TARBORO, N.C. — An Edgecombe County entrepreneur is one step closer to turning his business idea into reality after being selected as one of 18 finalists in a new statewide startup competition.
Craig Woodall, an Air Force veteran and former call center director, was chosen from 316 applicants across North Carolina to compete in the inaugural Small Business Center Network Startup Showdown, powered by the Wells Fargo Foundation.
Woodall said learning he had been selected was an emotional moment after years of developing his business idea.
“I was elated. I got emotional,” Woodall said. “I’ve been doing this, it seems like forever. Everything came full circle to, this is what you have been diligent about.”
The North Carolina Small Business Center Network created the Startup Showdown to help aspiring entrepreneurs launch new businesses through coaching, business planning and pitch training.
As a finalist, Woodall will take part in an eight-week Pitch It! program. During the program, entrepreneurs will refine their business plans and presentation skills before pitching their ideas to judges in August.
Woodall is keeping details of his invention under wraps until the competition, but he said success will depend on preparation as much as the idea itself.
“I have to think about the whole process as a big picture,” he said. “I’m tightening up the business plan, utilizing all of the sources. I’m just honestly feeling like I’m going to be prepared.”
Woodall has worked closely with Laura Brown Evans, director of the Small Business Center at Edgecombe Community College, to strengthen his business plan and presentation.
Evans said Woodall’s selection highlights the potential for entrepreneurship in rural North Carolina.
“It puts Edgecombe County on the map for economic development and shows local residents that high-level funding and statewide exposure are within reach,” Evans said.
The statewide awards event is scheduled for Sept. 17. Winners will be announced and $60,000 in unrestricted startup funding will be awarded.