Banking & Finance

Jun 24, 2025

Tulsa Initiative launches “Tulsa Capital Accelerator” to unlock $500–$10,000 micro-loans for underserved entrepreneurs

Graphic courtesy of the Tulsa Initiative Fayetteville-based nonprofit Tulsa Initiative recently announced the official launch of the TulsaCapital Accelerator—a revolving loan fund created to deliver flexible capital to entrepreneurs who have his ...

Jun 10, 2025

Can Do Performance Financing Program finalists awarded; Next round of funding will open on June 26

Photo provided by FCEDCThe Community Development Foundation, in partnership with the City of Fayetteville and Fayetteville Cumberland Economic Development Corporation, has announced the first two companies receiving funding from the Can Do Performanc ...

Jun 2, 2025

Cumberland County to host High School Financial Literacy Boot Camp

Image courtesy of Money Box AcademyMoney Box Academy Inc., in partnership with the City of Fayetteville, ACT and the FTCC Innovation Center, proudly presents the first-ever High School Financial Literacy Boot Camp for Cumberland County students.This ...

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Federal Food Series Webinars Will Connect North Carolina Food Businesses with Government Buyers

Posted Jul 2, 2025
North Carolina’s diverse food industry has a unique opportunity to engage directly with federal agencies and prime contractors during an upcoming federal food webinar series. Hosted by the North Carolina Military Business Center (NCMBC) and the North
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Apr 23, 2025

Richmond Fed President engages with local voices at UNC Pembroke

Chancellor Robin Gary Cummings (right) presents Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond President Tom Barkin with a handcrafted Lumbee pinecone patchwork artwork during his visit to UNCP. Photo provided by UNCP.The head of the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmo ...

Mar 20, 2025

United Bank celebrates 186 years of service

It was a bicentennial celebration for employees of United Bank across the country on March 17, 2025. United Bank’s story began on March 17, 1839. In the 186 years that followed, it has grown to a premier banking company with a strong presence th ...

Mar 20, 2025

Getting things done in Dunn: Nancy Blackman reflects on her career in supporting and funding small businesses in rural NC

Nancy Blackman. Photo provided by Blackman.In the landscape of regional rural economic development, Nancy J. Blackman stands out for providing financial opportunities to hundreds of small businesses and helping them to forge a path forward in uncerta ...

Mar 14, 2025

First Bancorp announces cash dividend

The Board of Directors of First Bancorp (NASDAQ: FBNC) (the "Company"), the parent company of First Bank, has declared a cash dividend on its common stock of $0.22 per share payable on April 25, 2025 to shareholders of record as of March 31, 2025.&nb ...

Mar 4, 2025

Application period now open for Cumberland County nonprofit assistance program grants

Graphic provided by: Cumberland County The application period is now open for nonprofit organizations in Cumberland County who wish to apply for a Community Impact Grant.The Cumberland County Community Impact Grant Program allows nonprofit organ ...

Feb 27, 2025

First Power Breakfast of 2025 provides economic insights

Photos by Daniel ColemanHundreds of decision makers and leaders from a variety of industries gathered this morning for the first Power Breakfast of 2025. The event featured a presentation from Tom Barkin, president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Rich ...


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In The Current Issue

Wrapping up nicely: Major construction finishes up on new R & R Brewing location coming soon to downtown Clinton

Since announcing their intention to move into the historical Henry Vann building in 2023, the R & R team has been busy working with local and state historical preservation organizations to renovate the building.


Rich in memories: Rich Farm & Venue offers affordable space with modern amenities for customers to reserve for their special celebrations

Rich Farm & Venue is a 37-acre space with amenities suitable for any occasion such as weddings, birthday parties and more. Photos provided by Rich Farm & Venue. Rich Farm & Venue in the town of Roseboro combines affordable prices and


A novel concept: New bookstore and wine bar coming to downtown Fayetteville

Kellie Artis is the owner of Bound & Vine, a soon-to-open independent bookstore and wine bar. Photo by GFBJ. Bookworms and wine lovers are in for a treat as downtown’s newest tenant prepares to open later this year. Kellie Artis is the