CCC&TI to host free financial workshop for entrepreneurs

Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute’s Small Business Center will host a free financial education workshop Oct. 21 at the college’s Watauga Campus in Boone.

The workshop will be from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and is open to entrepreneurs, small business owners, and others interested in learning more about business financing and financial readiness.

The event is part of CEED to Success, a national pilot program developed through a partnership between the National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship and Baker Hill.

The initiative uses community and technical colleges to connect entrepreneurs with financial education, business training, mentorship, and local financial institutions and community resources. It is designed to expand access for underserved entrepreneurs, including veteran-, women-, and minority-owned businesses.

CCC&TI’s Small Business Center is working with NACCE, Baker Hill, and LifeStore Bank to bring the program to entrepreneurs in the region.

The Oct. 21 workshop will focus on financial considerations involved in starting, operating, and growing a business. Participants will learn from financial professionals and connect with resources that could help them prepare for future financing opportunities.

“Community colleges play an important role in connecting entrepreneurs with the education, resources, and relationships they need to build and grow their businesses,” said Carmela Tomlinson, director of CCC&TI’s Small Business Center. “This partnership gives local entrepreneurs an opportunity to gain practical financial knowledge while connecting with organizations that can support them along their entrepreneurial journey.”

Hal Hood, market president of LifeStore Bank in Boone, said the workshop also offers an opportunity for local funders to connect with entrepreneurs.

“LifeStore Bank is excited to partner with these organizations and grateful for the opportunity to connect with local entrepreneurs and to play a part in supporting financial readiness in our region.”

CEED to Success was launched nationally in 2025 and includes community colleges across the country working with financial institutions and other local partners to strengthen entrepreneurship through education, financial readiness, and community partnerships.

— AKC