR ALL EIGHT CLASSES
GEM classes are 6-9 pm, Mondays and Wednesdays for four weeks.
Classes are free, but participants must be pre-registered to be guaranteed a space. Be sure that you register for all 8 of the classes at https://mcdowelltech.edu/small-business-center
AM I CUT OUT TO BE AN ENTREPRENEUR?
Monday, October 26
This class is an introduction to entrepreneurship. A complete overview of the components and requirements of a business plan prepare participants to create their business plan by the end of the series. Participants learn to introduce themselves and their business with confidence and clarity with their personal "Elevator Speech." Hear the story of a successful entrepreneur. Learn to set realistic goals. Is your idea a business opportunity or an enjoyable hobby? In a Business Simulation you will learn some of the challenges of running a business.
HOW TO WRITE A BUSINESS PLAN
Wednesday, October 28
In this session, participants learn about local tourism and how demographics impact an entrepreneur, how to set realistic goals and determine if your idea is a business opportunity or an enjoyable hobby? A Business Simulation will teach about community impact on entrepreneurs.
FINANCING YOUR BUSINESS. HOW DO YOU SCORE AND HOW CAN YOU BUILD CREDIT?
Monday, November 2
An experienced banker will give detailed information of the impact of your credit score. Many people have been impacted by job layoffs, divorce, medical emergencies, or other life events that have dropped their credit scores. With the upswing in credit fraud, everyone needs to keep track of their credit and rating. This class will discuss ways to check your credit score for free, how to build and /or repair credit, alternate sources of funding available, and building business credit.
WHAT IS LEGAL? WHAT IS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT?
Wednesday, November 4
A successful entrepreneurial attorney will unlock the mysteries of business structures and business terms. Learn the different types of legal business structures and their pros and cons, types of professional relationships necessary for success, and licensing and government regulations. Look at local demographics and their impact on economic development. Bring your legal questions.
MARKETING AND SALES, PUBLIC RELATIONS, & ADVERTISING
Monday, November 9
This class discusses how to build your customer base using effective marketing and advertising. Learn from an experienced marketing professional the art of traditional marketing, social media, direct marketing, promotional material and trade shows. Entrepreneurs gain an understanding of how to effectively use the available tools, tips, and tricks of the trade. Learn to fairly price your product by determining the true cost.
HOW TO RUN A BUSINESS AND BUSINESS INSURANCE
Wednesday, November 11
Learn some of the challenges of running a business. "Where does the financing come from?" "Who develops the logo?" "Who handles the marketing?" "What about taxes?" "What kind of insurance do I need?" Learn these answers and more from an insurance professional, and others. Business plan and elevator speech review.
UNDERSTANDING FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND BASICS OF BOOKKEEPING
Monday, November 16
Personal Financial Statement, Balance Sheet, Income Statement and Cash Flow Statement....What is the Difference? This class will review how to decipher financial documents and discuss the four most important financial statements: along with what "warning signs" to look out for. The class will learn basic bookkeeping and record keeping skills.
CUSTOMERS EXPERIENCE AND ENTREPRENEUR BUSINESS PLAN PRESENTATIONS
Wednesday, November 18
Showtime! We've found that the #1 fear of budding entrepreneurs is "presenting in public." So, after spending seven sessions in a classroom setting and with continuous support from our team, we create a "safe zone" for participants to pitch their concept. Learn the importance of Great Customer Experiences.