On Saturday, April 12, 2025, the Small Business Center (SBC) at Beaufort County Community College (Beaufort CCC) celebrated the entrepreneurial spirit of Eastern North Carolina by awarding $33,000 to local small business owners during its 2nd Annual Seed & Sow Contest.
The Seed & Sow Program guides participants through a structured learning and business planning process, culminating in a live pitch competition. Entrepreneurs who complete the program qualify to compete for cash awards designed to help fund their startup or expansion goals.
This year’s event highlighted the diversity, creativity, and dedication of small business owners in our region. The SBC is grateful to the generous sponsors who made these awards possible: the NACCE Everyday Entrepreneur Program, the TriCounty Foundation, Beaufort County Economic Development, Wells Fargo Bank, and the Beaufort County Community College Foundation.
Congratulations to the 2025 award winners:
- Edmond Brown, KOR Transport (Washington, N.C.)
- Ginny Mason, Fowl Art Taxidermy (Belhaven, N.C.)
- Shannon Cuthrell, Pungo Creek Upholstery (Belhaven, N.C.)
- Ahajanay Bolden, Bethel Bliss Health & Wellness (Washington, N.C.)
- Nadine Dennis, Waves Home Furnishings & Décor (Washington, N.C.)
- Donchettia Taylor-Woolard, S.W.A.G.G. Company (Washington, N.C.)
- CatieJo Black, CatieJo Black Photography (Belhaven, N.C.)
- Kaitlyn Cooper, Craftsman Accounting (Pantego, N.C.)
- Kimberly Cote, Mystic Farms (Pinetown, N.C.)
- Beverly Horvath, The Scoop Sloop (Aurora, N.C.)
- Paula Snyder, Carolina’s Beaches (Washington, N.C.)
- Beth Allen-Hartman, Belle & Clover (Belhaven, N.C.)
In addition to the general pitch awards, the Aquaculture Workshop Award went to Guin Burnard and Keith Erickson of Phoenix Farms (Aurora, N.C.).
The Small Business Center at Beaufort CCC offers no-cost counseling, workshops, and resources to entrepreneurs at every stage of development. Whether launching a new venture or growing an existing one, the SBC is committed to helping local businesses succeed.
To learn more about the Small Business Center, upcoming programs, or free resources available to small businesses, visit the Small Business website.