Small Business Center
The mission of the Small Business Center is to increase the success rate and number of profitable small businesses in Robeson County. The Small Business Center strives to complete this mission by providing the following services:
- Professional training opportunities to the area’s small business owners and other personnel, as well as entrepreneurial training for individuals desiring to start a new business. Training sessions are offered as free or low-cost seminars, workshops, and short-term courses. Approximately 50-60 training sessions are offered throughout the year.
- Confidential business counseling at no charge. Appointments are scheduled at times most convenient to the client.
- A Business Resource Center with publications, audiotapes, computer software, and Internet access to assist with small business research and problem solving.
- The “Entrepreneur Academy”. This certification program is offered over two weekends in the spring of each year. During this program, students learn the basic information needed to open and operate a profitable successful business. The fourteen hours of instruction include topics such as writing a business plan, recorded keeping and taxes, financing a small business, and marketing and advertising your business.
- REAL (Rural Entrepreneurship Through Action Learning.) REAL is a unique 42-hour program for individuals interesting in opening or expanding their small business. Participants in this “hands on” course will identify and develop necessary business skills, scan the community for small business opportunities and prepare a business plan that includes a financial and a marketing plan. In North Carolina, participants whom successfully complete the course are eligible to apply for a revolving loan fund for start-up capital. Loan up to $25,000 are available.
Robeson County is an outstanding place to start a new business. There are many opportunities to create a successful business here and the Small Business Center is ready to help make your business idea a reality.
