| Focusing Globally, Acting Locally |
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Small Businesses and the ClusterMost of the businesses in the cluster region are classified as small businesses by the Small Business Administration. Generally speaking, for the cluster-related industries a small business is defined as having less than 500 employees. 
The number of small businesses in the cluster region reflect an entrepreneurial economy in the region. This independent spirit, and wealth of experience in entrepreneurialism should provide a strong foundation for the cluster region to grow its own businesses in the advanced materials area. Few businesses in the region, however, are familiar with fiber-reinforced polymer production, use, or design. The cluster organization is developing programs to assist interested but uninformed businesses in identifying potentially valuable markets, estimating the cost and requirements of entry into those markets, and supporting the technological shift to composites. Other areas the cluster is working to assist small businesses include equipment financing, intellectual property development and protection, environmental and other regulatory assistance, and marketing the region's products, people, knowledge, and skills to the world. The cluster's activities designed to help small businesses will help reduce the cost of producing composite materials. Small businesses are often disproportionately affected by federal regulations, as shown in the adjacent chart. 
To find out more about what the cluster can do to help your small business contact one of the cluster facilitators, or Wilkes Community College Small Business Center at: |
