WHITEVILLE — Sixteen Columbus County business owners gathered at Southeastern Community College on Thursday for a Rural RISE NC Business Roundtable, where North Carolina Secretary of State Elaine F. Marshall listened to concerns, offered guidance, and emphasized that small businesses have a direct line of support through her office.
Marshall moderated the event inside the SCC auditorium, calling the discussion “a therapy session” for entrepreneurs who often face the same challenges regardless of industry or experience level.
“The main goal of today’s visit was to let the small business owners of this county know that they have a friend at the Secretary of State’s office,” Marshall said. “The office has easy, accessible resources found online at sosnc.gov/RISE.”
Marshall said she learned a great deal about Columbus County’s business landscape, including legacy businesses that have operated for generations and newer ventures working to establish themselves. She said one theme dominated the conversation: workforce preparedness.
“Being able to find decent employees who have that work ethic, commitment and credentials they need are all common issues,” Marshall said.
To help address those challenges, Marshall highlighted a business‑planning checklist her office provides. The tool outlines short‑term and long‑range goals and includes a list of resource providers that can assist owners at any stage of development.
“My favorite part of today’s visit was meeting the people, hearing the ideas they have and learning how they are developing them,” she said. “It’s important to shop local because these businesses deserve your support.”
Wide Range of Concerns Raised
Business owners representing industries across Columbus County shared issues they face daily, including:
- Workforce shortages
- Finding employees with driver’s licenses
- Competition from free childcare facilities
- Rising insurance costs
- Marketing and advertising challenges
- Start‑up costs
- Skilled labor shortages
- Energy cost increases
SCC President Dr. Chris English said the roundtable made clear that while businesses may offer different products and services, their struggles are often identical.
“They may not offer the same product or services, but they all have the same challenges,” English said. “Whether it’s finding a capable workforce, insurance issues or struggling to make ends meet, these business owners found common ground on key issues.”
SCC’s Role in Supporting Entrepreneurs
English said SCC’s Small Business Center is designed to help entrepreneurs address many of the issues raised during the roundtable. The center provides one‑on‑one counseling, business planning assistance, help preparing for funding opportunities, and guidance on forming LLCs and building long‑term stability.
“We offer classes through workforce development or curriculum that can engage those individuals in whatever it might be that they need,” English said. “It’s for us to know what specific training they need, what resources they need and help guide them to obtaining them.”
Marshall Tours Downtown Whiteville
Before the roundtable, Marshall toured downtown Whiteville with SCC staff, city officials, and county economic development leaders. Stops included Cocktails Hair Bar & Spa, 710 South Boutique, Mercantile on Main, Whiteville Family Pharmacy, Todd’s Clothing, and the future site of Irene’s restaurant. The group also had lunch at The Chef and the Frog.
Nathan Moore, director of SCC’s Small Business Center, said the visit gave Marshall a firsthand look at local entrepreneurship and ongoing revitalization efforts.
“I wanted every business owner in that room to recognize that this was more than just another meeting,” Moore said. “It was a rare opportunity to speak directly with North Carolina’s Secretary of State and help shape the conversation around the future of rural entrepreneurship.”
Business owners seeking assistance can contact SCC’s Small Business Center at 910‑788‑6231.
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