The Harnett Liftoff Lab, a collaboration initiative launched in 2023 by Central Carolina Community College Small Business Center, Harnett County Government, Ann Milton Realty and the five area Chambers of Commerce, is celebrating its second year successfully empowering new and prospective business owners.  

This innovative nine-week program equips participants with essential skills, knowledge and tools needed to operate a successful business. The program culminates with a grant awarded to one of the participating businesses to provide support for business operations.  

In the 2023-2024 budget, Harnett County allocated funding to CCCC Small Business Center to provide grant opportunities, reflecting the County’s ongoing commitment to fostering economic growth and supporting small businesses.

“We are excited to provide grant funding to the Small Business Center at Central Carolina Community College,” said Brent Trout, Harnett County Manager, in a press release. “Providing funding for the Harnett Liftoff Lab program helps to support more individuals interested in operating small businesses and contributes to the continued growth for our local economy.”

The Harnett Liftoff Lab’s winning grant recipients are:

2023: The Wine Thief – A wine bar located in Lillington.

2024: Liberty PlayTown – An imaginative and inclusive play center for children ages 0-7, located in Spring Lake.

“The Lift-Off Lab program is a wonderful opportunity for those interested in starting a business in Harnett County to make the sometimes-overwhelming process much easier,” said Terri Brown, Small Business Center Executive Director at Central Carolina Community College, in a press release.

Throughout the program, participants gain insights from local subject matter experts, including accountants, bookkeepers, attorneys and marketing professionals. These professionals volunteer their time and expertise to cover key topics such as financing, banking, legal references, bookkeeping and taxes.

“This partnership really demonstrates the strong commitment in our community by supporting small businesses in Harnett County and helping them to be more successful. We are looking forward to our next cohort starting in 2025,” said Brown in a press release.

The Harnett Liftoff Lab continues to serve as a vital resource by helping entrepreneurs and existing business owners while strengthening the local economy.

For more details about the Harnett Liftoff Lab, visit: https://www.harnettsbc.com/liftoff-lab/