Though there was no question about wanting a similar center in Raleigh, a feasibility study following that trip was abandoned because of differing opinions regarding how it should be approached. The chamber sought a "high-tech only" center as opposed to one that would be located in closer proximity to Southeast Raleigh and contribute to the development of the downtown area.

In 1986, the chamber sponsored an independent study, which found a high growth rate of small companies. A survey indicated that a high percentage of these small companies would have benefited from the existence of a business and technology center.

Robert "Gil" Johnson, left, City of Raleigh Project Engineer, accepts a plaque from Assistant City Manager Lawrence Wray on behalf of former City Manager Dempsey Benton, who was absent.

Two small business incubators were created following the chamber study. One of these, the Business Innovations Technology Center, was established in affiliation with NCSU, emphasizing technology-based businesses. The other was established in Cary as a for-profit venture with minimal community involvement. The NCSU-operated center soon failed because it focused all efforts on the high-tech industry, and overlooked the mainstream.

In 1989, the Raleigh City Council issued a call for proposals to establish a small business incubator. Dr. Talbert O. Shaw, president of Shaw University, and Dr. Prezell R. Robinson, president of St. Augustine’s College met with City Manager Benton to discuss how the City could move forward with the project. In June of 1993, Presidents Shaw and Robinson contracted with the North Carolina Business and Technology Corporation headed by Dr. Walton Jones to assist in planning the new incubator.

A task force comprised of persons representing different segments of the Raleigh/Wake County community was appointed to assist with the project, and Presidents Shaw and Robinson served as task force co-chairs.

From left: Wallace Green, VBI Recruitment Coordinator; Jonathan T. Stewart, Senior Vice President for Human Resources, Martin Marietta Materials; and Charles Wilson of Intellus Inc., at a 2005 briefing.

 The first phase involved a feasibility study, which was completed in December of 1993. The study found that a business and technology center was feasible because it met the following criteria:

• Evidence of a significant number of local entrepreneurs that would benefit from such a center.
• A suitable site on which to locate the center.
• Funds secured to pay for construction.
• A positive show of support on the part of local leadership.

A vigorous search for capital soon followed, and by 1995 nearly $2 million was pledged to fund the core building. Due to factors too numerous to recount, the completion of construction of the RBTC occurred about three years later than projected.

The grand opening was held on August 31, 2000.