When Chris鈥檚 15-year information technology career came to a sudden halt in 2020, he saw an opportunity to pursue his dream of starting a business.

That鈥檚 when he turned to 海角视频鈥檚 Small Business Center and signed up for an online class.

“It was a 12-week, 1-hour per week online course,鈥� said Forbis, a Burlington native who now lives in nearby Lake Wylie, S.C. 鈥淚 had taken classes previous courses at another community college, so I was familiar with and really appreciated the opportunities it provides working adults. When I was planning to start up my own business, I looked for any resources that would help.鈥�

Chris joined a group of about 12 aspiring entrepreneurs, all eager to build momentum for their business ideas. He received instruction from teachers, local business owners, marketing experts, and even a certified public accountant, gaining real-world advice on how to get started the right way.

“It was very rewarding,鈥� Forbis said. 鈥淣ot only from the information that was passed along, but also the networking that we did. I have since followed up with several of the people in my class. They asked how my truck was doing, and they came out to see me. I went to see how their events were doing.

“For the cost and simplicity of the course, you can’t beat it. It gave me a lot of tools that I wouldn’t have had when I opened up my business. I truly believe that I avoided a lot of mistakes that other food truck owners encounter because of that class.鈥�

With his new skills and support, Chris prepped for his launch in fall 2020, and Nacho Business officially opened in January 2021.

“I do a lot of work in Rock Hill and 海角视频ia and everything in between,鈥� Forbis said.

He even brings his food truck to 海角视频鈥檚 Dallas campus about twice a month, sharing his success with our community.

鈥淚鈥檓 very thankful for what this place did for me,鈥� Forbis said. 鈥淭here are a lot of things I know that I avoided because of getting the knowledge about what to do – and what not to do.鈥�

If you have a business idea and would like support to build your own business momentum, visit gaston.edu/sbc/.