COB holds exit planning workshops in rural North Carolina

The College of Business’ Miller School of Entrepreneurship and School of Hospitality Leadership (SHL) hosted April workshops in Martin and Lenoir counties that focused on helping rural entrepreneurs with their exit and succession planning.

Made possible by an NC Idea Engage grant, the workshops provided access to legal and financial professionals. Participants heard real examples of exit stories and had the opportunity to participate in small group sessions where they engaged with fellow entrepreneurs and members of the Miller School and SHL representatives.

“We learned through these workshops that exit planning is not a topic that is often discussed,” said Dr. Dennis Barber, III, who along with SHL’s Dr. Alleah Crawford, served as a principal investigator of the grant. “Many of the participants regularly attend workshops and seminars, and they said the content is normally focused on marketing, starting your business, social media and finance. We believe that this has helped us identify a unique need for firms in eastern North Carolina.”

“We also learned that building a strong relationship with community partners can increase the attendance and interest in the events,” said Crawford. “Our work in Martin County was more closely related with Martin Community College and the Small Business Center. They were key in encouraging community participation.”

Barber and Crawford will collect data from these workshops that could be used to help shape future, similar workshops.

Speakers at the Martin County workshop included Travis Albea of the Forrest Firm, Dave Hunt of Milestone Wealth and entrepreneur Ryan Butcher.

Speakers at the Lenoir County workshop included Micah Ball of Colombo, Kitchin, Dunn & Ball; Dave Hunt; and Dennis Tracz, the Miller School’s entrepreneur in residence.

• Categories:
• Miller School of Entrepreneurship
• Winter 2019