Small businesses make up more than 99.6% of North Carolina’s companies and employ nearly half of the state’s workforce. They are the backbone of our communities.
If you are thinking about starting a business or looking to grow or strengthen the one you already have, the Small Business Center (SBC) at Southeastern Community College is here to help.
How We Support Your Business
The Small Business Center supports entrepreneurs and small business owners through:
- Free classes, seminars, and workshops
- Confidential one-on-one business counseling
- Guidance on business planning and readiness
- Support preparing for financing and growth opportunities
- Access to business research tools and materials through the NC Small Business Center Network
- Connections to trusted local, state, and federal resource partners
Most Small Business Center services, including confidential counseling and access to resource materials, are provided at no cost. Some classes and workshops may require a registration fee, which will be clearly noted during registration.
Our goal is simple: help you move forward with confidence and clarity. We understand the unique challenges and opportunities facing businesses in Columbus County and rural North Carolina. Our services are shaped by local realities and delivered in partnership with community leaders, organizations, and agencies who share the goal of helping small businesses succeed.
You are not in this alone, and you do not have to navigate it by yourself.
Start here. Most people begin with a class to learn, build confidence, and gain clarity. Many then schedule counseling to talk through next steps specific to their business.
Free Classes and Workshops
Learn. Build confidence. Move forward.
Our classes and workshops are practical, beginner-friendly, and focused on real-world business needs. They are designed to help aspiring entrepreneurs prepare for business ownership and help existing business owners sharpen their focus. Classes are offered both in person and online to fit your schedule.
Confidential Business Counseling
Local. Confidential. Free
We offer complimentary, confidential business counseling for new and existing businesses. These one-on-one sessions provide a supportive space to talk through ideas, challenges, and opportunities. Our counselors listen first and help you clarify goals, identify immediate needs, and understand options and next steps. No question is too simple or too complicated.
To schedule confidential business counseling, contact Heather Batten, Small Business Center Administrative Assistant, at [email protected] or call (910) 788-6231.
Programs
In addition to classes and counseling, the Small Business Center offers access to specialized programs designed to support business start-up, expansion, and long-term sustainability.
Our Mission
The Small Business Center is part of North Carolina’s statewide Small Business Center Network (SBCN). The mission of the Small Business Center Network is to increase the success rate and number of viable small businesses in North Carolina by providing high-quality, readily accessible assistance to prospective and existing small business owners, leading to job creation and retention. At SCC, this mission comes to life through education, listening, and trusted guidance.
The Small Business Center is supported by the taxpayers of Columbus County and the State of North Carolina. We are committed to responsible stewardship of these resources and to delivering meaningful, measurable impact for our local business community.
