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The Small Business Center at CCC is a community-based provider of education, confidential counseling, referral, and information. The objective is to increase the success rate and the number of viable small businesses by providing high-quality, readily accessible assistance to entrepreneurs as well as prospective and existing small business owners, which leads to job creation and retention.  

The Small Business Center is a part of the NC Community College Small Business Center Network and a member of the National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship (NACCE) 

Cleveland County is designated as a Certified Entrepreneurial Community, with the Small Business Center serving as the sponsoring organization. 


Frequently Asked Questions

These are some frequently asked questions by SBC clients.

  • Do I need a business plan?
  • How much cash do I need to start and operate my business?
  • What should I consider when planning my cash flow?
  • Do I need a loan?
  • How and where do I get a loan?
  • What is Start-up (or “Seed”) Stage Financing?
  • What information and documents must I have to get a loan?
  • What will I do with my money?
  • When should I hire employees, invest in my business, or pay off debt?
  • When will I be able to pay myself?
  • What experience do I have in running a business and what are my strengths?
  • What experience and knowledge do I need to be successful in my business?
  • What resources are available to help me be successful in my business?
  • What is the climate for my type of business in my geographic location?
  • What have I not considered that I should be thinking about and planning for?

If you can’t answer all of these questions confidently, don’t be discouraged. The Small Business Center is here to help you plan, execute, and grow a successful business. Call or email to schedule a free and confidential review of your business plans and needs.

Steve Padgett, 704-669-4146padgetts@clevelandcc.edu


News & Updates

SBC seminars are free, but pre-registration is required. To register for a SBC seminar, do one of the following:

All SBC seminars are co-sponsored by the Cleveland County Chamber, the Uptown Shelby Association, and the Cleveland County Business Development Center. 

The Small Business Center at Cleveland Community College sponsors and presents other seminars and training workshops in our partnerships with various Cleveland County and North Carolina organizations. Please call 704-669-4015 or 704-669-4146 if interested in these schedules.

Become a client!

At the Small Business Center, we are interested in making your business a Client. There are a number of benefits to becoming a client of this State agency, the Small Business Center Network (SBCN). One of these benefits is the availability of a referral to special business lenders, loan sources, and professionals. Our services are free and confidential.

Hear from Director Steve Padgett

Small Business Center Email List

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