The Seed & Sow Program is a comprehensive learning and planning process culminating in a Pitch Contest where contestants compete to win seed funding to help start or grow their small business. This year, 27 local entrepreneurs pitched for their share of $50,000, and 20 walked away with $2,500 each.
This year’s contest was powered by a $50,000 grant from Duke Energy, in collaboration with the Washington-Beaufort County Chamber of Commerce. Additional sponsors TriCounty Foundation and Wells Fargo Bank also enabled the BCCC Small Business Center to hold specialized workshops and provide over $20,000 in additional seed funding to agricultural and outdoor-related businesses.
This year’s seed funding will help start 8 new businesses, create 29 new jobs, and support 25 existing jobs. Winners’ business types include custom upholstery, massage therapy, farm markets, pet grooming, and many more.
BCCC Small Business Center Director and Seed & Sow Program founder Jack Dugan reflected on the program’s reach:
“Thanks to our generous sponsors and our partners at the Washington-Beaufort County Chamber of Commerce, we were able to have significant economic impact through our Seed and Sow Programs. This is a great example of what organizations can accomplish when they work together for the good of our communities.”
Dugan also extended special thanks to Lauren Wargo (Duke Energy), Catherine Glover (Washington-Beaufort County Chamber of Commerce), Greg Coltrain (TriCounty Foundation), and the BCCC Foundation for their support in making the program possible.
This year’s winning businesses span a wide range of industries, from wellness and the arts to agriculture and home services:
The Beaufort County Community College Small Business Center limits its seed funding to its service area of Beaufort, Hyde, Tyrrell, and Washington Counties.
If you’re an entrepreneur in Beaufort, Hyde, Tyrrell, or Washington County and want to be part of the next Seed & Sow cohort, visit the BCCC Small Business Center to learn about upcoming workshops, application timelines, and free advising services available to you.
The Beaufort County Community College Small Business Center provides free, confidential business counseling and educational programs to entrepreneurs and small business owners in its service area.