Sandhills Community College (SCC) is launching a redesigned Small Business Center
model that expands no-cost entrepreneurial support across Moore and Hoke Counties.
Rooted in the College’s commitment to strengthening small businesses and entrepreneurship
as drivers of economic growth, the enhanced model is led by recently appointed Small
Business Center Director, Laura Kinsman. The model also includes two new Senior Business
Advisors who will provide trusted expertise, stronger community connections, and individualized
guidance to entrepreneurs and business owners throughout the region.
Kinsman brings a unique perspective to the director’s role as both a local business
owner, operating in downtown Southern Pines, and a former Moore County educator. “Her
combination of education, business ownership, leadership, and community involvement
make her a great fit for the Small Business Center and the work we are continuing
to build across Moore and Hoke counties,” said Taylor L. McCaskill, Senior Director,
Workforce Development & Corporate Partnerships.
Kinsman is an active member of the Southern Pines Business Association and has been
connected to the Sandhills Small Business Center since the beginning of her entrepreneurial
journey. She looks forward to building on that experience by strengthening the Center’s
partnerships and expanding its connections throughout the community.
She will lead the Center's efforts to support entrepreneurs and business owners throughout
Moore and Hoke County and be the connector to the North Carolina Community College
System Small Business Center Network operations. The Center offers no-cost, confidential
one-on-one counseling, practical workshops, and connections to the resources and partners
that help local businesses start, grow, and create jobs.
A key part of this new approach, only offered at SCC, is a network of Senior Business
Advisors, experienced professionals who will provide individualized guidance in areas
such as business planning, finance, marketing, operations, growth strategy, and problem-solving.
These advisors will serve as trusted partners to entrepreneurs and business owners,
helping them turn ideas into action, overcome barriers, strengthen existing businesses,
and pursue new opportunities. This one-on-one counseling is available at no cost,
ensuring that high-quality business support is accessible to entrepreneurs at every
stage.
Kenna Parks has been named the Senior Business Advisor for Hoke County.
She is a business professional, entrepreneur, and educator who brings a unique combination
of academic training and real-world business experience. She earned her Master of
Business Administration (MBA) in 2017 and has built her career around entrepreneurship,
marketing, business development, and helping others turn ideas into sustainable opportunities.
As a military spouse, she has successfully launched and operated businesses across
five states, giving her firsthand experience in adapting to diverse markets, building
new customer bases, and understanding the importance of global reach in today’s business
environment. Over the last decade, her areas of focus include business planning, marketing
strategy, branding, customer development, financial preparedness, operational planning,
and connecting entrepreneurs with educational programs and community resources.
Parks brings an especially valuable perspective to business advising because she is
an entrepreneur herself. She is the owner of Glamo Society Bridal & Formal Wear in
Raeford, North Carolina, giving her firsthand experience with the realities of launching,
operating, marketing, and growing a small business. She understands that entrepreneurship
extends far beyond developing a great idea; it requires strategy, financial awareness,
adaptability, strong customer relationships, and consistent execution.
Katrin Henderson will serve as the Senior Business Advisor for Moore County. Thriving
in hospitality and retail, Henderson has enjoyed positions in Food & Beverage Management
and Retail Management in various fine dining and retail establishments in the area,
before opening her own children's shop in 2015, in the Village of Pinehurst. She is
a native of Moore County.
Quickly immersing herself in this new world of small business ownership, Henderson
joined various boards and committees, including President Elect of Pinehurst Business
Partners and Event Chair for the Holly Arts & Crafts Festival. She also partnered
with local organizations such as Moore County Economic Development and Moore County
Chamber of Commerce and Sandhills Community College Small Business Center in events
and educational opportunities.
In 2026, Henderson sold her shop and now offers full-time support to both new and
seasoned entrepreneurs through freelance consulting mentorship and the SCC Small Business
Center program.
The Small Business Center team is passionate about making business resources more
accessible, and ensuring entrepreneurs know they do not have to navigate business
ownership alone. Through their work with SCC, they are committed to building meaningful
relationships with local businesses, community organizations, and industry partners
while helping entrepreneurs move from idea to strategy, strategy to action, and action
to sustainable growth.
“Sandhills Community College believes deeply in the power of small business and entrepreneurship because strong local businesses create jobs, spark innovation, generate investment, and strengthen the communities we serve,” said McCaskill. “Through this new Small Business Center model, Sandhills is building a stronger ecosystem where entrepreneurs can connect, grow, and thrive, while helping drive long-term economic vitality throughout our region.”
To learn more about the Center's services or to schedule a consultation, please contact
Kinsman directly at kinsmanl@sandhills.edu or 910-695-3938.