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
- Free Small Business seminars
- Free start-up counseling
- Free consulting to existing businesses, government agencies and non-profits
- Free help with business, management and organizational issues
- Free computer use and Internet access
- Free business resource center
- On-site training for established businesses
- Business Planning Process
- Marketing: Products & Services, Packaging, Pricing, Distribution, Competition, Research
- Financials: P&L, Balance Sheet, Cash Flow
- Other business and management issues… We will provide this on-site at your location
How we create success for your small business
Are you a minority Business Owner? We'd like to hear from you. Please contact us
SBC Contact Information

Kelly Barber, Small Business Center Director
252-536-7274
kbarber@halifaxcc.edu
Ms. Barber earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, with an emphasis in Marketing, from Appalachian State University in 1985. She went on to earn a Masters of Art with an emphasis in Adult Education and Human Resource Development from North Carolina State University in 1997
Prior to her current role, Ms. Barber worked for many years in a Human Resource Management capacity for both a Fortune 500 corporation and an international start-up in the sawmill industry. In May 2018, she earned her Society of Human Resource Management -Senior Certified Professional designation. (read more)

Sandra Rudd-Knight, Administrative Assistant
252-536-7261
sruddknight106@halifaxcc.edu
SBC Schedule
https://www.ncsbc.net/center.aspx?center=75240Helpful Small Business Resources
NC Department of Commerce, Business Servicenter
For forms, consultation and more
1-800-228-8443
Service Corps of Retired Executives
For business plan and financial templates, consultations..
Nolo.com
For legal, HR information
Surveyconsole.com
For customer and employee surveys
City-Data.com
For city, county data and statistics
Business Week
a magazine
Industry
Week
a magazine