004 Assisting Students with Attainable Goals and Embracing Entrepreneurship with CVCC’s Small Business Center Director Jeff Neuville
Show Notes
Jeff joins me today to share his journey and how he began working with CVCC’s Small Business Center. He explains the programs, services, and competitions available at the center and how high school and college students – as well as local, existing entrepreneurs – can participate in their programs. I also spoke with Cedric to learn more about how CVCC’s Small Business Center has helped him establish his business in the food industry and the valuable lessons he has learned through the center’s programs, seminars, and competitions.
Often, some of the most important work we do is helping people understand the reality of starting a business and understanding the chances for success – before they start writing checks.
Jeff Neuville
This week on the Supportedly Podcast:
- What led Jeff to work with CVCC’s Small Business Center.
- The Small Business Center Network and what makes CVCC’s center unique.
- Services the center offers to entrepreneurs and small businesses throughout the community.
- The biggest challenge that CVCC’s Small Business Center hopes to solve within the community.
- Programs and seminars available at CVCC’s center to help entrepreneurs start and promote their business.
- What the Students with Attainable Goals program is and how it encourages high school students to consider entrepreneurship as a career path.
- How entrepreneurs can get involved with CVCC’s Small Business Center’s programs.
- The most exciting short-term and long-term goals for the center.
- What led Cedric to create Kitsuma Bars.
- How being part of the CVCC’s Small Business Center’s programs as an early college student has empowered Cedric to start his journey as an entrepreneur successfully.
- The Shark Tank program and how it helps students develop a business plan, pitch their idea to local investors and administrative staff, and receive funding for their entrepreneurial venture.
- How the SkillsUSA program helps students learn and improve key trade and manufacturing skills.
- Cedric’s experience while attending the Funding Your Business seminar at CVCC’s Small Business Center.
- The Challenger Early College program at CVCC and how they help high school students develop 21st-century skills to ensure their success as entrepreneurs.
- What is the Edison Project and how it helps entrepreneurs?
- Jeff’s advice to new and existing entrepreneurs.
- What entrepreneurs should ask themselves before working with CVCC’s Small Business Center.
Everybody helping each other in that community is really what it’s all about. It was really fun in the Edison Project.
Cedric Clyburn
Free & Low-Cost Programs at CVCC’s Small Business Center:
- Carolina Textile District
- The Edison Project
- Students with Attainable Goals
- The Shark Tank Competition
- SkillsUSA
- The Challenger Early College Program
Connect with Jeff Neuville:
Connect with Cedric Clyburn:
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Host: Stephanie Kissel
I utilize my background and expertise in project leadership to find creative operational solutions every day. I’m passionate about great ideas and inspired by the entrepreneurs who bring them to life (ever seen someone cry happy tears over your prototype?). I'm fortunate to work with people who share my passions and inspire me every day. Together, we're working non-stop to create cool things that empower entrepreneurs and business owners, like Supportedly.com, the place to find entrepreneurial support programs, events, and actionable content like The Supportedly Podcast. To all the providers and entrepreneurs they support, thanks for letting me tell your stories, and if you’re reading this, I hope we’ve helped make your entrepreneurial journey just a little be easier and maybe even more exciting!
Jeff Neuville
Director of the Small Business Center at Catawba Valley Community College, one of 58 Centers in North Carolina dedicated to helping start new businesses and helping existing small businesses grow and prosper. Recipient of Small Business Center Network Innovation Award for Collaboration and Service in 2014 and US Small Business Administration Collaboration Award. Has served as President and CEO of $50 to $100 million companies in the textile industry and the distribution industry, winning vendor of year awards from customers including Wal-Mart. Strong background in Marketing, with additional experience in Operations.
Masters in Business Administration from the University of Maryland, and Bachelors of Science in Business Administration from UNC Chapel Hill. Specialties: Strategic analysis, profitability improvement, organizational effectiveness, marketing, financial management.
Cedric Clyburn
Cedric Clyburn is a student and founder of Kitsuma Bar, a natural performance-based energy bar. He’s been recognized nationally as a SkillsUSA Entrepreneurship champion and locally through being a speaker for TEDxHickory. With his efforts at Kitsuma Bar, Cedric aims to encourage young entrepreneurship and making a community impact.
