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By Ellen Brabo, For Washington Daily News

In a bid to foster entrepreneurship and support small businesses, Beaufort County Community College’s Small Business Center (SBC) is gearing up to host the Seed & Sow Startup Contest. This initiative offers a platform for current and aspiring small business owners in Beaufort, Hyde, Tyrell, and Washington Counties to compete for startup funds.

The highlight of the competition is a “pitch contest” scheduled for April 13th at BCCC, where qualifying entrepreneurs will vie for cash awards to fuel their small business startup or expansion ideas. To be eligible for the pitch contest, participants are required to complete a comprehensive small business learning and planning process. This includes attending all five free SBC Core Workshops, engaging in five one-hour counseling sessions with BCCC SBC Director Jack Dugan, drafting a formal business plan, and registering their business with the North Carolina Secretary of State.

 “We want to ensure that participants not only have a chance to win startup funds but also undergo a thorough learning and planning process to strengthen their business foundations,” emphasized Dugan.

 The contest will award ten winners with $2,500 each to support their entrepreneurial endeavors. This partnership between Beaufort County Community College and various co-sponsors, including Duke Energy, National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship (NACCE), First Citizens Bank, NC Idea, TriCounty Foundation, Airbnb, First Bank, Belhaven-Pantego Rotary Club, and the BCCC Foundation, underscores a collaborative effort to empower local entrepreneurs.

 “We’re grateful for the support of our co-sponsors, who share our commitment to fostering local businesses,” said Dugan. “Their involvement enhances the impact of the Seed & Sow Startup Contest.”

 Aspiring entrepreneurs eager to participate can contact Dugan at (252) 940-6306 for detailed information on eligibility criteria, application guidelines, and additional competition details.