SANFORD - Seven would-be entrepreneurs graduated Dec. 12 from Central Carolina Community College's Rural Entrepreneurship through Action Learning (REAL) program.

They have now gained the skills they need to start and be successful at running their own small businesses.

The 16-week REAL program, taught by Business and Marketing instructor Diane Kannarr, trains participants to evaluate business ideas, become familiar with the requirements for starting a small business, and write a workable business plan to bring their ideas to reality. They research many topics about small business, including legal structure, marketing, demographics and insurance needs.

The program is offered by CCCC in partnership with N.C. REAL Enterprises, a non-profit organization dedicated to small business development in North Carolina.

Those receiving their REAL certificates, and their business plans, were: Shari Barnett, of Chatham County, mushroom farm; Sybil Brazell, mobile ice cream vendor, Pauline Gray, healthy-green food truck, and Elizabeth McCormick, accounting services, all of Lee County; Kimlee Porrazzo, home restoration and remodeling services, and Carolyn Porter, food delivery service, both of Harnett County; and Jennifer Owen, of Cumberland County, real estate renovation and rentals.

The graduates had presented their business plans the previous week to their classmates; Kannarr; and CCCC Small Business Center director Dale Fey and Floria Oates-Williams, of PNC Bank.

Sanford Area Chamber of Commerce President Bob Joyce presented the award for the best business plans to Jennifer Owen and Sybil Brazell. Joyce also addressed the group, reminding them to remember "the 3 B's: Brag on your business, Build relationships, and Be involved in the community."

CCCC Executive Vice President of Instruction Lisa Chapman was the keynote speaker for the evening. She spoke to the group about the importance of leadership and thinking long-term when opening a business.

"Great leaders surround themselves with great people," she said. "Act with integrity so that others will trust you. Lead by example. Be inclusive and make people feel important. Support the growth of your employees and your business will grow."

Kannarr congratulated the students on their accomplishment.

"You have done something that most people are not willing to do," she said. "I am very proud of all of you. If you ever need anything from us at CCCC, please let me know."

CCCC President Bud Marchant welcomed the group at the graduation, thanked them for their hard work and said that he enjoyed hearing about the businesses they would be opening in their communities.

"Central Carolina Community College is a partner with its communities in economic development," he said. "Empowering you with the knowledge to start your own businesses benefits both you and your communities."

Fey, Oates-Williams, and CCCC Vice President of Economic and Community Development Pam Senegal also attended the graduation.

For more information about REAL, contact Diane Kannarr at 919-718-7247 or email at dkannarr@cccc.edu.