Export Coffee Talk | Unlocking NC Resources for Global Growth

Join us for our next Export Coffee Talk on June 4 at 10:00 am to explore how North Carolina Community College System’s (NCCCS) economic development programs can support your export journey. Are you a North Carolina business looking to expand into global markets? Or perhaps you’re already exporting and looking for ways to streamline your operations and scale your efforts?

In this interactive session, we’ll dive into the various programs that offer businesses like yours the resources, expertise, and support needed to thrive in international markets. Whether you’re in manufacturing, life sciences, technology, or other industries, you’ll learn how programs like NCEdge Customized Training, ApprenticeshipNC, BioNetwork, and the Small Business Center Network can provide targeted solutions to help you navigate the complexities of exporting and grow your business globally.

Topics Covered:

• How NCEdge connects you with industry-specific resources and technical assistance for global market expansion.
• How ApprenticeshipNC helps you develop a skilled workforce to manage international operations.
• How BioNetwork supports life sciences and biotech businesses with export compliance and global market insights.
• How the Small Business Center Network helps small businesses create export strategies, access funding, and connect with key partners.

Don’t miss this opportunity to discover the tools and support available to help you succeed in the world of exports. Export Coffee Talk is your chance to ask questions, share experiences, and connect with experts dedicated to your business growth.

Register Now   View All Export Events

About the Panelists

Anne Shaw
State Director, Small Business Center Network
North Carolina Community College System

Anne Shaw is the State Director for the Small Business Center Network. Anne’s background includes seven years in the banking industry and the operation of three family-owned businesses. She helped establish the Small Business Center program at Coastal Carolina Community College (Coastal) in September 1986 and has served in the capacity of SBC Director there for 35 years. She has also managed the college’s Customized Training Program and a satellite office of the North Carolina Military Business Center as Director of Economic Development for the college.

Coastal’s Small Business Center was recognized with the Excellent Small Business Center Award nine times since the award was established in 2000. In 2013, she received the State Director’s Award and Coastal’s SBC was recognized with the Innovation Award for Programs and Services. She is the recipient of a number of other honors, including the Athena Woman of the Year, and the Linda L. Richardson Minority Business Advocate of the Year. In November 2016, Anne was distinguished with the State’s highest honor, the Order of the Long Leaf Pine. In May 2019, she was honored with the Duke Citizenship and Service Award. The SBCN is one of the nation’s most expansive state funded small business assistance programs, starting an average of more than 650 businesses and creating and retaining over 3,500 jobs each year.

John C. Loyack
Vice President, Economic Development
North Carolina Community College System

John Loyack is the Vice President of Economic Development for the North Carolina Community College System. In this role, John leads the operation of the Economic Development Division which includes ApprenticeshipNC, BioNetwork, NCEdge Customized Training and the Small Business Network. The Economic Development team provides education, training, and support services for new, expanding, and existing business and industry in all 100 North Carolina counties through our network of 58 community colleges.

Before joining the NCCCS team, John worked for the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina and the North Carolina Department of Commerce as well as with companies like MercuryMD, Thomson Reuters, Time Warner and Esteve Laboratories.

John earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics and Spanish from Gettysburg College and holds an MBA in International Business Management from the Thunderbird School of Global Management. He is fluent in Spanish, is a patent holder and a Certified Global Business Professional (CGBP®). In addition to being Chair of the Board of Go Global NC, he is also a member of the North Carolina Biotechnology Center Board and the NC MEP Advisory Board.