News

NC REAL Board of Directors Launches Executive Director Search

NC REAL Board of Directors Launches Executive Director Search

North Carolina Rural Entrepreneurship through Action Learning (“NC REAL”) is a 501©(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to develop entrepreneurial talent and foster the creation of sustainable enterprises throughout North Carolina, with special emphasis on rural communities. NC REAL’s vision is that communities across North Carolina will have a healthy, vibrant economy in which small business and successful entrepreneurial activity plays a vital role, where people develop the skills they need for productive participation, and where all people with business interests and aspirations have access to high quality entrepreneurship education.

NC REAL’s board of directors is currently seeking an experienced leader for the position of Executive Director. The desired candidate will have a bold, entrepreneurial vision for the future of the organization. The Executive Director’s fundamental responsibilities will be to provide strategic leadership and vision, solidify core programmatic strength, increase NC REAL’s visibility and support across the state, and seek and develop a more diversified funding base. NC REAL is headquartered in Raleigh, NC.

Application Process: To be considered, qualified candidates should submit a cover letter and résumé via email by August 30, 2010, 5:00 p.m. Eastern Standard time to:

edsearch@ncreal.org

Dr. Eleanor H. Herndon
Interim Executive Director
NC REAL Enterprises

Review of candidates’ materials will begin in September and continue until the position is filled.

Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.  Continue Reading…

NC REAL Welcomes Fourteen New REAL Facilitators!

NC REAL Welcomes Fourteen New REAL Facilitators!

NC REAL held its winter REAL Institute February 8-12, 2010 in Chapel Hill. It was a busy week, full of hard work, networking and fun! Each participant learned about entrepreneurship education, the principles of the experiential learning cycle, and delivering the REAL curriculum. We had a terrific week and are excited about our newest facilitators. They include:  Continue Reading…

Business 101 for Farmers

Business 101 for Farmers

The first ever REAL Ag-Entrepreneurship Short Course was held this spring at Edgecombe Community College at the Rocky Mount Campus. The REAL Ag-Entrepreneurship Short course is part of the Regional Ag-Entrepreneur Development Initiative funded by the N.C. Tobacco Trust Fund Commission. The curriculum, developed by NC REAL, covers the basics of the business planning process for the farm business. The farm-based businesses included sellers at local farmer’s markets, specialty crops, and meat goats. During the eight week course participants assessed their business idea, created a marketing strategy, developed business financials  Continue Reading…

Success Story - The Teachers' Connection, LLC

Success Story - The Teachers' Connection, LLC

Melinda McKinney started the Teachers’ Connection after doing extensive market research. She found that a need existed and how she could fulfill that need. McDowell County does not have a store for teachers to purchase school supplies, materials, bulletin board materials, etc. They carry teacher supplies by Carson-Dellosa, Creative Teaching Press and others  Continue Reading…

NC REAL Reaches 362 Students During National Entrepreneurship Week

NC REAL Reaches 362 Students During National Entrepreneurship Week

NC REAL participated in three separate ‘Entrepreneurship Days’ in three NC Counties; Haywood, McDowell and Burke. All together 362 High School, Early College, and Middle School Students participated in the activities.  Continue Reading…

Hop On The BUS! Winners Announced

Hop On The BUS! Winners Announced

In celebration of National Entrepreneurship week the Hop on the BUS! Planning Team is proud to announce the following winners:

  • First Place- Amore Restaurant from Walter Williams High School in Burlington, Students: Tempest Walker, Corey Gwynn, and Anastasia Godfrey, their teacher is Rhonda Farmer
  • Second Place- RamWear Jewelry from Starmont High School in Boonville, Students: Courtney Luchey and Cory Hutchens, their teacher is Melanie Matthews
  • Third Place- Advantage Tennis Center from Charles B. Aycock High School in Pikeville, Students: Hollie Baker and Nicole Kessler, their teacher is Tammy Vail  Continue Reading…
NC REAL Institute June 21-25, 2010

NC REAL Institute June 21-25, 2010

Register now!

The Institute will be held at The Meadowbrook Inn located in Blowing Rock NC.

The REAL Entrepreneurship Institute is week long course that prepares high school, post-secondary, and community-based organization educators to teach REAL Entrepreneurship, the hands-on course which helps students learn to think, plan, and act as entrepreneurs.

Institute participants interact with experienced REAL facilitators, prepare lesson and course plans, and experience the highlights of the REAL course as their students will.  Continue Reading…

NC REAL Boomerang Institute June 23-25, 2010

NC REAL Boomerang Institute June 23-25, 2010

Register Now!

The Boomerang Institute will be held at The Meadowbrook Inn located in Blowing Rock, NC.

The REAL Entrepreneurship Boomerang Institute is a 3 day course to deepen the knowledge of trained REAL facilitators to conduct REAL courses in high school, post-secondary, and community-based organization settings.

Boomerang participants will be engaged with each other and with new REAL facilitators being trained for the first time, allowing them to learn new techniques and pass on ‘lessons learned.’  Continue Reading…

Send Us Your Success Stories!!!

There are hundreds of successful entrepreneurs who start or expand businesses in your communities because of you and REAL Entrepreneurship. There are great stories about high school and middle school youth participating in community entrepreneurial activities, starting part time businesses or using REAL skills in some unique way. Make it a point to send us at least ONE article in the quarter for the REALTalk newsletter. This is a great way to promote your REAL graduates and your program across the state. It’s simple. Just email us at info@ncreal.org