TRU Colors is moving forward with a new initiative as its leader, George Taylor, sharpens his focus on the company and its mission.  TRU Colors, a concept first announced by Taylor in 2017, is currently reconstructing a building it purchased last year for the site of its future headquarters and brewery operation. But as the timeline on that project and others ha ...

The major narrative in the business community these days concerns business owners’ struggles to help their companies survive the economic downturn. But the entrepreneurial spirit is still thriving; some people are taking advantage of enforced downtime at home to nurture their startup plans or nascent ventures.   Tina “TJ” Oliver, who’s on the ...

Four Wilmington startups are recipients and finalists of two NC IDEA grant programs, according to an announcement Monday. Wilmington based MyKinfo and Survei are NC IDEA MICRO grant recipients, chosen after a three-month competitive application and selection process. MyKinfo is an early-stage startup that participates in the mentorship program at the University of No ...

NC IDEA Foundation is now accepting donations to fund its entrepreneurship grant programs, according to an announcement Friday. “Now more than ever, the need is greater and simply beyond our capacity to fill alone,” Thom Ruhe, NC IDEA CEO and president said in the release. “Entrepreneurs throughout North Carolina need assistance if together we are to p ...

Four Wilmington companies are the finalists of the inaugural NC BIONEER Venture Challenge aimed at enhancing life sciences and biotechnology business ventures in the region, according to an announcement Thursday. Accugenomics, Electronic Lab Logs, IndiOmics and Isosceles Pharmaceuticals were selected to participate in a two-month process of “intense mentoring ...

In the fifth year of our MADE Awards competition, the winners covered a wide range of products being conceived and produced in the local market.   The Greater Wilmington Business Journal launched the MADE Awards to spotlight makers, manufacturers, artisans, designers, small businesses and the business that support them in New Hanover, Brunswick and Pender counties. ...

American Hammer americanhammer.com Year founded: 1952 Number of employees: 10 Top official: Ted Leitter, president/ CEO Company description: The largest U.S. manufacturer of hand-held industrial hammers Target market: Automotive, aerospace, agriculture, manufacturing, mining, military, municipal, MRO US steel, nuclear power, oil and gas and the plastic indust ...

Cygnus Technologies cygnustechnologies.com Year founded: 1997   Number of employees: 40   Top official: Christine Dolan, COO   Company description: Develops and deliver products, analytics and technical expertise in bioprocess impurity detection to ensure drug safety   Target market: Global biopharmaceutical, bioprocessing, cell and gene the ...

Grunt Tough Inc. GruntTough.com   Year founded: 2019   Number of employees: 4   Top official: Brandon Noel, president/CEO   Company description: A software and manufacturing company that is a VA-certified, service-disabled veteran-owned small business (SDVOSB)   Target market: 5G and satellite installation and equipment providers   ...

EBBING Branding + Design ebbingbranding.com   Year founded: 2017   Number of employees: 5   Top official: Matt Ebbing, founder and chief creative director   Company description: Creative agency that “helps develop, evolve and grow great brands. The agency provides diverse strategy, graphic design, content, illustration and advertising s ...