CCC Small Business Center client selected as finalist in statewide competition

Staff reports | Cleveland Community College

Cleveland Community College’s Small Business Center is proud to announce that local entrepreneur Stacie Norris-Humphries of Boiling Springs has been selected as a finalist in the inaugural SBCN Startup Showdown, a statewide competition hosted by the North Carolina Community College System.

Norris-Humphries earned her place among the statewide finalists after working closely with CCC Small Business Center Director Stephen Lancaster, who provided guidance and counseling throughout the application process. Her selection highlights the vital role CCC’s Small Business Center plays in supporting aspiring entrepreneurs and helping transform business ideas into reality.

The SBCN Startup Showdown—powered by the Wells Fargo Foundation—is a new statewide initiative created to identify and support emerging business leaders across North Carolina.

The program attracted 316 applicants from across the state, with only 18 chosen to advance as finalists following a competitive regional review process.

As a finalist, Norris-Humphries is now participating in an intensive entrepreneurship development experience that includes the Small Business Center Network’s REAL Entrepreneurship “Pitch It!” training program, along with ongoing mentorship, coaching, and business counseling. Participants will refine their business plans, strengthen their presentation skills, and prepare to pitch their concepts before a panel of judges later this year.

The competition will culminate in a final pitch event and awards ceremony on September 17, where top participants will compete for a share of $60,000 in startup funding, along with statewide recognition and continued business support.

Norris-Humphries’ business concept focuses on creating a community-centered fitness studio that combines group exercise classes with accessible childcare options—an idea inspired by her own experiences as a mother. A certified yoga and Pilates instructor, she currently teaches at the Ruby YMCA, Dover YMCA, and at community pop-up locations. Her work emphasizes creating a welcoming, supportive environment, particularly for mothers navigating fitness, wellness, and life transitions.

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Through her collaboration with CCC’s Small Business Center, Norris-Humphries was able to further develop her vision, prepare a strong application, and successfully navigate the rigorous selection process, which included a video pitch, letters of recommendation, and business counseling sessions.

“Stacie’s selection as a finalist demonstrates both her passion and the strength of the support available through our Small Business Center,” said Lancaster. “We are proud to be part of her journey and excited to see her continue to grow.”

The Startup Showdown was designed to connect entrepreneurs with local Small Business Centers across all 58 North Carolina community colleges, providing access to expertise, training, and resources that help early-stage businesses build momentum.

For Norris-Humphries, being selected is already a meaningful achievement.

“I’m just grateful for the opportunity to learn and grow through this experience,” she said. “This has given me the confidence to pursue something bigger than I originally imagined.”

Cleveland Community College’s Small Business Center offers free counseling, training, and resources to entrepreneurs at every stage of business development. Norris-Humphries’ success underscores the Center’s commitment to fostering innovation and supporting economic growth throughout Cleveland County.

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Story courtesy of Cleveland Community College.

The Shelby Independent.