2024 Excellence Awards Spotlight Leaders of the North Carolina Small Business Center Network

The North Carolina Community College System’s Small Business Center Network (SBCN) announced the winners of its 2024 Centers of Excellence Awards at the annual Professional Development Conference on November 21, 2024. These awards commend outstanding small business centers and their directors across the state for their achievements in categories like Innovation, Service/Collaboration, Programs/Seminars, Business Success Story, Start-Up, Most Impact, and Overcoming Challenges in addition to State Director of the Year, Rookie of the Year and Service Excellence.  

“Congratulations to our exceptional Small Business Centers and their dedicated directors across North Carolina. Their commitment to innovation, entrepreneurship, and community growth truly embodies the spirit of our state,” said Dr. Jeff Cox, President of the North Carolina Community College System. “Your impact on small businesses is a testament to the vital role community colleges play in shaping the economic landscape across the state. We celebrate your outstanding achievements and look forward to continued success in empowering entrepreneurs and driving prosperity across our great state.”

STATE DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR: This year, the award was shared by Jill Sparks of Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College and Suzanne Ross of Johnston Community College.

Jill Sparks has been pivotal to the SBCN for 18 years as the SBC Director at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College. As the Regional Director for the Western Region, she has led her five regional colleges through best practice exchanges and crucial annual report reviews. Beyond local initiatives, Jill enhances the entire network by integrating success stories and training into SBCN’s social media marketing efforts. Known for her strong networking and collaboration skills, she has also hosted numerous SBCN statewide conferences, consistently helping entrepreneurs realize their business goals. 

 

 

Suzanne Ross has played a crucial role in leading the SBCN. As the Chair of the SBCN Marketing Committee and Regional Director for the North Central Region, she’s significantly contributed to the network’s 40th-anniversary celebrations and marketing, enhancing its statewide recognition. Her leadership in rebranding and updating the SBCN website, along with her effective mentoring of regional SBC Directors, underscores her organizational and collaborative skills. At Johnston Community College, she has transformed the SBC by boosting startup numbers from 6 to 16 and creating 48 new jobs in just one year, showcasing her commitment to economic growth and community development. 

 

ROOKIE OF THE YEAR: Phydesia Lewis of Alamance Community College

Lewis was named Rookie of the Year for her outstanding contributions since joining in late 2022. In her first year, she revitalized the center by serving 128 clients, hosting 80 events, and creating 25 jobs. Her innovative initiatives, including the Smart Start Summit and Women and Minority Small Business Summit, along with enhancing the annual pitch event, have significantly boosted small business success and established the center as a crucial community resource. 

 

BUSINESS SUCCESS STORY – OVERCOMING CHALLENGES: College of The Albemarle and SBC Director Holly Staples

Tammy and Billy Newell transformed an old grocery store into Little Riddle Market in Camden County, addressing a critical food desert. With support from the Small Business Center and a $120,000 grant, they renovated the space and navigated operational challenges, turning the market into a key community resource by November 2023, showcasing resilience and the strength of local partnerships.  

 

BUSINESS SUCCESS STORY – MOST IMPACT: James Sprunt Community College and SBC Director Joy Wynne 

Ronald Simmons, founder of Master Blend Family Farms, turned his passion into a lucrative business by selling premium pork nationwide. Starting at James Sprunt Community College’s Small Business Center, he acquired essential entrepreneurial skills. Despite challenges, Simmons created 12 full-time jobs and became a national brand ambassador, showcasing resilience and the impact of community support. 

 

BUSINESS SUCCESS STORY – BUSINESS START-UP: Southwestern Community College and SBC Director Marne Harris 

Inspired by her Appalachian Trail adventures, Erin Tuveson founded Rambling Roots Hostel near the Nantahala Gorge in 2024. With support from Southwestern Community College’s Small Business Center, Erin secured financing, expertly navigated business planning, and established a welcoming retreat for travelers. Her entrepreneurial success highlights the critical role of perseverance and community support in realizing business dreams. 

 

BUSINESS SUCCESS STORY – BUSINESS START-UP: Wilkes Community College and SBC Director Laurie Brintle-Jarvis 

Caleb Drown, founder of Bright Barrel Non-Alcoholic Beer, harnessed the expertise at Wilkes Community College’s Small Business Center to navigate financial hurdles and establish his craft brewing venture. With the support of industry experts and local resources, Caleb refined his products, secured seed funding, and set ambitious targets. His journey exemplifies the strength of determination and the value of community connections in achieving entrepreneurial success. 

 

INNOVATION AWARD – PROGRAMS/SEMINARS: Carteret Community College and Coastal Carolina Community College 

The “Pitch It!” curriculum, co-authored by Brandy Bell, SBC Director at Carteret Community College, and April Priester, SBC Director at Coastal Carolina Community College, in partnership with REAL Entrepreneurship, provides Small Business Centers with essential tools to conduct effective business pitch competitions. Successfully piloted at Coastal Carolina Community College, the program awarded $41,500 in grants and secured additional funding for wider implementation, underscoring its potential to empower diverse entrepreneurial audiences. 

