VGCC hosts free workshop connecting local entrepreneurs with lenders and business development experts.

HENDERSON, NC (October 7, 2026) — Vance-Granville Community College will host “Getting Bank-Ready,” a free Community Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Development (CEED) workshop, on the evening of Tuesday, October 20. The event will take place at the College’s Civic Center, located at 200 Community College Road in Henderson. The workshop is part of CEED to Success, a national pilot program designed to expand entrepreneurship and business financing education for underserved founders, with a focus on veteran-, women-, and minority-owned businesses. Through this initiative, VGCC is partnering with Baker Hill, the program’s founder, and the National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship (NACCE) to bring these resources to the local community.

“At Vance-Granville Community College, we are committed to ensuring that every aspiring entrepreneur, especially those from historically underserved communities, has access to the knowledge, resources, and strategic partnerships needed to secure capital and successfully grow their business,” said Kyle Burwell, VGCC Dean of Business & Industry Solutions. Presented by the College’s Small Business Center, this informative session is designed for entrepreneurs who want to better understand what banks look for and how to position their business for loans, financing, and business services. The workshop will bring together entrepreneurs, lenders, and economic development experts to help attendees navigate the funding landscape. Programming includes an overview of resources for entrepreneurs in Vance, Granville, Franklin, and Warren counties, as well as a financing fundamentals presentation led by Coastal Credit Union. Specific topics include:

· What banks need to say yes to your loan

· Loan options and banking services available to small businesses

· Key documents and financial information lenders want to see

· How to better prepare your business when seeking financing

· How to build confidence in your financial conversations with a bank

“CEED to Success isn’t just a program. It’s a catalyst for systemic change,” said Dirk Soma, Director of Entrepreneurial Ecosystems at Baker Hill. “By working alongside NACCE and aligning education, entrepreneurship, and local partnerships, we’re building resilient ecosystems where underserved entrepreneurs don’t just start businesses; they drive lasting, community-centered impact.”

This collaboration underscores a shared mission: turning entrepreneurial dreams into tangible success stories by making business loans more accessible, especially for underserved populations.

“Too often, entrepreneurs are told to ‘get bankable’ without ever being shown what that actually means,” said Karen Jones, Coastal Credit Union Branch Manager. “Through CEED, we have an opportunity to demystify the lending process, answer real questions, and help founders understand how to position their businesses for capital access and long-term growth. When financial institutions show up early as educators and partners—not just lenders—the entire small business ecosystem gets stronger.”

The importance of this effort is reflected in the broader small business landscape: Recent US Census data shows that women-owned and minority-owned firms each represent more than one in five employer businesses nationwide, while veteran-owned businesses remain a significant force in communities across the country. As these entrepreneurs continue to grow their economic impact, initiatives like CEED to Success help ensure they also have clearer pathways to the financing knowledge, relationships, and resources needed to scale.

Seating is limited for this in-person event. To secure your spot, register online at www.ncsbc.net/workshop.aspx?ekey=530460057. For additional information, contact the VGCC Small Business Center at baileym@vgcc.edu or 252-738-3509.

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About Vance-Granville Community College:

Your community, your college. Since its founding in 1969, Vance-Granville Community College has proudly educated, inspired, and supported a diverse community of learners to achieve professional and personal success. VGCC offers 40+ Curriculum programs, as well as short-term Continuing Education, High School Equivalency, and Adult High School Diploma programs. Located in North Carolina's Triangle region, VGCC serves the counties of Vance, Granville, Franklin, Warren, and beyond! For the latest college news, visit www.vgcc.edu or follow Vance-Granville on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn.

About Baker Hill

Baker Hill is the leading provider of lending technology for banks and credit unions across the United States. Each month, financial institutions use Baker Hill’s platform to process more than $7 billion in lending originations—helping them Lend Better, Lend Faster, and Lend More™ in their communities. Backed by Flexpoint Ford, a private equity firm, Baker Hill delivers the scale, security, and innovation required to meet the demands of modern banking. The company is headquartered in Carmel, Indiana, with operations in Santa Barbara, California. For more information, visit www.bakerhill.com.

About NACCE

NACCE is an organization of educators, administrators, presidents, and entrepreneurs focused on igniting entrepreneurship in their communities and colleges. Its mission is to provide leadership and sustainable, scalable resources to foster entrepreneurial thinking and action in one of the largest entrepreneurial ecosystems in North America. NACCE represents a dynamic community of technical and community colleges, serving more than 3.3 million students. For more information, visit www.nacce.com.

Media Contact:

Baker Hill Penny Spehar, Spokesperson

Vance-Granville Community College

Courtney Cissel, Public Information Officer cisselc@vgcc.edu • 252-738-3484