Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

The NC Community Colleges Small Business Center Network (SBCN) is celebrating its 40th anniversary — and Stanly Community College has been there since the beginning.

The SBCN has 60 sites across the state, with centers located within a 30-minute drive of every North Carolinian.

In observance of the 40 years, SCC is ready to celebrate.

“As one of the first North Carolina Small Business Centers to open at the Network’s inception in 1984, Stanly Community College’s Center is delighted to be part of the Network’s 40th Anniversary Celebration,” said Thomas H. Nunalee IV, director of Small Business & Entrepreneurial Development at SCC. “This historic milestone will be observed by festivities in Raleigh on May 14 marking North Carolina’s Small Business Day. On a local level, SCC’s SBC has asked all our clients, past and present, to submit their business logos for inclusion in a collage to be posted to the center’s social media platforms on Small Business Day. We are excited about the positive impact on our community’s economic future we see every day from Stanly County entrepreneurs, and we look forward to our continued partnership with these small business owners through free services like confidential business counseling, educational programs, and relevant resources and referrals.”

In advance of Small Business Day, Gov. Roy Cooper proclaimed April 28 to May 4 as Small Business Week across North Carolina.

“It’s important to elevate and celebrate North Carolina’s one million small businesses,” said Cooper. “Entrepreneurs, family-owned businesses, and start-ups are at the center of our state’s success and have contributed greatly to North Carolina being the best state for business.”

Small Business Week was established by the U.S. Small Business Administration. The SBA defines small businesses as companies with fewer than 500 employees.

“We’re fortunate to have a Small Business Center dedicated solely to our community that ensures local entrepreneurs have the resources they need to succeed,” SCC President Dr. John Enamait said. “By providing access to counseling, workshops and networking opportunities, SCC’s Small Business Center empowers individuals to turn their business ideas into realities, which strengthens Stanly County’s economy and creates jobs. I’m incredibly proud the college has been able to leverage our educational expertise to ensure individuals have the skills and knowledge to succeed in today’s competitive marketplace.”

Stanly County has approximately 1,515 small businesses, Nunalee said.

“Last fiscal year, we counseled 68 unique clients, offered 56 entrepreneurial education events, and provided resource materials and referrals to experts like attorneys, CPAs and digital marketers to our clients,” he said.

B.J. Drye is general manager/editor of The Stanly News & Press. Call 704-982-2123.