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CPCC Entrepreneur Student Wins $50,000 Seed Award
last modified
2008-04-01 14:49
When Jeannine Sargent enrolled in a business plan writing course at the Central Piedmont Community College (CPCC) Institute for Entrepreneurship, she had no idea it would lead to winning a national competition and money to start her business. But that’s exactly what happened to Sargent, who won a $50,000 seed money award in the 2007 “Make Your Dreams Come True with Mirassou” contest. California based Mirassou Winery created the award as part of its support for women-owned businesses. In addition to funding, Mirassou will also provide a team of business, marketing and legal experts to support Sargent in launching her business.
Sargent’s winning business idea, “The Red Bow,” is a health club for women that will offer a holistic approach. “When I learned that almost one woman dies every minute from cardio vascular disease and that most of those deaths can be prevented, I knew I wanted to help women change their lifestyle to enhance health and longevity,” Sargent says. Her business model includes what she calls her “3E Strategy.”
“We believe in Evaluate, Educate, and Empower,” she explains. “In addition to the aerobic and strength building activities of other health clubs, The Red Bow will also offer health screenings, health classes, and even meditation and aromatherapy. We’ll focus on the mind, body and spirit.”
Sargent is a strong advocate of community college education and says she didn’t hesitate to enroll in the Institute for Entrepreneurship’s business planning course called the “New Ventures Entrepreneurship Certificate Program.” The comprehensive 16-week course is based on the Kauffman Foundation’s curriculum known as “Planning the Entrepreneurial Venture.”
“I’ve been a lifelong student of Central Piedmont,” she explains. Even though I have an MBA, I’ve been taking additional classes at CPCC since the early 80’s, so I’m obviously familiar with the quality. I had the idea for my business in my head, but the class helped me articulate it and put it on paper.”
The business plan Sargent developed in the CPCC class is the one she submitted for the Mirassou contest, beating plans by 20 semi-finalists, from an original field of 350 contestants.
CPCC is the largest community college in North Carolina, offering 100 degree and certification programs, customized corporate training, market-focused continuing education, and special interest classes. The Institute for Entrepreneurship on CPCC’s Central Campus (Hall Professional Development Building) serves about 2,000 students a year through courses, seminars, counseling and visitors to its Resource Center.