JCC To Host Free Small Business Loan Workshop For Local Entrepreneurs

SMITHFIELD — Johnston Community College will host a free workshop later this month aimed at helping local entrepreneurs better understand business loans and what lenders look for before providing financing.

The Small Business Loan Readiness workshop will be held Oct. 27 at the Wood Building on JCC’s Smithfield campus.

The program is part of CEED to Success, a national pilot initiative focused on expanding entrepreneurship and business financing education, particularly for veteran-, women- and minority-owned businesses.

JCC’s Small Business Center is participating in the initiative with Baker Hill, which founded the program, and the National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship.

“The SBC at Johnston Community College is committed to ensuring that every aspiring entrepreneur, especially those from historically underserved communities, has access to the knowledge, resources, and strategic partnerships needed to secure capital and successfully grow their business,” Small Business Center Director Suzanne Ross said.

The workshop will bring together entrepreneurs, lenders and economic development representatives to discuss business financing and resources available in Johnston County.

Magaly Rivera, Business Solutions Director with the Carolina Small Business Development Fund, will lead a presentation on financing fundamentals.

“Too often, entrepreneurs are told to ‘get bankable’ without ever being shown what that actually means,” Rivera said. “Through CEED, we have an opportunity to demystify the lending process, answer real questions, and help founders understand how to position their businesses for capital access and long-term growth. When financial institutions show up early as educators and partners, not just lenders, the entire small business ecosystem gets stronger.”

Organizers said the program is intended to help business owners understand the lending process before they approach a financial institution for financing.

The Carolina Small Business Development Fund, a nonprofit Community Development Financial Institution, provides loans, technical assistance and other support to businesses in underserved communities. Since 2010, the organization reports providing more than $133 million through more than 3,370 loans and grants across North Carolina.

Dirk Soma, director of Entrepreneurial Ecosystems for Baker Hill, said the pilot is designed to connect financing education with local business support systems.

“CEED to Success isn’t just a program — it’s a catalyst for systemic change,” Soma said. “By working alongside NACCE and aligning education, entrepreneurship and local partnerships, we’re building resilient ecosystems where underserved entrepreneurs don’t just start businesses; they drive lasting, community-centered impact.”

The National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship represents community and technical colleges across the country and works to expand entrepreneurship programs and resources.

JCC’s Small Business Center provides free assistance to entrepreneurs and existing small business owners in Johnston County, including counseling, training and other resources intended to help businesses start and grow.

The Oct. 27 workshop is free to attend.