Pitt Community College SBC

PCC Greenville Center

Greenville, NC

Understand the basics of starting a business in this seminar that takes you from idea to opportunity. Learn key strategies for start-up, financing and marketing as well as important information about legal issues, licensing, zoning, operations and more. Realize the importance of a self-assessment and how to evaluate the feasibility of your business idea. Discover the resources available to help you start and successfully operate your business. Cost: FREE

Speaker: Jim Ensor

This class will provide you with an overview of (1) how to analyze whether a particular franchise business opportunity makes sense, (2) how franchise businesses operate from the franchisee’s perspective, and (3) the key terms you will want to pay attention to when deciding whether to enter into a particular franchise business. Cost: FREE

Speaker: Lee Hodge

Success in business begins with a plan. By committing your idea to paper, you face tough questions and identify strengths and weaknesses. Business plans are not just for financing purposes; they are working documents to guide your business. For new and established small business owners, the course will start you down the path of small business success. Cost: FREE

Speaker: Jim Ensor

In this class you will learn how to research mission-focused grant opportunities, write a goal-focused application, and provide a budget that covers all your expenses. Also included is how to keep from getting starry-eyed at grants that will cost you more than they give you! Cost: FREE

Speaker: Devra Thomas

Obtaining funding for your business can be one of the most important resources that a business owner will need. Whether your funding need is for equipment purchases, building purchases, business acquisition or working capital, preparation is the key. A business owner must also understand that securing funding is normally a process and not an event. This course will acquaint you with funding sources for capital and technical assistance.

Speaker: Larry Biggs

Calling all retailers! Bring your dinner and join your fellow retailers to discover solutions to your everyday problems as well as bounce new ideas off of one another! There will be a short presentation by someone that has a true heart for retailers and then there will be time for a traditional round table discussion on the pressing concerns that you would like to discuss with your fellow retailers. These will be held once quarterly. Cost: FREE

Speaker: Justin Davis, Nease Personnel

Market research isn’t just for startups; it’s an important ongoing process for every small business. Developing a focused and effective marketing plan requires up-to-date market analysis. Discover the variety of market research tools that will give you critical information about your industry and customers. Get the data you need to test the feasibility of a new business, find the competition and potential customers interested in your proposed product or service. Cost: FREE

Speaker: Jim Ensor