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The Small Business Center at Beaufort County Community College will offer a free ‘How to Start Your Outdoor Business Workshop’ for entrepreneurs from Beaufort, Hyde, Washington, and Terrell counties. The workshop will be led by a lifelong entrepreneur and investor, David Billstrom, who has operated an advisory practice for businesses and executives for the past 20 years. He has worked with more than 50 companies over the last 40 years, including outdoor businesses such as Kitsbow Apparel and Velo Girls Rides, and is a board member of the North Carolina Outdoor Recreation Coalition. He has managed a $38m venture capital fund that funded several startups. Billstrom has also served as a manager at Intel Corporation and vice president at Walt Disney.

The workshop will cover everything from setting up the right business foundation to finding your ideal customers and funding sources. Attendees will also gain practical skills across key areas like goal-setting, and market analysis. “Our area is full of opportunities for outdoor-related businesses,” said Jack Dugan, director of the Small Business Center. “Residents and visitors alike are always looking for exciting ways to engage and experience our amazing natural resources, landscapes, and wildlife. Whether you’re just in the idea phase or looking for ways to expand a business that you’ve already started––this free workshop at Harbor District Market is for you. Beaufort, Hyde, Washington, and Tyrrell County Entrepreneurs”

The worship will also wrap up with a pitch contest. The winner will receive $1,500 in funds to start or expand their outdoor business ideas.

The workshop will be held on Monday, February 3, from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. at the Harbor District Market. Lunch is included. To register, go to https://www.ncsbc.net/workshop.aspx?ekey=30450003. 

Co-sponsors include: the Washington Harbor District Alliance, the National Association of Community College Entrepreneurship, Beaufort County Economic Development, Wells Fargo Bank, and the TriCounty Foundation.

For those interested in Aquaculture, the Small Business Center will also be offering a free workshop, ‘How to Start Your Aquaculture Business’, on April 7. For additional information, go to https://www.ncsbc.net/workshop.aspx?ekey=30450004.