12 Aug SBC helps local businesses

SBC helps local businesses

As the Coronavirus continues to impact the economy, the Small Business Center (SBC) located on Carteret Community College’s campus can help local businesses navigate these uncharted waters. Any services that businesses receive from the SBC are free of charge.

“We are here to help individuals in our community start businesses, stay in business and thrive,” said Brandy Bell, Small Business Center Director at Carteret Community College. “We recently received funding as part of North Carolina’s House Bill 1043 that allows us to offer additional services to our small business community. We hope that local business owners take advantage of this funding.”

Marilyn and David Whitley, the owners of Whitley Patient Advocates, are strong supporters and successes of the Small Business Center at Carteret Community College. They operate a thriving small business with a mission to adequately answer healthcare related questions by patients and their families. The Whitleys took classes offered by the Small Business Center and met with SBC representatives to discuss how to put their idea into action, review their business plan and seek feedback. The SBC also referred the Whitleys to the Small Business and Technology Development Center, which is another business advisory resource for growing and developing businesses.

“We have stayed in contact with the Small Business Center and use them as a resource constantly, as well as the SBTDC,” said Marilyn and David Whitley, owners of Whitley Patient Advocates. “We have been very grateful for the help and feel we have taken their advice and used it.”

The Small Business Center can help individuals start businesses or meet them wherever they are on their journey. Business owners or individuals who are considering starting a business can call the SBC to set up an appointment. During the initial appointment, the business owners discuss their needs with a SBC representative who will share any resources that are available.

The Small Business Center can pair businesses with experts in social media, taxes, finances, law, marketing, general business, human resources and funding, loans and loan packages. If a business has additional needs, the SBC will find a local expert to help with its specific needs.

Carteret Community College’s Small Business Center is part of the Small Business Center Network, comprised of 58 Small Business Centers throughout North Carolina that support the development of new businesses and the growth of existing businesses. If you are a business struggling and in need of free counseling, call the Small Business Center at 252-222-6123.