Central Piedmont Community College (CPCC) is celebrating National Entrepreneurship Week (February 23-March 1) with free courses, seminars, and a featured speaker. On Tuesday, February 26 from 9:30-10:45 a.m. (Central Campus Overcash Center), featured speaker Carl Howard, Vice President and COO for Autobell Car Wash, Inc. will discuss his success. What started as an exterior only, conveyorized car wash has grown into a chain of 47 full service facilities across North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia. Howard will share how his entrepreneurial efforts helped his organization become America’s second largest privately held conveyor-operated car wash company.

Other opportunities during the week include the following:

• Free Seminars –
• SOLO Loan Workshop – Monday, February 25 – Central Campus – 9:30 a.m. until noon – Interested in a small business loan? Learn about the financing options available through the SBA and Self-Help. If you need start-up funds, working capital, money for equipment, or funds for expansion, a small business loan may be the answer.
• Business Plan Basics – Monday, February 25 – Central Campus – 6:30-8:30 p.m. – Turn your business ideas into a solid plan for financing and long-term success. This seminar provides a general overview and basic understanding of the components of a typical business plan and how marketing, operations, and finance are inter-related.
• How to Compete with Big Operations – Thursday, February 28 – Beatties Ford Road Library – 6:30-8:30 p.m. – No need to be intimidated by large companies. Small businesses have some real advantages. Learn how to leverage your strengths to compete and win business.
• Courses –
• Best Strategies for Running a One-Person Business – Wednesdays, February 27-March 26 – Central Campus – 6:00-8:30 p.m. – How can you “do it all” as a one-person business owner? Learn the best strategies for running a peak one-person operation from business development expert Lena Claxton and meet other successful entrepreneurs who will share their secrets.