Stanly Community College SBC

06/23/2026

Want to start advertising on Facebook and Google without spending a fortune?

Join us for this practical seminar and learn how to create and manage your own ads while keeping costs low. You'll gain the knowledge and confidence to start testing ads, reach more customers, and make smarter marketing decisions.

In this session, we'll cover:

• How to create and manage ads on Facebook and Google
• Choosing the right platform for your business and audience
• Tips for creating ads that get results
• How to test and optimize ads without wasting money

You'll also learn about advanced tools like retargeting, tracking pixels, and lookalike audiences to help improve your advertising performance.

Whether you're new to digital advertising or looking to improve your current efforts, this seminar will provide a solid foundation for getting started with paid ads on a budget.

Click the link below to register:
https://www.ncsbc.net/workshop.aspx?ekey=500460088

06/23/2026

Want to grow your business with smarter marketing strategies and modern tools?

Join us for this engaging Lunch & Learn with Elizabeth Cardo, Digital Marketing Coordinator at Levitate, in partnership with the Stanly County Chamber of Commerce and Union Power Cooperative. Learn how to strengthen your brand, connect with your audience, and market your business more effectively using today’s digital tools.

In this session, we’ll cover:

- Effective social media strategies to grow engagement and sales
- How to choose the right platforms for your business
- Building a consistent and impactful online presence
- AI-powered tools that can save time and streamline your marketing efforts
- Practical ways to generate fresh content and marketing ideas

Whether you’re just getting started or looking to refine your current marketing efforts, this session will provide actionable strategies and the confidence to put modern marketing techniques into practice.

Click the link below to register:
https://www.ncsbc.net/workshop.aspx?ekey=500460069

06/23/2026

Want to make sure your business shows up when people search on Google?
Join us for this practical seminar with Elizabeth Cardo, Digital Marketing Coordinator at Levitate. Learn simple, effective ways to improve your online visibility and get found by more customers.

In this session, we’ll cover:

-How Google ranks businesses in search results
- How to choose the right keywords for your business
- Easy updates you can make to your website and online listings
- A simple SEO checklist you can start using right away

Whether you’re new to SEO or just want to improve your online presence, this session will give you clear, actionable steps to help your business get found online—no technical experience required.

Click the link below to register:
https://www.ncsbc.net/workshop.aspx?ekey=500460080

06/22/2026

This month, we’re proud to feature Small Business Center client Christian Gallardo, owner of Carolina’s 1st Choice!

Christian Gallardo shared feedback on his experience with the Small Business Center:

“The Small Business Center has given our company an inside knowledge and a constant reminder about different topics. The SBC helps entrepreneurs and business owners take advantage of sometimes complimentary Zoom meetings about taxes, QuickBooks, business plans, financing, social media, business start ups, grant seeking, etc. Thank you so much for your time to all of you at SBC!” — Christian Gallardo, Owner of Carolina’s 1st Choice

The Small Business Center provides valuable learning opportunities and guidance through online seminars, helpful resources, and ongoing communication, all designed to help entrepreneurs succeed.

Learn more about SBC resources here:
https://www.stanly.edu/about/small-business-center/index.html

Learn more about Christian and Carolinas 1st Choice here:
https://www.carolinas1stchoice.com/

06/22/2026

Do you have tax questions about your small business?

Check out these new webinars coming up in June with the NC Department of Revenue! All of these webinars are free to attend and will provide a great source of information for those interested in learning more about business tax essentials for their small business.

To register, please visit: https://www.ncsbc.net/Events.aspx?mode=4&area=Alamance+County&zip=&miles=25¢er=75590&topicnum=9&format=0&days=360&lang=0&sort=M&layout=0

06/22/2026

Want to take your email marketing to the next level and learn how AI can help you save time while getting better results?

Join us for this informative seminar with Aaron Wesley Means, CEO of ACTIVATE Business Solutions and award-winning Constant Contact partner. Learn how to create effective email campaigns that engage your audience, build relationships, and drive business growth.

In this session, we'll cover:

• Email marketing best practices and strategies
• Growing your email list and creating engaging content
• Using AI tools to streamline your marketing efforts
• Improving open rates, avoiding spam filters, and tracking results

PLUS, enjoy a LIVE DEMO featuring email design, branding, AI-powered content creation, and tips for building successful campaigns.

Whether you're new to email marketing or looking to improve your current strategy, this seminar will provide practical tools and proven techniques to help you succeed.

