Entrepreneurs, business owners and community leaders in Harnett County gathered for a game-changing event at the Harnett Business Resource Summit on Monday Feb.10 at the Harnett Resource Center and Library. This power-packed summit provided essential tools, financial insights and strategic connections to help businesses thrive in today’s competitive landscape.

Attendees explored a wealth of resources designed to accelerate business growth, including funding opportunities, grant programs, workforce training initiatives, and educational tools to strengthen their teams for long-term success.

A highlight of the event was the presence of influential speakers, including N.C. Secretary of State Elaine Marshall, who introduced the Rural RISE NC (Resources for Innovators, Startups, & Entrepreneurs) program. N.C. State Senator Jim Burgin delivered closing remarks, while N.C. State Representative Joseph Pike also addressed the audience.

Dante Poole, of Life Sculptors LLC, provided motivational remarks during the Summit.

The event included three panel discussions.

The Liftoff Lab Panel included Krista Petty of Liberty PlayTown and Charles Mayse of Illumiday Lighting. The Liftoff Lab is an eight-class program that introduces new and existing business owners to concepts and best practices for business success. For more information or to apply, call (910) 892-2884 or visit www.harnettsbc.com/liftoff-lab.

The Business Support Panel included six speakers – Allan Younger of NC IDEA, Robin Livingston of Veterans Business Outreach Center located in Fayetteville, Heather Port of the Small Business Administration, Patricia Anderson of Central Carolina Community College Customized Training, Dr. Michael Seibert of the Campbell University Lundy-Fetterman School of Business, and Terri Brown of the Central Carolina Community College Small Business Center.

The Lending Panel included three speakers – Nancy Blackman of the Dunn Area Committee of 100, John Parker – Chief Credit Officer of KS Bank, and Jonathan Collins of the Carolina Small Business Development Fund.

"Our goal for the Summit was to educate entrepreneurs, business owners and leaders on the lending options, grant opportunities & workforce development options available at a local, state and federal level; Simplifying their efforts in sourcing out this type of information on their own," said Kristina Harrell, executive vice president of the Dunn Area Chamber of Commerce. 

This event was hosted by the Central Carolina Community College Small Business Center and KS Bank,  and was a collaborative effort between the Angier Chamber of Commerce, Coats Chamber of Commerce, Dunn Area Chamber of Commerce, Erwin Chamber of Commerce and Lillington Area Chamber of Commerce, with financial support from NC IDEA.

“Central Carolina Community College is committed to supporting the growth and success of our local businesses,” said Margaret Roberton, CCCC Vice President, Workforce Development / Chief of Staff in a press release. “The Harnett Business Resource Summit offered a unique opportunity for entrepreneurs, business owners and leaders in our community to access invaluable tools and resources. We are proud to be a part of this effort to empower small businesses and entrepreneurs to strengthen the economic vitality of Harnett County and the region.”

Beyond valuable insights, the summit provided a networking opportunity, bringing together local, state, and federal business support organizations alongside ambitious entrepreneurs eager to connect, collaborate and grow.