CFCC BUSINESS & INDUSTRY SERVICES SMALL BUSINESS CENTER

CFCC’s Small Business Center is part of a statewide network that supports the development and growth of small businesses and non-profits. The center offers confidential counseling, workshops, and resources to give clients the tools to run a successful business.

CFCC’s Small Business Center provides free, confidential counseling on various topics from licensing issues and business plans to marketing and advertising.

Clients get free or low-cost seminars and workshops designed to impact their bottom line. Workshops and seminars are held at a variety of times to fit busy schedules. A sample of sessions regularly offered include Starting Your Own Business, Writing a Business Plan, Financing a Small Business, Advertising and Marketing Your Business, and Bookkeeping.

The SBC also provides resources, computers, and web access to give clients a space to conduct research or develop a business plan.

Following my employment loss due to COVID-19, I took it upon myself to fill the void for my clients and the local community as an Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) provider. However, my practice was based on a vision, passion, heart, and ambition. I had one employee and zero dollars set aside to start my business.

I began consulting with Jerry Coleman in May of 2021. Using Jerry’s 5-5-3 method, I slowly and strategically grew my waiting list of clients and began recruiting talented staff. Now, my business is thriving with over $100,000 a month in sales, 20 employees, and an office manager to assist me with scheduling and administrative duties. I am under contract for my second office space to expand my clinic for children with autism. After just one year of working with Jerry, I am immensely satisfied and proud to see how much my business has evolved and grown. He played a fundamental role in my success. Jerry empowered me by always believing in me, encouraging me, and providing me with wise counsel. My business has benefited from each singular influence Jerry made. CFCC’s Small Business Center has my highest endorsement.

Client Kudos

We are members of the Small Business Coalition alongside former Chairman Jerry Coleman. Our collaboration has generated millions of dollars in economic activity for diverse owned businesses.

Genesis Block has provided entrepreneur training, business development and consulting services for over 85 businesses in the last two years. 78% of our businesses are women owned and 72% are African American owned, providing us with one of the most diverse small business networks in eastern North Carolina. The CFCC Small Business Center has been a primary contributor to the success of so many of our companies.

• 62% of the businesses in our network were referred by Jerry Coleman and the CFCC Small Business Center.

• Genesis Block companies generated over $15 million in total economic activity, including $2.9 million in revenue and 92 local jobs.

• Genesis Block and CFCC are partnering to launch Block Eatz—a food hall/food incubator concept that will provide a commissary kitchen and training for local food entrepreneurs that will provide CFCC’s McKeithan Center with healthy food options for over 1,200 students and faculty.

Girard Newkirk Cofounder and CEO Genesis Block