LCC SBC Honored

The Lenoir Community College Small Business Center was recently honored as the best in the eastern region by state SBC Network board. This is the second year that LCC as been singled out as the best in the eastern region. The LCC SBC was recognized for developing a microenterprise loan partnership, funded by the NC Rural Center. It helped more than 600 individuals who might have had problems obtaining traditional business loans receive training and disbursed more than 100 micro loans.

Nearly 20 percent of the Partnership graduates started a business in downtown Kinston, helping to revitalize the area. The SBC was also recognized for being instrumental in the opening of the first business incubator, the Kinston Enterprise Center in February 2003. Oliver Contracting, specializing in residential and commercial renovations, was the first business to locate in the Incubator.

Small Business Center Network director Gayle Harvey said Small Business Centers across the state provide valuable services to budding entrepreneurs. They also assist small companies already in business, but wanting to become more successful. Last year the 60 Small Business Centers located at the 58 community colleges across the state served more than 66,000 individuals, hosted 5,068 business events, and provided counseling/information to more than 6,800 individuals. Collectively, the Small Business Center Network provided 12,527 hours of business counseling.

Harvey explained to the Board that three centers are singled out each year as the best in the east, west and central regions. They are recognized for generating an outstanding business success story, creating an innovative program or small business assistance process, and for meeting a special need in their small business community.

Pictured left to right are: Lenoir Community College Vice President of Instruction and Student Services Randy Parker, Small Business Center Network Director Gayle Harvey, LCC Economic Development Director and Small Business Director Alice Tingle, LCC Continuing Education Dean Myra Poole, LCC President Dr. Brantley Briley, and LCC Board of Trustees Chair Grady Bethel.