Small Business Center

The NC Community Colleges Small Business Center Network (SBCN) is our state’s largest state-supported small business assistance initiative. Started in 1984 with the funding of eight small business centers by the North Carolina General Assembly, by 1995 at least one Small Business Center was established at each of the 58 community colleges. Currently, the Network has 60 sites throughout the state with Centers conveniently located within a 30-minute drive of every North Carolinian. At the core of its vision, the Small Business Center Network is positioned to focus on entrepreneurship, small business and economic development with an emphasis on assisting start-ups, early stage, and businesses seeking disaster assistance or seeking to stabilize. Our unique structure allows ease of access and unparalleled knowledge of and linkages within local communities. We collaborate with Federal, State and local entities to help business owners get the most current information needed to start and successfully operate their enterprises. Potential or existing small business owners can take advantage of high quality, readily accessible assistance that includes:

• Free, confidential one-on-one business counseling services
• Resource and referral information for a variety of business needs
• High-impact seminars and classes available free of charge or for a minimal registration fee

Our Center staff understands the unique economic situations of North Carolina’s diverse communities and regions, and they provide services customized to meet those as well as specific business needs. Experienced business counselors are available to help with:

• Entrepreneurial Assessment
• Entrepreneurship Training
• Business Plan Development
• Sources of Capital and Loan Preparation
• Marketing Assistance
• Biotechnology-related Business Questions
• International Trade
• Government Procurement

What the SBC Can Do For You

She also founded a consulting business, KWB & Co., which celebrated its 10th year in 2018. As a Certified Staging Specialist, Ms. Barber worked with homeowners to stage their homes prior to placing them on the market to improve sales probabilities. The majority of the company’s work was in designing and managing residential construction and renovation projects throughout the Roanoke Valley.

In 2009, KWB & Co. took on its most exciting project to date when they purchased The Renaissance Spa & Salon. After completely renovating the building, as well as developing and managing the business within, she was very proud to see The Renaissance Spa & Salon recognized in 2015 as the Roanoke Valley Chamber of Commerce’s Small Business of the Year.

Kelly and her husband, Jack, who both grew up in Roanoke Rapids, have spent the last 20 years in all types of entrepreneurial endeavors which usually included buying, building, renovating, redesigning, and selling local properties. They are proud of leaving their mark on some beautiful homes in the Roanoke Valley! They’re the proud parents of two beautiful adult children, Sam and Emma, too!

Ms. Barber is an active board member of continuing education, workforce development, and non-profit boards. She is also a member of the Society of Human Resource Management and the Roanoke Valley Chamber of Commerce.

Sandra Rudd-Knight, Administrative Assistant
252-536-7261
sruddknight106@halifaxcc.edu