The Central Carolina Community College Small Business Center presented 14 participants of the fall 2021 RISE (Real Investment in Sanford Entrepreneurs) program with certificates on Monday, Nov. 1, at the Dennis A. Wicker Civic & Conference Center.
SANFORD - The Central Carolina Community College Small Business Center presented 14 participants of the fall 2021 RISE (Real Investment in Sanford Entrepreneurs) program with certificates on Monday, Nov. 1, at the Dennis A. Wicker Civic & Conference Center. Two participants were awarded $5,000 each in startup funding to assist in opening their businesses in Sanford.
The certificates were presented for completion of the RISE program, an eight-class entrepreneurship series created in collaboration with the Sanford Area Growth Alliance - Chamber of Commerce and Downtown Sanford, Inc.
Meg Moss, executive director of the Chamber, noted that "the award-winning RISE program once again exceeded our expectations by providing valuable information to entrepreneurs so that they can successfully and confidently open or grow their businesses. I want to thank the many Chamber member businesses who volunteered their time and talents to help the RISE program participants get the information they need to go to the next level in their business ventures."
"It is hard to believe we have had the pleasure of seeing our fourth group of RISE students graduate from the award-winning program! Even more thrilling were the seven entrepreneurs presenting to the advisory committee to open their businesses in downtown Sanford and/or downtown Jonesboro," said Kelli Laudate, executive director of Downtown Sanford, Inc. "We have some amazingly talented business men and women that will now have the skills to grow their business. I am looking forward to the Sanford community having the opportunity to support these new businesses! Congratulations to this fourth group of RISE graduates!"
Participants in the program attend a series of seminars, create a business plan, have their business plans reviewed, and prepare a pitch on the final evening of the program to a review committee. Graduates of the program who open a retail business in downtown Sanford, Jonesboro, or Broadway may apply for a $5,000 start-up grant.
Terrance Simpson, who was one of the grant recipients, plans to open an arcade and museum in downtown Sanford. "My wife and I together with my business partner Garland Coffer and his wife gained a vision and drive during the RISE program," said Simpson. "It gave us a practical plan. Opening a business for us was a big elephant to try to eat, and we wondered where do we even start? RISE gave us a fork and knife and told us to take one bite at a time. We look forward to opening GT's arcade in Sanford and are excited to add some family-friendly entertainment to our community."
Jacob Black, owner of J&J Precision Engraving, also received a $5,000 start-up grant. He plans to open a retail business in Sanford offering custom laser engraved gifts and options for local organizations interested in fundraising solutions. Black said that the RISE program "pushed me to dig deeper and work harder on my business model, providing much-needed direction to make necessary changes. RISE provides you with a community of entrepreneurs looking to see your business succeed. I'm looking forward to planting roots here in my town and helping to bring awareness to the importance of small businesses."
Awarding two grants from one class was a first for the RISE program, which has been offered since 2020. Funding for the grants was received from the City of Sanford and a local donor, J&R Homes. Owner Daniel Brody noted, "When I read about the RISE program, I knew I wanted to get involved. I got in touch with Meg from the Chamber to see how I could help. I was instantly sold on the idea of helping the entrepreneurs and supporting the local businesses of Sanford. It was a great opportunity to help guide new entrepreneurs to avoid some of the costs of mistakes and pitfalls of opening a new business. We would be happy to fund the RISE program again in the future to continue to give this unique opportunity to individuals and help our local community thrive."
RISE is scheduled to begin a new session in early 2022. Individuals interested in starting a small business in Lee County are encouraged to apply. Visit www.leesbc.com/rise for more information or contact Terri Brown at tbrown@cccc.edu", Meg Moss at mmoss@growsanfordnc.com", or Kelli Laudate at kplaudate@downtownsanford.com".
The Central Carolina Community College Small Business Center presented 14 participants of the fall 2021 RISE (Real Investment in Sanford Entrepreneurs) program with certificates on Monday, Nov. 1, at the Dennis A. Wicker Civic & Conference Center.