ENC community college providing free counseling to small businesses impacted by COVID-19

WASHINGTON, Beaufort County — The Small Business Center at Beaufort County Community College is offering free counseling services to ENC small business owners impacted by the coronavirus outbreak.

Officials say the Reboot, Recover, Rebuild or R3 Program for small businesses will offer counseling in more than 40 different categories that are uniquely suited for small businesses in the area. Businesses in Beaufort, Hyde, Tyrrell, and Washington Counties are encouraged to call for help and can apply by emailing continuingeducation@beaufortccc.edu or calling 252-940-6375.

North Carolina’s General Assembly passed a bill providing Pandemic Relief Fund grants to Small Business Centers so that they could provide services to businesses, including free counseling, coaching, information and resources to local small business owners who are struggling to remain afloat or recover from the pandemic.

“This health crisis has had negative economic impact on our local economy. The R3 Program will have a positive economic impact and encourage entrepreneurs to move forward with wise counsel”, said Lentz Stowe, Director, Small Business Center. “This funding has allowed us to partner with consultants who are subject matter experts. They will provide free coaching and counseling, helping our entrepreneurs in BCCC’s four-county service area get back on their feet, dust themselves off, and persevere through these challenging times. I hope we have many businesses take advantage of this resource.”

Stowe said challeges for small business owners across the region include managing employees, understanding their Paycheck Protection Program or other loan repayment requirements, and marketing their services in a constantly changing consumer landscape. She adds that the R3 program addresses these concerns by providing consulting services in the form of CPA, legal, marketing, branding, stability and general business support.

Applicants will also have access to content experts, one-on-oneremote counsel, and 100 percent confidentiality.