Beaufort County Community College Small Business Center Receives State Innovation Award | Eastern NC Now

Press Release:

Jack Dugan is presented with the Center of Excellence Award by Anne Shaw, SBC State Director (right) and Briles Johnson, Executive Director of NC Commission on Volunteerism & Community Service (left).

    WASHINGTON, N.C.     Beaufort County Community College (Beaufort CCC)'s Small Business Center director, Jack Dugan, received the Center of Excellence Innovation Award for Programs and Seminars during last week's North Carolina Community College Small Business Center Network meeting.

    Dugan and program assistant Katelyn Thomas were recognized for developing creative and engaging programs that strengthen the entrepreneurial mindset and build the practical skills needed for new and existing business owners to start, succeed, and grow. Their seminars on agriculture, aquaculture, and outdoor business have resonated strongly with prospective entrepreneurs in Eastern North Carolina by aligning content with local interests and emerging opportunities.

    "This is outstanding," said Dr. David Loope, president of Beaufort CCC. "Jack and Katelyn are doing fine work for the people of Eastern North Carolina."

    The Small Business Center's Seed and Sow program has also made a significant economic impact across Beaufort CCC's rural service area. The initiative provides seed funding to help local entrepreneurs launch or expand small businesses, strengthening community economic development.

    A client of the Beaufort CCC Small Business Center, Ahajanay Bolden, owner of Bethel Bliss Health and Wellness, was recently named National Association of Community College Entrepreneurship (NACCE) Entrepreneur of the Year. She won the Seed and Sow Pitch Contest, advanced to the national competition, and earned a $10,000 award at NACCE's conference in San Diego.

    North Carolina hosts a Small Business Center at each of its 58 community colleges. These centers guide new and prospective entrepreneurs through planning, developing, opening, and operating a small business.

    For information about free seminars and advising through the Beaufort CCC Small Business Center, visit www.beaufortccc.edu/sbc.

• Attila Nemecz
• Marketing and Public Relations Coordinator
• Beaufort County Community College
• 5337 U.S. Highway 264 East
• Washington, N.C. 27889
• Ph: 252-940-6387
• Cell: 252-940-8672
• attila.nemecz@beaufortccc.edu