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AHOSKIE – In a bid to bolster the entrepreneurial spirit and foster growth within the local business community, the Small Business Resource Center at Roanoke Chowan Community College has a new director with the main goal of revitalizing the center that provides free resources to small business owners. 

SaRatta Murphy, a Dallas, Texas native who recently relocated to Suffolk, VA with her husband, Yusef Murphy, has hired in February as the director for RCCC Small Business Resource Center.

Murphy, who has previously worked for more than a decade to help small business owners, said she has a passion for her job and hopes to bring new ideas and a fresh perspective on revitalizing the resources available at the college’s Small Business Center.

“I have worked with hundreds of small business owners to build, brand, and boost their small businesses,” Murphy said. “From online to brick and mortar, I work with each client one-on-one to assess their needs and find the best avenues to service them.”

Murphy, who holds a B.S. in Marketing and recently completed her Masters in Business Administration, said  her expertise comes from a combination of education and experience. 

“As a small business owner of both a service and product-based business for over a decade, I’ve learned from experience running businesses and can guide other small business owners to success.”

Murphy said she loves mural hunting, exploring new things, and living each moment like it is golden.

She noted that the RCCC Small Business Resource Center, a cornerstone of support for the local business ecosystem, offers a comprehensive suite of resources tailored to address the diverse needs of small business owners. These resources encompass a wide array of crucial elements essential for business success, ranging from financial planning and marketing strategies to legal guidance and technological tools.

“We understand the challenges that small businesses face, especially in today’s dynamic and uncertain economic landscape,” Murphy remarked. “Our goal is to empower entrepreneurs with the knowledge, tools, and support they need to thrive and succeed.”

The free resources offered include workshops and seminars conducted by industry experts, one-on-one counseling sessions with seasoned business advisors, access to online learning platforms, and a curated repository of informational materials covering various aspects of business management. Additionally, the center is working to partner with local businesses and organizations to offer additional resources, events, and assistance for the small business community.

The Small Business Resource Center has emphasized that the free resources are available to all small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs, irrespective of their industry or stage of business development. Registration online classes is open, and interested individuals are encouraged to reach out to the center to access these invaluable resources.

“As businesses continue to navigate the challenges posed by the pandemic and adapt to the evolving business landscape, initiatives like the one spearheaded by the Small Business Resource Center serve as beacons of hope, providing much-needed support and guidance to those daring to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams,” Murphy concluded.

To learn more about the RCCC Small Business Center, contact Murphy at sjmurphy@roanokechowan.edu or 252-862-1279.