Thirty-Three Small Businesses Designated “Destination Businesses” By The N.C. Department of Commerce
This week, the North Carolina Department of Commerce announced its first cohort to carry the designation of “Certified North Carolina Destination Business.” This statewide initiative, part of Commerce’s Main Street & Rural Planning Center within its Rural Economic Division, provides small businesses with tools and resources to strengthen and become more resilient.
The certification program provides North Carolina Main Street organizations and small downtown businesses with assistance in transforming into destination-worthy attractions. The program aims to showcase Main Street communities as vibrant destinations for shopping, dining, and exploration.
“Destination businesses are more than storefronts. They are experiences,” said North Carolina Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley. “This program equips communities with proven practices that elevate local businesses into magnets for consumers, boosting foot traffic and Main Street success.”
The participating businesses received hands-on training from national development experts to complete the certification process. This process builds upon a successful pilot program.
“This program has changed how we think about business in our town,” said Bobby Jenkins, owner of Wilson Paint & Wallpaper in Wilson. “By focusing on what makes us unique, we’ve seen a real difference in how people respond to our story and our offerings.”
More than 500 small business owners and operators in the 72 designated NC Main Street communities have begun the process to achieve the designation Certified N.C. Destination Business. Introductory workshops for “Making Your Business & Community a Destination” were offered in eight prosperity zones across the state last year. Advanced workshops were then held between January and April of 2025.
Here is a list of the businesses that successfully secured this certification in the first cohort.
The Simply American Dog Treat Company in Belmont NC
Small World Travel & Tour Agency in Benson NC.
Small World Travels & Tours Gift Shop in Benson NC.
828 Real Estate in Boone NC.
Duck’s Cottage Coffee & Books in Duck NC.
Kitchen Kuriosities in Elizabeth City NC.
Black Bear Tattoo in Elkin NC.
Banks Ben & Breakfast in Garner NC.
Carolina Moon Bakery in Hertford NC.
Small Town Trendz Boutique in Hertford NC.
Wolf Moon Salt Cave & Stress Reduction Center in Lenoir NC.
Shoto Japanese Steakhouse in Lexington NC.
Bough and Vince in Manteo NC.
Downtown Books in Manteo NC.
Poodles and Bob in Manteo NC.
Bright Penny Brewing Company in Mebane NC.
Go Girl Shoppe in Mebane NC.
Opie’s Candy Store in Mount Airy NC.
Graciela Laurent Photography in Murphy NC.
Indigo Mountain Trader in Murphy NC.
Big Sig’s Military Surplus & Tactical Surplus in Newton NC.
Boutique Auberge in Newton NC.
Refuge Designs in Newton NC.
Pittsboro Gallery of Arts in Pittsboro NC.
Books at a Steal in Sanford NC.
High Cotton Couture in Sanford NC.
Native Ceuticals Apothecary in Statesville NC.
Front Porch on Main in Troy NC.
Unwined in White in Wake Forest NC.
Artisan Leaf in Wilson NC.
WhirliDogs Café and Training Center in Wilson NC.
Wilson Paint & Wallpaper Center in Wilson NC.
