The WNC participants are Yoko Morris, representing Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College; Kristin Wells, representing Blue Ridge Community College; Jenna Washburn Bailey, representing Isothermal Community College; and Kevin Miller, representing Caldwell Community College & Technical Institute. 

The inaugural competition drew 316 applicants statewide and generated more than 1,050 hours of pre-application business counseling and technical assistance. Entrepreneurs worked with their local Small Business Centers to develop their business concepts and prepare applications before advancing through regional and statewide reviews.

The selected entrepreneurs are now participating in business launch training and advanced pitch coaching ahead of the statewide competition. The program includes an eight-week Pitch It! training experience focused on practical business development, presentation skills and business messaging. Participants will make their final pitches to Business Trailblazer program judges in August.

Final winners will be announced at a statewide awards event on September 17, with $60,000 in unrestricted startup funding to be awarded.

“This program demonstrates what is possible when North Carolina’s community colleges work together statewide to create opportunity for entrepreneurs,” said Dr. Jeff Cox, president of the North Carolina Community College System. “The SBCN Startup Showdown is creating a new platform for identifying talent, supporting innovation, and helping early-stage businesses build momentum in every region of our state.”