Counseling for small local businesses has come full circle over the last several months in the Vance-Granville Community College Small Business Center.
In fall 2024, a total of 36 small business owners from Granville, Vance, Franklin, and Warren counties participated in the “Pitch Your Business” competition, coordinated by the VGCC Small Business Center in partnership with Duke Energy’s “Powering Local Economies” Small Business Grant Program. This initiative offered entrepreneurs the opportunity to refine their business plans, incorporating essential components such as financial projections, marketing strategies, and executive summaries.
Investing in Local Businesses
Over the course of a four-day seminar, participants developed and perfected their business proposals before presenting them to a panel of industry experts. Panelists evaluated each pitch to determine which businesses would receive a $2,500 small business grant to support their ventures.
During the competition, a total of 20 small business grants were awarded, amounting to $50,000 in funding. These grants were made possible through contributions from Duke Energy and were distributed by The VGCC Foundation and the College’s Small Business Center, providing vital financial support to local entrepreneurs.
In addition to receiving the grant, awardees have continued to receive ongoing support from SBC Director Carolyn Perry and Dr. Jerry Edmonds, VGCC’s Vice President of Workforce & Community Engagement—both of whom served as judges during the competition. Under their guidance, recipients participate in Executive Counseling sessions designed to further refine their business plans and strategically advance their goals, ensuring sustained growth and success.
This process has allowed both participants and leaders, including Director Perry and Dr. Edmonds, to come full circle in their engagement with local small business owners. By fostering ongoing relationships with entrepreneurs in the areas we serve, our staff continues to give back, supporting economic growth and development while strengthening the foundation of local businesses.
Grow your Small Business
The VGCC Small Business Center offers a range of resources and workshops at little to no cost to local small business owners. To learn more, contact Director Carolyn Perry at (252) 738-3240 or [email protected]. Like and follow the VGCC Small Business Center on Facebook to stay up to date with their latest news.
