Central Carolina Community College: Small Business Centers

This nine-class program will introduce entrepreneurs and existing business owners to the concepts and practices that will give interested individuals the tools necessary for business success. The evening classes will be held at the Central Carolina Community College’s Chatham Main Campus, 764 West Street, Pittsboro and will run from 6 - 8:00 p.m. At the end of the program, each participant should have produced a basic small business plan, and will have the opportunity to present their plan and business concept to a team of business professionals.

For those participants who have not yet opened a brick and mortar location, there will be consideration for a small business grant assistance package. **There is no guarantee that a grant will be awarded**. If a participant is chosen, the winning business will receive up to a $5,000 reimbursable grant provided for rent and utilities (as funds are available), one annual Base Level membership to the Chatham Chamber of Commerce, plus extensive marketing, and business support. Additional details will be provided at the class.

In order to qualify for grant funds, the selected business must be located within Chatham County.

100% Attendance is mandatory for those interested in being eligible for the grant.

The SPARK Program is an entrepreneur-development program presented by the Central Carolina Community College Small Business Center, Chatham Chamber of Commerce and Fidelity bank of Pittsboro. Other partners may include Chatham County Government, Chatham EDC, Business Link NC, the Women's Business Center of NC and SCORE (Senior Core of Retired Executives).

• APPLICATION DEADLINE

  February 24, 2026

• March 3, 2026 - Starting a Business/Building a Plan

  This session offers an introduction to the program, the basics of starting a business, and how to put together your business plan. Discussions will include developing an entrepreneurial mindset and evaluating the feasibility of your business idea. This seminar will teach you the important components of a business plan and help you lay the foundation for a winning plan.

  Presenter: Mike Collins
  Time: 6 - 8 p.m.
  Location: Chatham Main Campus

• March 10, 2026 - Launching Your Business: Navigating Zoning, Permits & Inspections

  Join Central Carolina Community College’s Small Business Center for an introductory seminar covering the essentials of zoning, permitting, and inspections for new businesses in Chatham County. Hear from local experts, including Chatham County Permitting & Inspections, Zoning Administrator, and the Pittsboro Planning Department, who will provide key insights into regulatory requirements and answer your questions on compliance, planning, and building approvals. 

  Presenter: Local Town and County Officials
  Time: 6 - 8 p.m.
  Location: Chatham Main Campus

• March 17, 2026 - Marketing Your Business

  Marketing for the 21st Century small business is more dynamic and challenging than ever. Discover how to most effectively and efficiently use the many marketing tools available. Gain insights to understand and reach your customer, analyze your industry and business environment and differentiate between branding, advertising, and grassroots marketing techniques. Explore the components of an effective marketing plan in this comprehensive seminar.

  Presenter: Dr. Michael Barbera
  Time: 6 - 8 p.m.
  Location: Chatham Main Campus

• March 24, 2026 - How to Find Your Customers

  Market research is a critical and ongoing process for every small business. Discover a variety of market research tools that will provide decisive information about your industry, competitors and target market.

  Presenter: Clicksuasion – Dr. Michael Barbera
  Time: 6 - 8 p.m.
  Location: Chatham Main Campus

• March 31, 2026 - Basics of Bookkeeping

  Gain a workable knowledge of how to properly record financial transactions for your business. Discover the three most important financial reports and how to use them to make the best-informed business decisions.

  Presenter: Wambeke & Associates
  Time: 6 - 8 p.m.
  Location: Chatham Main Campus

• April 7, 2026 – Introduction to Commercial Real Estate & Commercial Insurance

  Opening a brick-and-mortar business can be challenging and finding the right location is paramount. In this session you will learn the basics of commercial real estate for small businesses and the importance of the managing your risk while saving money. 

