Business Education

Sandhills Community Colleges announce new small business classes and competition

By Staff Report, posted 1 month ago

The Small Business Center Network has announced a new class offering to be held at the Hoke Center campus starting Thursday, Feb. 5, 2026 from 12 to 2 p.m. that will entail two more consecutive Thursday sessions concluding on Thursday, Feb. 19. The topic will be on Agribusiness and the course will be taught by Michael Mollohan.

“This is geared for residents who are ready to grow their farming dreams into a thriving business,” said Holden, director of the SBCN, in a press release. “The series is designed for small farm owners, homesteaders and anyone passionate about agriculture.”

Participants will learn practical strategies for soil preparation, crop planning and farm management, while exploring marketing and financial tools to make your operation sustainable and profitable. This hands-on series will also highlight opportunities to collaborate with culinary and horticulture programs.

There is no cost for the sessions and registration can be made here: https://www.ncsbc.net/workshop.aspx?ekey=460460001 

Other classes being offered through March include: Navigating Food Entrepreneurship; Growing Rural Prosperity: Small Farm & Ag Business in NC; AI Tools for Real Business, Real Results/Spanish (SCC Robbins Center Location); and Setting the Table Series with Chef Dani Black (Online): Class 1 - Food is the Product for Sale; Class 2 Penny Ballgame (Start Up Assistance); Class 3 - Strength in Numbers; and Class 4 - Rules, Regulations and Permits. Classes are free and additional details can be found here

Additionally, the NC Community College System’s SBCN, in partnership with the Wells Fargo Foundation, is launching the SBCN Startup Showdown — a new statewide opportunity for entrepreneurs across North Carolina. Applications open March 1–April 7, 2026 and if accepted will offer mentorship & training; pitch development and the opportunity to win $30,000 in startup funding if selected. The Showdown is open to entrepreneurs in all eight SBCN regions including Sandhills Community College.

Visit https://www.nccommunitycolleges.edu/sbcnstartupshowdown/ to apply. 

Ico insights

INSIGHTS

SPONSORS' CONTENT

In The Current Issue

Mutts with a mission: Specialized K9 program supports local Veterans

Kristen Botts co-founded the program with her husband, Nathan Botts, who is a Veteran himself. Photos provided by Kristen Botts.An organization helping Veterans live a full life after their service in the U.S. Military wants to connect Veterans and d


Committed to community: Huntington Bank completes merger with Cadence Bank, continues to grow client base

Patrick NoblesHuntington Bancshares Incorporated announced on Feb. 2 that it has closed its merger with Cadence Bank, a regional bank headquartered in Houston, Texas and Tupelo, Miss. This strategic partnership accelerates Huntington’s growth in


Editor's note: What really catches the attention of someone new to Fayetteville?

There is extensive dialogue surrounding Fayetteville as a travel destination or city aimed at recruiting new businesses and new residents. As someone who moved here from out of state, I thought it could be fun to share my personal experience as