National coalition launches in NC to help entrepreneurs

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- The North Carolina Starters Coalition launched today. Several organizations are now working together to boost small businesses.

Ray Johnson has been developing a ride sharing app.

"We need a little more funding in order for us to launch," he said.

Johnson is hoping to bring the app to market early 2026 to help folks living in underserved communities.

"More of the rural places where Uber and Lift is kind of nonexistent," said Johnson.

Johnson joined several state and local leaders to hear how the North Carolina Starts Coalition can guide small businesses into profitability.

Wallet Hub ranked Raleigh 9th and Durham 12th for Best Large Cities to Start a Business in 2025.

Raleigh Mayor Janet Cowell says the small business sector is important economic driver and the organization could help with certain needs.

"One of the challenges we've seen is small businesses looking for more Main Street physical spaces and sort of underestimating what it takes, right, to get the permits, get the outfit, get the financing," said Cowell. "We just want people to get off on the right foot."

The Starters Coalition is helping entrepreneurs in several other U.S. cities.

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