  Presenter: Chela Tu Time, Jose Batista
  Time: 6 - 8 p.m.
  Location: Chatham Main Campus

• April 14, 2026 – Financing Your Business, Legal Considerations of Starting a Business

  Financing continues to be a challenge for many small business owners. Get to the heart of business financing in this seminar that answers your questions. Explore the advantages and disadvantages of the different types of funding sources and how to choose the right one for your needs.

  This session will also address the potential legal issues facing small business owners. Discussion will include business structure, licensing, protecting your business assets and employer responsibilities.

  Presenter: Katie Walker, Fidelity Bank of Pittsboro - Marjorie White, UNC Law Clinic
  Time: 6 - 8 p.m.
  Location: Chatham Main Campus

• April 21, 2026 - Business Taxes

  Gain a solid understanding of taxes required for small business owners and develop the best tax strategy for your business. Become familiar with the latest tax forms and procedures for both state and federal taxes. Discover how everyday business decisions can have tax implications that can affect your bottom line. This seminar is important for both new and experienced business owners.

  Presenter: Sherri Rose, CPA, CFP® of Rose Group CPA
  Time: 6 - 8 p.m.
  Location: Chatham Main Campus

• April 28, 2026 - Business Plan Presentation and Review

  Participants will give a short presentation on their business idea and receive feedback on their plan. Graduation follows with certificates, photos, and press releases. 

  Presenter: Spark Review Committee Time
  Time: 6 - 8 p.m.
  Location: Chatham Main Campus

1. In order to qualify for grant funds, the selected business must open a brick and establishment in Chatham County, NC in a location approved by the SPARK Review Committee, and must not have already opened a brick and mortar location.
2. Statistics show that most new business failures are a result of the lack of business planning. MANDATORY attendance of the eight class program series, plus a written Business Plan, is required in order to be considered for the grant. Each applicant must be able to demonstrate that an actual business will be started, including the products or services to be provided.
3. A reimbursable grant for rent, utilities, renovations, or additional expenses as approved by the SPARK Review Committee (as funding allows) will be awarded to the individual who, in the opinion of the judges, demonstrates the business idea and plan most likely to result in a successful new business venture.
4. In order to take advantage of the reimbursable grant, the business must open within 12 months of completion of the SPARK program.
5. To be eligible for the grant, the proposals should address one or more of the business needs:
   • Retail
   • Restaurant/Food/Beverage Service
   • Other Businesses that, in the opinion of the Review Committee, contribute to the overall economic vitality of Chatham County.
6. Business proposals will be scored using several criteria - strength of business plan, experience, match with local needs, etc. Grants are competitive for up to $5,000 per business, and are required to meet the following requirements:
   • Retail requires a minimum of one (1) full time and one (1) part time employee, and is open to the public 35 hours or more per week.
   • Restaurant/Food/Beverage requirements are minimum (1) full time and one (1) part time employee, and open to the public at least five (5) days per week.
   • Other business requirements are a minimum of (1) full time and one (1) part time employee, and is open to the public 5 days per week.
7. THE DECISION OF THE JUDGES IS FINAL. Judges will be an Independent Review Committee.
8. Attendance is mandatory for all classes to be eligible, including the business plan presentation.
9. Each grant recipient agrees to meet at least monthly with a designated "mentor" to share information, go over the books, etc. Mentors will be SCORE or Chamber Member volunteers, unless otherwise approved by Review Committee.
10. Each grant will provide up to $5,000 rent and utilities, reimbursable upon presentation of receipts at the end of each month, as long as the business owner continues to participate with the business counselor, and maintains regular and consistent open hours.
11. Selected businesses will be required to participate in town activities, including special events and extended hours campaign. In exchange, the Chatham Chamber of Commerce will provide additional marketing through local media for the business at no charge.
12. If the business closes less than six months after opening, the grant recipient will be required to repay the entire grant amount received to the participating sponsor.

Central Carolina Community College
Chatham County Small Business Center
Phillip Pappas, SBC Coordinator
(919) 545-8015
ppapp612@cccc.edu