Wayne Community College hosted North Carolina Secretary of State Elaine Marshall on campus for a discussion with local business owners.
After Marshall toured several businesses in Downtown Goldsboro, she led a business roundtable at WCC to gain insight into the successes and challenges of small businesses in Wayne County. Local elected officials and economic development professionals were also in attendance to understand how they can continue to support entrepreneurs in the community.
“Our data shows that over the last four years, North Carolina has been on fire for new business. What’s really exciting is that small business owners like you have the potential to lift up North Carolina’s economy in a big way,” Marshall told the roundtable participants.
The secretary mentioned that many entrepreneurs are unaware of the resources available to assist them in starting and supporting a business. As the primary communications channel to new businesses, Marshall said the North Carolina Secretary of State’s office is in a unique position to help close the knowledge gap.
She spoke about Rural RISE NC, an initiative that connects aspiring and established entrepreneurs with mentors, business counselors, funding sources, and other resources, many of which are free. The resources are specific to each county in the state.
WCC’s Small Business Center provides many of the same services. It contributes to the entrepreneurial development in the community with one-on-one consulting, free seminars, and other resources to help individuals work toward owning a profitable business.
“The Small Business Center right here at this institution is one of the finest gems that we can find in the state,” said Marshall.
Several roundtable participants noted that Esteban Guzmán, director of WCC’s Small Business Center, helped them in the process of starting and maintaining their business.
“We understand the vital role that small businesses play in creating jobs, building wealth, and contributing to the overall well-being of our community,” said WCC Vice President of Workforce Continuing Education Services and Community Engagement Renita Dawson. “That’s why we remain committed to entrepreneurial development through the services and support provided here at Wayne Community College.”
To learn more about WCC’s Small Business Center, visit our website or contact Guzmán (919-739-6941 or [email protected]).
About Wayne Community College
Wayne Community College is a public, learning-centered institution with an open-door admission policy located in Goldsboro, N.C. As it works to develop a highly skilled and competitive workforce, the college serves around 10,000 individuals annually as well as businesses, industry, and community organizations with high quality, affordable, accessible learning opportunities, including more than 150 college credit programs. WCC’s mission is to meet the educational, training, and cultural needs of the communities it serves.