Isothermal Small Business Center

09/28/2026

Thinking about starting a business? This FREE online class can help you figure out what could work for you.

Join Isothermal’s Small Business Center this Wednesday for The Best Small Business to Start Right Now! Learn what to consider when choosing a business idea and how it could create extra income or even a new career.

📅 Wednesday, Sept. 30
⏰ 6–7:30 p.m.
💻 FREE + Online

Register here: https://www.ncsbc.net/workshop.aspx?ekey=260460058

09/10/2026

QuickBooks Online starts next Tuesday!

Join the Small Business Center for this FREE two-session seminar on September 15 and 22. Jeff Weathers will cover the basics of QuickBooks Online, plus more advanced tools for managing and understanding your business finances.

10 a.m.–12 p.m. | Online

There’s still time to register: https://www.ncsbc.net/events.aspx?mode=4¢er=75260

Running a small business means keeping up with a lot — and understanding your finances shouldn’t have to be overwhelming.

Join the Small Business Center for a FREE, two-session QuickBooks Online seminar designed to help you build confidence managing your business finances.

Session 1: Introduction to QuickBooks Online
Tuesday, September 15 | 10 a.m.–12 p.m.
Learn the basics of navigating QuickBooks Online, setting up your chart of accounts, categorizing transactions, and connecting your bank and credit card accounts.

Session 2: Advanced Features & In-Depth Exploration
Tuesday, September 22 | 10 a.m.–12 p.m.
Take a deeper look at reconciling accounts, generating financial reports like Profit & Loss and Balance Sheets, understanding what those reports mean for your business, and using QuickBooks on the go.

Both sessions will be taught by Jeff Weathers, who was recently named a 2026 Top 100 ProAdvisor by Insightful Accountant.

Best of all? It’s FREE!

🔗 Register here: https://www.ncsbc.net/events.aspx?mode=4¢er=75260

09/10/2026

We’re getting down to the wire!

Jenna Bailey is still in the running in the SBCN Startup Showdown, and the Community Vote is open through Sept. 15 at 5 p.m.

If you haven’t voted yet, now’s the time. Like Jenna’s YouTube video to cast your vote.

👉 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T7M0_uMlu_g

Watch it. Like it. Share it. Let’s help Jenna get as many votes as possible before the deadline!

Hear Jenna Washburn Bailey of Washburn Estate pitch her new busines...

09/01/2026

We’re excited to see Jenna Washburn Bailey representing our region in the final stage of the SBCN Startup Showdown!

Jenna’s pitch, Washburn Manor, highlights the potential of a historic Rutherford County property to become a destination for weddings, events and heritage experiences.

Now it’s time for the Community Vote!

Want to support Jenna? Simply LIKE her YouTube video — every like counts as a vote.

👉 https://youtu.be/T7M0_uMlu_g

Voting ends September 15 at 5 p.m.

Check out Jenna’s pitch, give her a like and share it with someone who would love to see a local business idea make it to the top!

08/31/2026

Running a small business means keeping up with a lot — and understanding your finances shouldn’t have to be overwhelming.

Join the Small Business Center for a FREE, two-session QuickBooks Online seminar designed to help you build confidence managing your business finances.

Session 1: Introduction to QuickBooks Online
Tuesday, September 15 | 10 a.m.–12 p.m.
Learn the basics of navigating QuickBooks Online, setting up your chart of accounts, categorizing transactions, and connecting your bank and credit card accounts.

Session 2: Advanced Features & In-Depth Exploration
Tuesday, September 22 | 10 a.m.–12 p.m.
Take a deeper look at reconciling accounts, generating financial reports like Profit & Loss and Balance Sheets, understanding what those reports mean for your business, and using QuickBooks on the go.

Both sessions will be taught by Jeff Weathers, who was recently named a 2026 Top 100 ProAdvisor by Insightful Accountant.

Best of all? It’s FREE!

🔗 Register here: https://www.ncsbc.net/events.aspx?mode=4¢er=75260

07/27/2026

🌱 Ready to get to the root of what drives your business?

The Small Business Center is offering Rooted in Growth, a FREE, in-person, four-part interactive workshop series designed to help entrepreneurs build a strong foundation for their business by gaining clarity on purpose, mission, vision and values.

Whether you're building a new business, pivoting in a new direction or feeling burnt out or misaligned with the work you're doing, this series will help you take a closer look at what's driving you and your business, and how that can shape the way you operate and grow.

You don't have to attend all four sessions, but attending the full series is highly recommended!

📍 The Foundation Performing Arts Center – Lower Level, Maple Room (1026)

👉 Register and learn more about each session: https://tr.ee/nBDVrH

Come grow with us! 🌱

06/03/2026

What's causing your business to feel stuck right now?

As businesses grow, inconsistent processes and unclear systems can create bottlenecks that slow progress. Join Joy Harris for this FREE online seminar and learn how stronger operational systems can improve efficiency and support long-term success.

📅 Tuesday, June 9 | 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
💻 Online
🔗 Register here: https://tr.ee/3f2CeW

05/28/2026

We are so excited for Jenna and this opportunity! We know big things are heading her way!

Local entrepreneur in statewide start-up showdown

RUTHERFORDTON, N.C. — Jenna Washburn Bailey has been selected as one of 18 entrepreneurs from across North Carolina to participate in the inaugural SBCN Startup Showdown, powered by the Wells Fargo Foundation.

The statewide entrepreneurship initiative, launched through North Carolina’s 58 community college Small Business Centers, attracted 316 applicants from across the state. According to the North Carolina Community College Small Business Center Network, the program also generated more than 1,050 hours of pre-application business counseling and technical support through local Small Business Centers.

Bailey was selected for her work developing Washburn Manor, a future event and cultural venue in Rutherford County focused on heritage, hospitality, and community engagement.

“I am honored to be selected for this opportunity as I work to develop Washburn Manor, a future event and cultural venue rooted in heritage, hospitality, and community in Rutherford County,” Bailey said. “This program gives me the structure and support to move that vision forward with confidence.”

Bailey, owner of Artifacturing, has spent more than 15 years helping clients strengthen brands, attract visitors, and grow businesses. She said Washburn Manor represents an opportunity to build something lasting that honors her family’s legacy while creating a meaningful gathering place for residents and visitors alike.

The planned venue will offer weddings, private events, heritage experiences, community programming, and ticketed cultural events.

Bailey credited the Isothermal Community College Small Business Center for providing guidance and encouragement throughout the process.

“The Isothermal Community College Small Business Center has supported me through valuable classes, encouragement, and mentorship, especially through Sarah Crank and Clark Poole, who have helped me maintain momentum and connect with opportunities like this program,” Bailey said.

For more information about the Small Business Center at Isothermal Community College, contact Sarah Crank at [email protected] or 828-395-1667.

North Carolina Community Colleges

05/26/2026

Have a business idea or interested in learning more about entrepreneurship? Join us for the FREE REAL Entrepreneurship Series (Rural Entrepreneurship through Action Learning) taught by tenBiz.

This three-part, in-person series is designed to help participants explore business ownership, understand the fundamentals of business planning, and leave with practical next steps to continue their journey.

📅 June 1, June 8 & June 15
⏰ 9:00 AM–12:00 PM
📍 Business Sciences Building (Blue Room), Isothermal Community College

✔ Workbook included
✔ Attend all three sessions if possible (recommended, but not required)
✔ Open to aspiring entrepreneurs and those ready to take the next step

🔗 Register here: https://tinyurl.com/yz7dajvp

05/07/2026