Southwestern Community College is open and ready to support local businesses as they persevere and adapt in response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
In direct response to the current economic crisis, North Carolina’s General Assembly passed House Bill 1043, providing additional funding to the Small Business Center Network to use toward expanded counseling and access to subject matter experts for businesses negatively impacted by the pandemic.
Through the Reboot, Recover, Rebuild (R3) Program, SCC’s Small Business Center will offer expanded counseling opportunities in more than 40 different categories that are uniquely suited for small businesses in Jackson, Macon, Swain Counties and the Qualla Boundary.
Many local businesses are currently experiencing challenges managing employees, understanding their Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), diversifying revenue streams and marketing their services in a constantly changing consumer landscape.
The R3 program is paying industry professionals to help businesses owners with topics such as: developing marketing plans, strategies for scaling business operations, loan package preparation, review of financial obligations and communication with creditors, website development, digital marketing and more.
“Small businesses owners are feeling burnt out and overwhelmed right now. They don’t need someone to tell them what to do; they need someone to actually help them do it. That’s what this program is about. We are paying professionals to help you build your website, to clean up your QuickBooks or to create your social media campaigns,” said Tiffany Henry, Director of SCC’s Small Business Center. “Whatever you may need help with, we’ve got you covered and we’re doing it for free. We are here to help our local businesses pivot into a ‘new norm,’ sustain their business and retain their workforce.”
Interested businesses are encouraged to apply for the program by visiting southwesterncc.edu/sbc. For more info. For more info, email Henry at t_henry@southwesterncc.edu. Participants will work confidentially with an expert one-on-one.