Self-employment an option for some

Laid-off workers in Rockingham County now have an alternative in their search for a positive future — self-employment.

North Carolina is one of three states participating in Growing America Through Entrepreneurship (GATE) — a national demonstration program funded through the U.S. Department of Labor. The program assists dislocated workers by providing training and coaching to those interested in starting their own business.

The Small Business Center at Rockingham Community College is one of eight across North Carolina offering the program.

“This is something very exciting for our community,” said Debi Joyce, an SBC instructor and the local GATE consultant. “Prior to this, there’s really been very little available to help people start their own business.”

In North Carolina, the project is a cooperative effort involving the N.C. Department of Commerce, N.C. Rural Center, N.C. Community College System, Employment Security Commission, JobLink Career Centers and N.C. REAL Enterprises.

Joyce said the local SBC would partner with the JobLink Career Center at the Employment Security Commission office in Wentworth. Laid-off workers interested in opening their own businesses start by visiting JobLink to confirm they are eligible for the Workforce Investment Act program. Then they can apply for GATE assistance by filling out an online application.

“Participation in the program involves more than just being eligible and having a good idea for a new business,” Joyce said. “Those approved for the program will be randomly selected from those qualifying.”

The random selection is due to the program being part of a demonstration project. Since the program is in the developmental stage, participants’ results will be compared against those of a control group not participating in order to evaluate the program’s benefits.

Services provided by GATE include assessment of entrepreneurial skills, business and entrepreneurial courses, one-on-one business counseling, introduction to other resource professionals, and help applying for microenterprise loans upon completion of a workable business plan.

“With the high unemployment rate in Rockingham County, this program can be a gateway for many individuals who have considered being their own boss,” said Joyce. “It’s an opportunity to develop our local economy by creating some homegrown businesses. You never know which idea may provide the next big business for the county.”

For information about the program, contact Joyce at 342-4261, ext. 2349; visit the local JobLink Center in Wentworth; go online to http://www.ncprojectgate.org or call 1-877-9NC-GATE.