November 5, 2025

SBC at R-CCC Presents Six Awards from First-Ever Pitch Competition

                                                                       

AHOSKIE, NC – Roanoke-Chowan Community College’s (R-CCC) Small Business Center (SBC) hosted its first-ever Small Business Accelerator & Pitch Competition Graduation-Awards Ceremony on Nov. 1, celebrating the achievements of local entrepreneurs and awarding $8,800 in funding to six standout participants.
 
The pitch competition, open exclusively to program participants and judges, culminated in a public graduation and awards ceremony recognizing the first cohort of graduates. The program was designed to support aspiring business owners through training, mentorship and funding opportunities.
 
Graduates of the inaugural program included Bianca Anthony (The Seed of Life Farm), Char’ Donnay Archer (Zinnie Mae Foundation), Dawn Ayscue (Legacy Wishes, LLC), Dr. Darick Bryant (Bryant Training & Consulting), Craig Dennis (Main Street Flowers & Art), Candance Renolds-Mebane (Place of Purpose), Melissa Smith (AAB Logistics, LLC), Melissa Stillman (Madhouse Coffee Bar & Café, LLC) and Jameese Watson (T & J Keys 2 Success).
 
Award recipients were:

• 1st place ($4,500): Melissa Stillman, Madhouse Coffee Bar & Café, LLC
  • 3 hours of expert business counseling
  • Professional branding photography session
  • Complimentary one-year Chamber of Commerce membership
• 2nd place ($2,000): Dr. Darick Bryant, Bryant Training & Consulting
  • 2 hours of expert business counseling
• 3rd place ($1,000): Craig Dennis, Main Street Flowers & Art
  • 1 hour of expert business counseling
• 4th place ($500): Melissa Smith, AAB Logistics, LLC
• 5th place ($500): Bianca Anthony, The Seed of Life Farm
• 6th place ($300): Dawn Ayscue, Legacy Wishes, LLC

 
All participants received a Certificate of Completion from the R-CCC Small Business Accelerator Program, a professional headshot courtesy of the Small Business Center via Dream Graphix and continued access to SBC counseling and resources year-round.
“Winning first place in the accelerator and pitch program was an incredible honor,” said Melissa Stillman, owner of Madhouse Coffee Bar & Café. “This program really opened my eyes to parts of my business I wasn't paying attention to. It helped me see the bigger picture—not just the day-to-day work, but how to plan for sustainability, growth and greater community impact. I left feeling more focused and inspired to take Madhouse Coffee Bar & Café to the next level.”
 
The program was sponsored by NC IDEA Foundation, a statewide organization supporting entrepreneurship, and the National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship. Local chamber sponsors included the Ahoskie, Murfreesboro and Northampton County Chambers of Commerce.
 
“This is more than a celebration of business ideas. It’s a celebration of courage, collaboration and community,” said SBC Director SaRatta Murphy. “Over the past 20 months, we have experienced incredible growth by listening to our entrepreneurs and responding to their needs.”
 
Under Murphy’s leadership, the SBC has:

• Increased entrepreneurial training events by 265%
• Boosted attendance by 435%
• Doubled one-to-one counseling hours
• Tripled new businesses launched
• Re-established the SBC Advisory Board after a 15-year hiatus
• Strengthened partnerships with local chambers, Chowan University and the Bertie Business Network
• Expanded reach through WAVY 10, Uplift Tourism and Earl 98.3FM
• Hosted events including Business After Hours, Holiday Market and the Women’s Conference
• Welcomed the NC Secretary of State’s Main Street Walk and hosted a Small Business Roundtable
• Scheduled the launch of an entrepreneurship program at Hertford County Early College High School in December

 
“Roanoke-Chowan Community College is proud to support the entrepreneurial spirit that drives our region forward,” said R-CCC President Murray J. Williams. “The success of this inaugural pitch competition reflects our commitment to empowering individuals, strengthening local economies and fostering innovation. We commend these graduates for their vision and determination.”
 
For more information about the R-CCC SBC and upcoming programs, visit www.roanokechowan.edu. 

Roanoke-Chowan Community College’s Mission

Roanoke-Chowan Community College, a member of the North Carolina Community College System and located in Hertford County, is a public, two-year institution of higher education offering associate degrees, diplomas, certificates, college and career readiness, and customized business and industry training in a variety of delivery modes promoting public service, transfer, and workforce development for a diverse student body, leading them to contribute to the vitality of an increasingly global community. www.roanokechowan.edu #DiscoverRCCC “Where community and careers connect”

Media Contact: Melanie Temple, Director of Marketing & Recruitment/PIO, metemple7181@roanokechowan.edu, 252-862-1243