Entrepreneurship Academy graduates fourth class
LUMBERTON, NC (April 07, 2010)
Starting a business in the midst of a global recession may not be appealing to many but surprisingly, some of the best, most profitable companies are born in times of economic turmoil. The entrepreneurial revolution has taken hold across the globe and has undeniably impacted the world of business forever. The huge emergence of entrepreneurial activity in the U.S. during the last 15 years is evidence to the entrepreneurship spirit shared among so many. New business incorporations averaged 600,000 per year. Although many of these incorporations may have previously been sole proprietorships or partnerships, the trend still demonstrates the popularity of small business activity, whether it was through start-ups, expansions, or development.
Recent graduates of Robeson Community College’s Fourth Annual Entrepreneurship Academy are among the thousands of individuals whose passion for entrepreneurial success outweighs the gloomy economic outlook.
The 2010 RCC Annual Entrepreneurship Academy graduates are: Jane C. Jackson, Robbie Gail Locklear, Clint Haywood, John Hughes, Jr., Jane McMillan, Dickey P. Brigman, Donald Strickland, Floretta Thompson, Neill A. Thompson, III, Wendy Moore-Graham, Delton Graham, Harry Carter, John A. Turner, Jr., Levender Thompson, Josiah Doll, Carolyn McMillan, Randy Cox and Jenny Cox.
The Academy is a comprehensive 15 hour certificate program that focuses on business start-up principals, effective marketing strategies, business plan development, locating funding and methods that address compliance of state and federal financial guidelines.
Bob Moore, Director of RCC’s Small Business Center, is pleased with the increasing interest in many of the College’s Small Business programs and seminars.
“The recent Entrepreneur Academy graduates are a testament to the talent and high caliber of business potential in our area. The realm of business ideas among the graduates is very impressive”, says Moore.
Of the recent Academy graduates, two students have opened a small engine repair business, another has a fire ant and mosquito control business, another student operates a commercial and residential cleaning business, and another graduate has a community development corporation for senior citizen housing. The other graduates hope to launch businesses in architectural artifact recycling, medical equipment sales and rentals, child mentoring services, real estate sales, manufacturing, repair and reloading of firearms, janitorial services and restaurant operations.
Josiah Doll, who recently located to Lumberton from Ohio and owns and operates Coastal Counterworks, enrolled in the Academy to learn more about marketing his valuable skills and to create networking opportunities in hopes of expanding his business.
“Listening to the real-life stories of other small business owners help me better understand the current construction market and area. The sessions provided a lot of helpful information related to business growth strategies and what issues to avoid when launching and growing a business” says Doll.
Economists say that some of history’s most successful entrepreneurs launched their careers in uncertain economic times. Bill Gates started Microsoft in the recession of the mid 1970’s, and James Dyson launched his vacuum cleaner business in the recession of the early 1990’s.
Entrepreneurs make two crucial contributions to the economy. First, they are an integral part of the renewal process that encompasses and defines market economies. Secondly, they play a crucial role in the innovations that lead to technological change and productivity growth.
Academy graduate Harry Carter, who owns CBI a mosquito control company will begin implementing some of his newly acquired marketing skills in helping to better promote his business.
“Most small business owners face many challenges when promoting their services and products. The presenters readily shared their expertise in marketing strategies and offered promotional strategies that are effective and affordable for a small business”, notes Carter.
