Learn how to start, grow, and manage your small business this March. Sandhills Community College Small Business Center is committed to helping small businesses grow by providing high-quality, readily accessible assistance and support to increase the success rate and number of viable small businesses throughout North Carolina. Experts in the field will guide students through starting, financing, planning, and marketing their small businesses. Unless otherwise noted, classes are free and will be held on the Pinehurst campus in Van Dusen Hall, room 102.
In "Think Like a Lender," you will receive a deep understanding of the critical credit-related factors assessed by creditors and lenders when evaluating loan applications directly from a lender at Thread Capital. In this engaging one-hour session, we delve into the core principles of responsible lending and reveal the essential considerations for successful loan approval. Learn about the 6 C’s of Credit, preparation strategies, and best practices for loan approval. This class will be held on Wednesday, March 6, from 1-2 pm.
"Start Your Business" will teach you to create actionable, relevant, and sustainable business practices. Discover resources to craft a business strategy that targets specific, measurable, and timely goals to attract investors, lenders, and customers and supports a profitable small business model. This class will be held on Tuesday, March 12, from 6-8 pm at the Hoke Center, 122 Upchurch Hall.
"Finance Your Business" will teach you how to seek out funding for your business. Discover the proper information needed for the process. Explore the advantages of different types of funding sources and how to choose the right one. This class will be held on Tuesday, March 12, from 6-8 pm.
"The Future is AI-RRIVING" is designed for professionals who are seeking ways to optimize their productivity and efficiency using the power of AI tools. In this hands-on workshop, participants will learn how to leverage various AI-powered tools to streamline their workflows, automate tedious tasks, and make informed decisions. This class will be held on Wednesday, March 13, from 1-3 pm.
"Budgeting" This course will teach you how to build a budget from scratch. Learn how to plan, read, compare, balance, and review your budget. Bring a notebook or your laptop to get hands-on experience and start building your budget in class. This class will be held on Tuesday, March 19, from 6-8 pm.
"Creativity Crash Course" will explore the psychology of design and its impact on marketing, the basics of color theory, typography, and layout, and how to use AI-powered design platforms. Discover how to use simple design tools and resources with hands-on exercises. This class will be held on Tuesday, March 20, from 1-3 pm.
"Bookkeeping Basics" will teach you the basics of accounting; this seminar is designed for you. You will gain working knowledge of how to record small business financial transactions properly. Discover the three most important financial reports. Learn how to use these reports to make the best-informed business decisions. This class will be held on Tuesday, March 26, from 6-8 pm.
In "Business Structure and Registration," you will learn about the various types of business structures and the advantages and disadvantages of each. Discover how to register with the NC Secretary of State, the IRS, and NC Department of Revenue. This class will be held on Tuesday, March 26, from 6-8 pm at the Hoke Center, 122 Upchurch Hall.
"Psychology Infused Marketing" will equip marketers with the knowledge and tools to create highly effective and Impactful marketing campaigns that build trust, engagement, and lasting connections with consumers. You will gain a deep understanding of human behavior, emotional branding, persuasion techniques, and more. This class will be held on Wednesday, March 27, from 1-3 pm.
The Small Business Center– Agriculture Seminars
Join us for a series of workshops designed to provide timely technical assistance to Beginning Farmers and Ranchers. Workshops delivered in partnership with the USDA, NC A&T and Stevenson Consulting Group.
"Business & Finance" will be the first seminar held on Monday March 18. Session one, Business Plan and Value-Added Business Plan, will be held from 10 am – Noon with a catered lunch. Session two, Financial Planning (Basis of Credit, Balance Sheet and Income Statement Construction, Cash-Flow, and Recordkeeping), will be held from 1-3 pm.
Registration
To register, go to sandhills.edu/wce/sbc.html. Email Megan Barnett at barnettm@sandhills.edu for more information, place your name on a waiting list for full webinars or sign up for email alerts. Check this website regularly: bit.ly/2H5VfAv for additional course offerings. Seminars may be added throughout the semester based on need and circumstances.
Spring 8-Week Session
Continuing Education classes begin throughout the semester. New and returning students do not need to apply to the College; simply register for classes. The spring 8-week session of curriculum classes begins March 11. For all information, go to www.sandhills.edu/learn.
New students taking curriculum/college credit classes must apply before registering. Sandhills has an open-door policy, which means all applicants are accepted. On www.sandhills.edu, new students can find the application at the top right. Returning or current students can register by using Self-Service located on MySCC.
Boys & Girls Club
A Boys & Girls Club unit is offered on the Sandhills campus. It runs from 2:30 to 6:30 pm for kindergarten through fifth grade. The club is ideal for parents/guardians taking SCC afternoon or evening classes, those who need study time, need to utilize the computer lab, or work on projects. Club participants will receive homework assistance, and dinner is offered. The cost is $40 per child per year. The club provides transportation from McDeeds Creek, Farm Life, and Carthage Elementary schools.
In addition, drop-in services are available free of charge to Sandhills students from 6-9 pm. This is ideal for students taking afternoon or evening classes, working on group projects, or for other academic reasons. For more information or to register for the club or drop-in services, contact Edith-Ann Jackson at ejackson@sandhillsbgc.org or 910.638.6502.