Support Directory - The First Step Toward a Statewide Entrepreneur Resource Tool

Written By Stephanie Kissel

The Situation

Before the Support Navigator existed, we launched the Support Directory in partnership with NC IDEA. It was our first attempt at giving entrepreneurs a single place to discover available resources. The tool was useful, but it had two key issues: it lived on Supportedly.com and it lacked the ability to provide personalized recommendations.

What I Did

I managed the end-to-end development and deployment of the Support Directory.

Tool Architecture and Content

  • Built a searchable, filterable interface where entrepreneurs could browse programs by category, industry, and location

  • Oversaw the research and input of data on hundreds of regional and statewide support programs

Partnership and Launch

  • Coordinated with NC IDEA and regional ESOs to gather program data and encourage adoption

  • Created internal tools to manage updates and keep listings current

Lessons That Informed Future Builds

  • Recognized early that ESOs needed something embedded, not external

  • Learned that entrepreneurs needed a more guided experience

The Results

  • Launched the first publicly available statewide resource directory of its kind

  • Set the foundation for the more advanced Support Navigator

  • Used by hundreds of entrepreneurs across North Carolina in its first year

Stephanie Kissel
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