VGCC Gets ‘REAL’ to Help New Small Business Owners

Vance-Granville Community College’s Small Business Center will offer classes for people interested in becoming successfully self-employed. 

The “Rural Entrepreneurship through Action Learning” (REAL) classes will again be offered on the college’s main campus in Vance County, from September 11 through November 13.  Classes will be held from 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Monday evenings in Room 7104. 

REAL classes prepare an individual to be an entrepreneur.  A “hands-on” approach is used to explore and to guide the participant through the process of planning, creating and operating a small business.

“If you have dreamed of starting a business, have a business idea but don’t know how to get started, or have started a business and need help developing business skills, then this is the class for you,” said Small Business Center director Diane Finch.  “This class offers an opportunity to make a small investment of your time and money for increased business success,” she added. 

During the ten sessions, students will explore the key issues necessary to start and operate a profitable business.  Students will assess their self-employment potential, look at business plans and basic business structures, and do market research and feasibility studies for their proposed businesses. They will analyze competition, learn about taxes and licenses, cash flow and numerous other functions that can make or break a small business.

This is an activity-based class and includes many practical applications of business principles.  Finch explained that students will use the research and data they gather during the course to prepare a business plan.

Ann Jaeger of Henderson, who has owned and operated several successful small businesses, will be the instructor for the REAL course.  N.C. REAL Enterprises , a non-profit organization, provides training and support for REAL instructors.

There will be a $60 registration fee for the REAL course, and students will also purchase a textbook.  The New Opportunities for Workers (NOW) program may cover the costs of registration and the book for persons who have been laid off or displaced from their jobs since January 2000.

Finch advised that space is limited.  To enroll, call the Small Business Center at (252) 492-2061, ext. 3240.