Seventy-two small businesses across North Carolina have received the Certified North Carolina Destination Business designation from the North Carolina Department of Commerce. The program, which began in 2025 with 33 businesses, aims to support small business growth and enhance local economies by helping shops become unique destinations.
“North Carolina small businesses are the heartbeat of our economy,” said North Carolina Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley. “These businesses have embraced innovation and storytelling to become magnets for residents and visitors alike and we’re proud to award them this designation.”
Participants took part in training led by The Schallert Group, a national destination development firm. The training focused on strategies that help businesses distinguish themselves in competitive markets. Businesses learned how to offer distinctive products and experiences that attract both tourists and locals.
Some examples of certified businesses include Artisan Leaf in Wilson, which is described as the world’s only tobacco furniture and decorative accessory manufacturer; Bright Penny Brewing in Mebane, noted for offering 120 combinations of deviled egg flights; Banks Bed and Breakfast in Garner, featuring four rooms each with its own historical design; Kitchen Kuriosities in Elizabeth City, home to what it calls the South’s largest collection of rolling pins; WhirliDogs Café and Training Center in Wilson, which offers over 32,000 hotdog topping combinations while providing job training for individuals with special needs; and Front Porch on Main in Troy, a retail space representing 70 small North Carolina businesses.
Funding for the workshop series came from a State Outdoor Recreation, Travel & Tourism Grant provided by the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA).
The N.C. Main Street & Rural Planning Center coordinates these efforts as part of its work with Main Street America—a national organization focused on revitalizing historic commercial districts through preservation-based economic development.
For more information about the program or a full list of designated businesses spanning towns such as Belhaven, Boone, Duck, Murphy, New Bern, Statesville, West Jefferson, Wilson and others across the state—from Murphy to Manteo—visit the North Carolina Main Street page or contact Liz Parham at lparham@commerce.nc.gov.
