PITTSBORO - Eight would-be entrepreneurs graduated May 1 from Central Carolina Community College's Rural Entrepreneurship through Action Learning (REAL) program.

The 16-week REAL program, taught by Business and Marketing instructor/REAL facilitator Diane Kannarr, trains participants in the skills they need to start and be successful at running their own small businesses.

The students learned to evaluate business ideas, become familiar with the requirements for starting a small business, and write a workable business plan to bring their ideas to reality. They researched many topics about small business, including legal structure, marketing, demographics and insurance needs.

The program is offered by CCCC in partnership with N.C. REAL Enterprises, a non-profit organization dedicated to small business development in North Carolina.

Those graduating from REAL, with their towns of residence and business plans, were Christina Amodei, Chapel Hill - N.C. wildflowers; Frank Baber, Pittsboro - bar and grill; Marlinda Dowdy, Pittsboro - cafe; Kari Finn, High Point - herb farm and sales; Peter Musselwhite, Siler City - bicycle repair service; Donna Poe, Snow Camp - organic produce and gluten free baked goods; Kane Pour, Pittsboro - recorded music and live performances; and Marshall Richardson, Cedar Grove - gourmet cheeses.

Each provided an overview of his or her business plan to their fellow classmates, as well as Kannarr and special guests Malinda Todd, associate director of N.C. REAL; Mari Howe, Chatham County Economic Development's entrepreneur resource specialist; Dr. Lisa Chapman, CCCC executive vice president of Instruction; Dr. Pam Senegal, CCCC vice president of Economic and Community Development; Joni Pavlik, CCCC dean of Business and Media Technologies and Public Services; Gary Kibler, director of the college's Chatham County Small Business Center; and Mike Jones, director of the college's Lee County Small Business Center.

"You have done something that most people are not willing to do and I thank you for being a part of this class," Kannarr told the graduates. "If there is anything else I can help you with, please let me know. Also, please let me know when you open your businesses. I encourage you to take advantage of the many free seminars offered by the CCCC Small Business Centers."

Chapman also congratulated the students on their accomplishment, encouraging them to take advantage of the many resources at the college that could help them as they pursue their interest in opening a business.

For more information about CCCC's REAL program, contact Diane Kannarr at 919-718-7247 or email at dkannarr@cccc.edu.