Isothermal Small Business Center

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

05/06/2026

Register for the FREE seminar happening tomorrow at 6:00PM! If you are wanting to learn how to build a professional website and manage a business on WiX, then this seminar is for you!!

05/06/2026

www.isothermal.edu/industry/sbc/

05/05/2026

Be sure to check out the FREE seminars being offered during the month of May and register today!

04/28/2026

Marketing only works when you’re reaching the right people.

Join us for a FREE online seminar and learn how to identify your ideal customer and build a marketing plan that actually connects and converts.

📅 April 30 | 2:00–3:00 PM & 6:30–7:30 PM
💻 Register here: https://tr.ee/XrayM0

04/26/2026

What’s really holding your business back right now?

Growth, leadership, operations, strategy,bring whatever you’re working through to this live FREE executive Q&A session with Joy Harris.

This is a real conversation for business owners who want insight they can actually use.

📅 Tuesday, April 28 | 2:00 – 4:00 PM
💻 Online

🔗 Register here: https://tr.ee/XrayM0