Small Business Center

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.

SBC Seminar Schedule Certified Entreprenual Community

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

News & Updates

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

Register at the Small Business Center Network.
Stop by the Continuing Education Department at CCC and fill out a registration form.
Download the registration form and
- mail the completed form to the Continuing Education office.
- email the completed form to coned@clevelandcc.edu.

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.

What our clients have to say

about working with the Small Business Center

Justin Webber J-Bird's Deli & Ales
I had knowledge of the industry and a knack for business but didn’t have all of the information needed in order to be fully prepared to open the doors. The SBC supplied me with some of the tools I lacked in the planning phase.
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Melinda Allen Sophisticated Trays and Catering, LLC
I cannot say enough nor express my thanks to the Small Business Center for helping me learn what it takes to have a successful business and how to be professional and patient.
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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.

Small Business Center Email List

Join the SBC mailing list