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The Small Business Center (SBC) at Isothermal Community College announced today a program designed to help local businesses recover from the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Beginning June 1, the SBC will offer free counseling services to local small business owners affected by the Covid-19 health crisis.

The Reboot, Recover, Rebuild or R3 Program for Small Business will offer counseling in more than 40 different categories that are uniquely suited for small businesses in Rutherford and Polk counties who have been affected by the economic effects of Covid-19. Interested businesses are encouraged to get involved by contacting Dee Spurlin at dspurlin@isothermal.edu or 828-395-1416.

In direct response to the Covid-19 economic crisis, North Carolina’s General Assembly passed legislation to provide grants to Small Business Centers with the express goal of providing counseling services to businesses negatively affected by the disaster. The R3 program, made possible by these grants, will provide free counseling, coaching, information and resources to local small business owners who are struggling to remain afloat or recover from the pandemic.

“Small businesses are struggling with constant challenges of how they are going to stay in business. With this additional funding, we can hire more counselors and have one-on-one remote counseling from content experts during these difficult times. We can all work together and focus on the immediate needs of our small businesses,” said Faye Bishop, director of the Isothermal Small Business Center.

Local businesses are currently experiencing challenges managing employees, understanding their Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) or other loan repayment requirements and marketing their services in a constantly changing consumer landscape. The R3 program addresses these concerns by providing consulting services in the form of CPA, legal, marketing, branding, stability and general business support. Applicants will also have access to content experts, one-on-one remote counsel, and 100 percent confidentiality.

In addition to Spurlin, interested individuals may also contact Bishop at fbishop@isothermal.edu or 828-395-1667.

To learn more, visit https://www.isothermal.edu/academics/small-business/index.html

Submitted by Michael Gavin