 

 

 

 

 

INNOVATION AWARDS – SERVICES/COLLABORATION: Halifax Community College  

Halifax Community College’s Small Business Center, led by SBC Director Kelly Barber, introduced the Professional Craft Arts Entrepreneurship Certificate Program, designed specifically for ‘Artpreneurs.’ This innovative program culminated in the 2024 Pitch Your Arts Business competition and a county-wide Artsapalooza Festival, showcasing local artists to the community. The initiative offered 192 hours of training, awarded $2,000 in prizes, and significantly stimulated local economic activity through a record number of collaborative partnerships. With plans for expansion, the program highlights the crucial impact of creative entrepreneurship on community and economic development. 

SERVICE EXCELLENCE AWARD: Recognizes an SBC staff member whose exceptional work has greatly impacted SBC counseling, training, clients, the Center or the Network as a whole.  There are three winners in the inaugural year for this award category.   

Since 2011, Duane Adams, Associate Director at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College’s Small Business Center, has dedicated over 6,000 hours to counseling, supporting the creation of 192 businesses and the sustenance of 1,191 jobs. A committed mentor and community leader, Duane’s contributions underscore his devotion to promoting small business success. His involvement extends beyond the daily operations of the SBC as he also serves on the boards of Mountain BizWorks and Helpmate, hosts A-B Tech’s No Limits Radio Show, and writes business articles for The Envoy Guide. These activities further showcase Duane’s enduring commitment to nurturing entrepreneurs.

 

Ginny Hayes, Program Coordinator at Cape Fear Community College’s Small Business Center, orchestrated a record 176 training events that attracted over 5,000 attendees last year. Her initiatives significantly raised the visibility of the SBC and bolstered support for entrepreneurs throughout the state and region. Ginny played a crucial role in coordinating SBCN statewide training programs with NCDOR, providing business owners essential guidance on tax and regulatory issues. Her commitment extended to mentoring new SBC Administrative Assistants, demonstrating her dedication and leadership. Ginny’s remarkable efficiency and achievements have made her a pivotal resource within the SBCN community.

 

Juli Spata, Program Assistant at Johnston Community College’s Small Business Center, has significantly enhanced data management, marketing, and client services. Her innovative approaches have led to a 155% increase in webinar attendance and fortified community partnerships. Beyond her work at Johnston CC, Juli has bolstered the entire network by sharing her effective strategies with all 58 SBCs during monthly statewide webinars. Additionally, her creative talents have enriched the network, contributing logo designs for the 40th Anniversary of the SBCN and the SBCN’s response to Hurricane Helene.  

 

 

CREDENTIALING AND SERVICE AWARDS: Presented to small-business center directors who have achieved the required training milestones in Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 of the credentialing program. The following small-business center directors were recognized with credentialing awards.

• Level 1 Credentialing Awards were presented to Phydesia Lewis, Alamance CC; April Scott, Brunswick CC; Chris Reese, Catawba Valley CC; Carmela Tomlinson, CCC&TI, Dr. Deanna (Dee) Stokes, Davidson-Davie CC; Vicki Ashley, Haywood CC; Joy Wynne, James Sprunt CC; Morgan Wood, Mayland CC; Charles Banks, Martin CC; Genée Greene, Montgomery CC; SaRatta Murphy, Roanoke-Chowan CC; Tom Nunalee, Stanly CC; Esteban Guzman, Wayne CC; Holly Bryant, Tri-County CC. 
• Level 2 Credentialing Awards were presented to Phydesia Lewis, Alamance CC; Jack Dugan, Beaufort CC; Carmela Tomlinson, CCC&TI; Vicki Ashley, Haywood CC; Joy Wynne, James Sprunt CC; Morgan Wood, Mayland CC; Charles Banks, Martin CC; Genée Greene, Montgomery CC; SaRatta Murphy, Roanoke-Chowan CC; Randy Hunt, Rockingham CC; Tom Nunalee, Stanly CC; Lily Laramie, Western Piedmont CC.  
• Level 3 Credentialing Awards were presented to Carmela Tomlinson, CCC&TI; April Priester, Coastal Carolina CC; Holly Staples, College of The Albemarle; Felicia Williams, Gaston College; Charles Banks, Martin CC; Randy Hunt, Rockingham CC; Laurie Brintle-Jarvis, Wilkes CC.  
• Service Awards recognize the number of years a center director has served the Small Business Center Network. Two awards, recognizing 5 years of service, were presented to Ben Smith, Blue Ridge Community College and Charles Banks, Martin Community College.