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On September 16, the Small Business Center and Beaufort County Community College (BCCC) will host the “Hands-on Homesteading & Small Farm Workshop.

The all-day event will cover a little of everything for aspiring homesteaders and farmers. “It’s a hands-on workshop and covers everything from setting up the right business foundation to finding your ideal customers and resources for people interested in setting up a small farm,” said Jack Dugan, director of the Small Business Center. “They will gain practical skills across key areas like goal-setting, market analysis, and financing their agricultural venture.”

Dugan said many of the farms in the area are either owned by big corporations or are smaller family farms that have been in the same family for many years. He said hopefully the workshop will open the doors for others who would like to get into the business but on a smaller scale.

“Our goal at the Small Business Center is to help people create jobs for themselves, start a small business, and generate revenue,” said Dugan. “In this case, people would not only be afforded the tools to provide services to the community and help to grow the economy but feed the community as well, which is a great value. We are a prime area for agriculture. This seems like a great way to combine our small business missions with agriculture.”

At the end of the workshop, there will be a pitch contest in which attendees from Beaufort, Hyde, Washington, and Tyrell counties, share their business ideas. The winner will receive $1,500 in funds to start or expand their farm business.

The event will be held on Monday, Sept. 16 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Harbor District Market. All available seating is currently filled. For more information and to check on any possible late openings contact the Small Business Center at 252-940-6306 or visit https://www.ncsbc.net/workshop.aspx?ekey=30440057.