CFCC Launches SAIL Program to Support Aspiring Entrepreneurs

April 14, 2026

Illustration of a person standing at the helm of a sailboat using a telescope, while three people below push the boat forward. Upward arrows, clouds, and a sun in the background suggest progress, growth, and forward momentum.

Wilmington, NC (April 14, 2026) – Cape Fear Community College’s Small Business Center, in partnership with Bank OZK, is proud to present the Startup Acceleration & Idea Launch (SAIL) program, a 10-week entrepreneurial training cohort and pitch competition designed for first-time founders.

The SAIL program provides participants with a comprehensive blend of educational workshops, hands-on learning opportunities, and personalized support. The program is designed to guide aspiring entrepreneurs through key stages of business development, from refining an idea to building a sustainable business plan and preparing for launch.

The program will be led by Cherith Roberson, a small business owner, speaker, educator, and author of The Guided Small Business PlannerTM. Roberson previously served as Director of the Wake Technical Community College Small Business Center from 2017 to 2022 and is now the owner of Flourish in Growth, where she helps entrepreneurs build and grow successful businesses. In 2020, she was recognized as State Director of the Year by the North Carolina Small Business Center Network for her leadership and support of business owners during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The program meets weekly from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., beginning August 20 and continuing through October 29. Sessions will be held virtually, with the exception of the first meeting and the final pitch competition on October 29. Each session will focus on a different aspect of launching and growing a business.

Participation in the program is free, and enrollment is limited to 15 participants. Selected participants will also have the opportunity to compete for startup capital, with prizes awarded to the top three finalists: $4,000 for first place, $2,500 for second place, and $1,500 for third place.

“Starting a business can be challenging, but programs like SAIL provide the structure and support entrepreneurs need to succeed, “said Jerry Coleman, Director of CFCC’s Small Business Center. “We are committed to equipping individuals with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to build strong, resilient businesses.”

This program is open to residents of New Hanover and Pender counties who are first-time entrepreneurs in the early planning or startup phase. Applicants should have developed their business idea within the last six months and should not have generated income. Individuals interested in participating can apply at cfcc.edu/small-business-center/sail/ .

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