CCCC Lift-Off Lab Program Celebrates Fall 2025 Graduates
Lillington, N.C. — The Central Carolina Community College Small Business Center proudly celebrated the accomplishments of its Fall 2025 Lift-Off Lab cohort during a graduation ceremony held at the CCCC Harnett Health Science Center.
Participants completed an intensive nine-class series designed to strengthen and elevate their business ideas, equipping them with the foundational skills needed to launch and grow successful ventures.
The Lift-Off Lab program is a collaborative initiative between the CCCC Small Business Center and Harnett County, with support from the Angier, Lillington, Dunn, Coats, and Erwin chambers of commerce. Graduates who open brick-and-mortar businesses in Harnett County are also eligible to apply for local start-up grants.
As part of the celebration, one entrepreneur was selected to receive a grant to help launch her business. Shoshona Heck, founder of Richard’s Sweet Tooth & Special Occasions, a bakery and food truck, was recognized for her innovative business model and exceptional dedication throughout the program.
Reflecting on her experience, Heck shared: “I completed the Lift-Off Lab offered by the CCCC Small Business Center, and the program has truly shifted my business to a whole new level. I highly recommend that anyone currently in business — or even thinking about starting one — sign up for this class. It’s an investment that has elevated my vision and strengthened my foundation.”
Chamber of Commerce leaders who participated as pitch competition judges applauded the program’s impact:
Shelby Blackmon, Executive Director, Angier Chamber of Commerce:
“Harnett Liftoff Lab has been an incredible experience for our small businesses. Hearing their business plans and seeing their excitement and creativity reminded us why this program is so important. The Angier Chamber of Commerce is proud to support such a meaningful and educational program for today’s and tomorrow’s small business owners.”
Vikki Ingersoll, Executive Director, Coats Area Chamber of Commerce:
“Harnett Liftoff Lab is so very important to our small business community. We appreciate Central Carolina Community College for allowing us to participate and sponsor. We are proud of every student that goes through the program.”
Kristina Harrell, Executive Vice President, Dunn Area Chamber of Commerce:
“We’re proud to partner with the CCCC Small Business Center on Lift-Off Lab, a program that gives early-stage entrepreneurs in Harnett County critical training, mentorship, and access to grant funding. This initiative helps entrepreneurs turn dreams into reality.”
Brad Johnson, Executive Director, Lillington Chamber of Commerce:
“The Lift-Off Lab gives prospective entrepreneurs the tools, confidence, and judgment-free zone to turn big ideas into real businesses.”
Terri Brown, Executive Director of the CCCC Small Business Center and facilitator of the Lift-Off Lab program, emphasized the lasting value of entrepreneurial development: “The Lift-Off Lab participants inspire me with their dedication to the program and their businesses. The program asks them to dig deep into business planning and learn new skills. The businesses they are launching will offer products and services that will make our community a better place to live and work.”
Looking ahead, Heck plans to open her brick-and-mortar bakery in Harnett County within the next year and is currently scouting locations. Her food truck is already serving customers throughout the community.
The next Lift-Off Lab session will begin in Fall 2026. Aspiring entrepreneurs interested in launching a business in Harnett County are encouraged to apply.
For more information, visit The Harnett Small Business Center or contact Terri Brown at tbrown@cccc.edu.