Banking & Finance

Jul 11, 2025

Filling the capital gap: Tulsa Initiative's micro-lending program opens doors for Fayetteville entrepreneurs

In a city where traditional lending channels can overlook aspiring business owners from underserved communities, the Tulsa Initiative is changing the narrative around access to capital. The Fayetteville-based nonprofit has worked to expand its missio ...

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 ...

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Sambit Bhattacharya, Ph.D.
Fayetteville State University

FSU students and faculty make strides towards advancement in applied AI in the Intelligent Systems Laboratory

Posted Jun 27, 2025
A research lab within FSU’s Department of Mathematics and Computer science, the Intelligent Systems Laboratory (ISL) is exploring use-inspired data science, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), cybersecurity and multi-disciplinary
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May 19, 2025

Wells Fargo closes downtown Fayetteville branch

The lettering that previously adorned the building has been removed following the closure of Wells Fargo’s downtown branch. Photo by GFBJ.Wells Fargo closed the Fayetteville Main Branch at 200 Green St. on May 7. Signage has been removed from the bui ...

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 ...


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FSU students and faculty make strides towards advancement in applied AI in the Intelligent Systems Laboratory

Sambit Bhattacharya, Ph.D. - Professor of Computer Science and Director of the Intelligent Systems Lab, Fayetteville State University
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Navigating weight loss: Insights from a bariatric surgeon

Daniel McCullough, MD - Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Director, Cape Fear Valley Health
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Federal Food Series Webinars Will Connect North Carolina Food Businesses with Government Buyers

Bill Simons - Regional Program Manager, Goldsboro, North Carolina Military Business Center

In The Current Issue

Creating opportunities: The Defense Alliance Foundation seeks to strengthen the local defense innovation ecosystem

DAF Chairman Phil Williams (far left) pictured with City of Fayetteville Mayor Mitch Colvin (center) on June 10 following a presentation on a 25- year vision for the city’s continued growth and transformation. Photo provided by the DAF.The Defense Al


Empowering the mission: Linchpin Solutions provides tools to turn the tech of the future into the tools of today

Linchpin Solutions attends defense conferences throughout the year, using conferences and tradeshows to exhibit their services and connect with network professionals, including industry, military and government leaders to address and understand today


Lumberton is ready for takeoff: Lumberton Regional Airport embarks on major expansion to meet growing demand

Photo provided by Gary Lewis.The City of Lumberton is moving forward with a new terminal project at the Lumberton Regional Airport. It’s a collaborative effort involving several partners, including Cooper Tacia General Contractors, Talbert & Brig