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Richmond Community College and the NC Rural Entrepreneurship through Action Learning (NC REAL) program are offering a unique educational and financial opportunity for individuals in health care-related fields to learn about starting or expanding a business.

The NC REAL Healthcare Series is composed of seven free seminars and a Business Plan Grant Competition to be held at Richmond Community College’s Cole Auditorium. The first seminar starts Thursday, Nov. 1, from 6 to 9 p.m. Interested individuals must pre-register online at www.tiny.cc/sbcseminars or contact Deborah Hardison at 910-410-1687 or e-mail her at sbc@richmondcc.edu.

“This hands-on course will be facilitated by Shareese Powell,” said SBC Director Deborah Hardison. “She is one of Richmond County’s young entrepreneurs with knowledge in various health care areas like marketing and promoting, resource management, direct care, and clinical research. Several keynote speakers will also be present to share their expertise.”

Participants will discuss marketing opportunities, receive one-on-one assistance, and explore ways to earn larger profits through better financial and marketing decisions.

“All types of health care-related businesses are encouraged to attend,” said Hardison. “This includes, but is not limited to, home care, home health agencies, medical billing, child care, private practices, etc. As an added extra, participants who reside in Richmond and Scotland counties will also have an opportunity to enter the NC REAL Healthcare Business Plan Grant Competition.”

The winner of this competition will receive $500 to go toward his or her business venture. To be eligible, participants must be residents of Scotland or Richmond counties and attend five out of the seven seminars, as well as develop and present a business plan. Judges, local and statewide, will review the business plans and a winner will be selected.

These seminars and the competition are part of a grant awarded to NC REAL and Richmond Community College by the North American Development Bank (NAD). NC REAL is a nonprofit organization that grows entrepreneurship in North Carolina by training teachers, supporting local entrepreneurship programs, and developing timely, hands-on entrepreneurial curriculum.