GATE Services

A limited number of GATE scholarships will be offered in each location based on an application process. If you are selected for the scholarship, you will receive:

One-on-one business assessment:  A professional counselor will assess your business skills and related experience. From there, a variety of services will be identified and offered free of charge to help you move from an idea to a business. 

Training:  You will participate in hands-on training to develop a business plan for your idea. All training is geared to successful implementation of your individual business plan:

  • “From Losing my Job to Owning my Job” at the community college (new 3-hour seminar)
  • The N.C. REAL Entrepreneurship course (see www.ncreal.org for more information)
  • Other business and entrepreneurship courses at the community college
  • Online modules of N.C. REAL and other online courses
  • Vocational courses related to particular business you are starting
  • Free ongoing coaching and counseling from the Small Business Center at the community college, including developing a business plan, financial counseling or credit repair, and other issues specific to your business

Ongoing coaching and counseling:  Your GATE counselor will provide business advice and support throughout the process of planning and starting (or expanding) your small business.

Other assistance:  After you complete your business plan, you will be eligible for help in applying for a microenterprise loan or other financing for your small business.