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CCCC REAL program graduates seven

01.26.2012 • Continuing Education, Curriculum Programs, Graduations, Students/Graduates

SANFORD - Central Carolina Community College's Rural Entrepreneurship through Action Learning (REAL) program recognized seven potential small business owners at a Dec. 14 ceremony at the college's Lee County Campus.

The seven received certificates for completion of the college's 16-week REAL program. REAL trains participants to evaluate business ideas, become familiar with the requirements for starting a small business, and write a workable business plan to bring their ideas to reality. The college offers the program in partnership with N.C. REAL Enterprises, a non-profit organization dedicated to small business development in North Carolina.

Those who completed the REAL program and the names of their prospective businesses are: Ashley Morra, of Pittsboro, Ashley's Bridal; and, all of Sanford: Dan Cranston, CranBerri's; Courtney Cullen, Suds and Paws grooming and boarding; Mykal Harp, Dandalia Bakery; Melissa Moltenbrey, The Vacuum Outlet; Princessa Spruiell, Spruiell's Jewels networking for women; and John D. Walton, King of Klubs custom golf clubs and lessons.

Cranston and Morra were recognized for their outstanding business plans. Bob Joyce, president of the Sanford Area Chamber of Commerce, presented them with a cash prize and one-year Chamber membership on behalf of the Chamber and Small Business Expo.

Joni Pavlik, CCCC's dean of Business & Media Technologies and Public Services, spoke to the participants about the challenges of starting a business and the persistence needed to realize their dream. Pavlik is a 2009 REAL graduate and now operates unWINEd, a shop in Moncure featuring North Carolina wines.

"During the process of opening our business, my husband and I encountered some difficult situations," she said. "But now that we are open, it feels so good. I wish you success and the college wishes you success."

Malinda Todd, associate director of NC REAL Enterprises, also spoke to the budding entrepreneurs, advising them to "use your business plan."

"It is so exciting to see what is happening at CCCC with REAL," she said. "I always look forward to coming here and seeing what you have done."

REAL instructor Diane Kannarr congratulated the participants for their commitment and willingness to finish something that will increase their chances for success.

"Thank you for your hard work," she said. "I look forward to seeing more businesses open."

After the recognition ceremony the Small Business Center hosted a reception. Special guests included CCCC President Bud Marchant, Executive Vice President for Instruction Lisa Chapman, Vice President of Economic and Community Development Stelfanie Williams, Small Business Center Director Dale Fey, and Floria Oates-Williams, of RBC Bank, in Sanford.

CCCC REAL program graduates seven

Central Carolina Community College's Rural Entrepreneurship through Action Learning (REAL) program recognized seven potential small business owners at a Dec. 14 ceremony at the college's Lee County Campus. All had completed the 16-week REAL program, which trains participants in skills to start their own small business, including writing a business plan. The college offers the program in partnership with N.C. REAL Enterprises, a non-profit organization dedicated to small business development in North Carolina. Pictured, from left, are the recipients, listed with their business plan: John D. Walton, of Sanford, King of Klubs custom golf clubs and lessons; Diane Kannarr, of Sanford, REAL instructor; Ashley Morra, of Pittsboro, Ashley's Bridal; Courtney Cullen, of Sanford, Suds and Paws grooming and boarding; Mykal Harp, of Sanford, Dandalia Bakery; and Dan Cranston, of Sanford, CranBerri's. Not pictured are graduates Melissa Moltenbrey, The Vacuum Outlet, and Princessa Spruiell, Spruiell's Jewels networking for women, both of Sanford.