Click the link below to register:
https://www.ncsbc.net/workshop.aspx?ekey=500460087

06/22/2026

Don't forget to register for our no-cost July Small Business Startup Certification courses!

Click here to learn more about the program: https://www.stanly.edu/about/small-business-center/index.html

Stanly County Chamber

Ready to build a business plan that actually works for you?

Join us for this engaging seminar with Jonathan Thill, Ed.D, MBA—entrepreneur, educator, and small business economic developer—in partnership with Spark Centro. Learn how to create a business plan that serves as a “living document” to guide your decisions and long-term strategy.

In this session, we’ll cover:

- The difference between lean, one-page plans and traditional business plans
- How to identify your target market and define your value proposition
- Key components of a strong business plan, including marketing, operations, and financials
-How to develop simple, realistic financial projections

Whether you're starting a new business or refining an existing one, this seminar will help you turn your ideas into a clear, actionable plan.

Click the link below to register:
https://www.ncsbc.net/workshop.aspx?ekey=500460059

06/19/2026

Dear Downtown Albemarle Business Owners, We still have funding available for our Facade, Sign, and Vibrancy Grant Programs for the current fiscal year ending June 30, and we encourage you to take advantage of these matching grant opportunities before the application deadline of June 25!
Available funding includes:
• Facade Grants – Matching grants up to $1,500 for exterior building improvements
• Sign Grants – Matching grants up to $1,000 for new or improved business signage
• Vibrancy Grants – Matching grants up to $1,000 for items that make your storefront more welcoming and inviting, such as sandwich boards, feather flags, outdoor lighting, planters, tables and chairs, seasonal décor, and more
Application Deadline: Thursday, June 25 at 12:00 PM
Projects completed anytime since July 1 are eligible for reimbursement consideration. If you've recently completed a project, don't miss this opportunity to apply!
America 250 Flash GrantsAs we begin celebrating America 250, we want to encourage our downtown businesses to showcase their patriotic spirit.
To support this effort, we are offering 10 matching Flash Vibrancy Grants of up to $100 each to assist with the purchase of patriotic decorations for your storefront, including:
• Bunting
• Flags
• Banners
• Window paint
• Streamers
• Patriotic displays and décor
If you've already purchased decorations, you may submit your Vibrancy Grant application and proof of purchase now.
If you plan to make a purchase, simply complete the Vibrancy Grant Application, describing the items you intend to buy, with screenshots of prices. Approved applicants will be notified on June 26. Once approved, make your purchase and submit proof of purchase by June 29 to receive reimbursement.
Because these are Flash Grants, funding decisions and reimbursements will be processed on an accelerated timeline to help businesses decorate in time for the America 250 celebration.
All application materials are attached to this email. You can complete and email them back to this address or drop them off at City Hall, in the Planning Department on the 2nd floor.
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me. Also, if you have projects that may not be completed before this deadline, our new fiscal year begins July 1, and additional grant funding opportunities will be available.
We look forward to helping you invest in and enhance your downtown business!
Visit for more info: https://www.albemarledowntown.com/business-resources

Applications also on the Chamber Member News page:

06/18/2026

Want to better understand your business finances and make smarter decisions?

Join us for this informative seminar with Crystal Wambeke, CEO of Wambeke & Associates, Certified Fraud Examiner, and Certified Bookkeeper, in partnership with Spark Centro. This session is perfect for new business owners or anyone needing a refresher on accounting basics.

In this session, we’ll cover:

- How to properly record financial transactions
- The three most important financial reports
- How to use financial reports to make informed decisions
- Key accounting basics every business owner should know

Whether you're just starting out or looking to strengthen your financial knowledge, this seminar will give you practical tools you can use right away.

Click the link below to register:
https://www.ncsbc.net/workshop.aspx?ekey=500460061

06/18/2026

Preparing to apply for a business loan? Make sure you’re ready with a strong, competitive package.

Join us for this informative seminar with Madison Potter, Business Solutions Officer at the Carolina Small Business Development Fund, in partnership with Spark Centro. Learn what lenders are really looking for and how to position your business for success.

In this session, we’ll cover:

- How to prepare a competitive loan package
- Key qualifications lenders look for
- Understanding financial viability
- Important factors to consider before applying

Whether you're launching a new venture or growing an existing business, this session will help you take the next step with confidence.

Click the link below to register:
https://www.ncsbc.net/workshop.aspx?ekey=500460058