The Small Business Center at Bladen Community College is offering a series of classes that will address all the needs of starting up and managing a nonprofit. Instructor Cynthia Ellis will guide participants through the essential steps of launching and running a nonprofit association, from spark to sustainability including all the good parts – vision, community impact, purpose – as well as the nitty-gritty: bylaws, boards, tax forms and the IRS. The series will unpack what it means to be a 501(c)(3) and how to structure a nonprofit so it can do real, lasting good.
The series includes three classes that will be held on the BCC campus every Saturday morning, starting on September 13. The classes are free but registration is required.
How to Start a Nonprofit
Saturday, September 13, 2025 – 9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Bladen Community College, Bldg. 14, Room 104
Learn the state and federal legal filing requirements to start a nonprofit organization. This seminar will cover bylaws, boards and budgets
Nonprofit Funding Strategies: Grants & Donors
Saturday, September 20, 2025 – 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Bladen Community College, Bldg. 14, Room 104
Learn how to find and apply for grants, build donor relationships and secure corporate sponsorships.
Building a High-Impact Nonprofit: Growth & Sustainability
Saturday, September 27, 2025 – 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Bladen Community College, Bldg. 14, Room 104
Learn about nonprofit scaling strategies, forming community partnerships, and maximizing social impact and creating self-sustaining revenue streams.
To register for the classes, call the Small Business Center at 910-879-5572 or visit the website at https://bladencc.edu/support/campus-resources/small-business-center/
Brian and Staci Graybill opened their third business together, Market Square Pantry, in December 2025. Photo provided by Faith Hatton. For Fayetteville entrepreneurs Brian and Staci Graybill, building a business has often started when they were
The venue features two levels, two fully stocked bars, audio-video systems including projectors, and lighting solutions, an in-house culinary team, lounge space, a bistro section and private rooms, a state-of-the-art DJ booth and on-site staff to hel
Brad and Kelley McLawhorn became business partners in 2001 when they first opened a restaurant on Reilly Road. Now, their highly praised catering company continues to impress community members with flexibility, quality and personalized service. Photo
