ELIZABETH CITY, N.C. – College of The Albemarle (COA) is celebrating the success of Small Business Center client Justin Thibodeau, owner of Coastal Aerial Inspection & Analysis in South Mills, who was selected as a finalist in the inaugural Small Business Center Network (SBCN) Startup Showdown.
Justin Thibodeau, SBCN Startup Showdown finalist
Thibodeau is one of 17 entrepreneurs from across North Carolina selected to advance in the statewide competition, which received 316 applications. Participants received more than 1,050 hours of business counseling and technical assistance through local Small Business Centers before advancing through regional and statewide reviews.
The SBCN Startup Showdown was created to identify and support emerging entrepreneurs through business coaching, pitch development, mentorship and opportunities to compete for up to $60,000 in unrestricted startup funding. The competition is presented by the North Carolina Small Business Center Network (SBCN) and powered by the Wells Fargo Foundation.
As finalists, participants will complete an eight-week entrepreneurship training program, receive advanced pitch coaching and prepare for the statewide awards event, where winners will be announced in September.
As part of the competition, public engagement is an important component to determining the Statewide Champion. Beginning September 1, community members can visit the North Carolina Small Business Center Network YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/@ncsmallbusinesscenternetwork and “like” the video of Thibodeau. Videos of the finalists will be added to the YouTube channel by September 1, and voting stays open through September 15. There’s no limit; every “like” counts as a vote. Finalist videos will be published September 1.
Coastal Aerial Inspection & Analysis specializes in professional aerial inspection and analysis services. The company uses advanced drone technology to provide businesses and organizations with data, imagery and insights that improve safety, efficiency and decision-making.
From left: Holly Staples, director of the College of The Albemarle Small Business Center, and Justin Thibodeau, owner of Coastal Aerial Inspection & Analysis.
“We are incredibly proud of Justin for earning a place among North Carolina’s top entrepreneurial talent,” said Holly Staples, COA Small Business Center Director. “His selection reflects his innovative vision and commitment to building a business that serves our region. Supporting entrepreneurs as they move from an idea to statewide recognition is exactly why the Small Business Center exists, and we look forward to cheering Justin on throughout the competition.”
“At College of The Albemarle, we are committed to supporting entrepreneurs whose ideas and determination strengthen our communities and regional economy,” said Dr. Jack Bagwell, President of College of The Albemarle. “Justin’s selection as a finalist highlights his entrepreneurial spirit and the value of connecting small business owners with the guidance and resources they need to grow their businesses. We congratulate him on this achievement and wish him continued success in the competition.”
The COA Small Business Center provides confidential business counseling, educational seminars and resources at no cost to entrepreneurs and small business owners throughout the region. By helping businesses launch, grow and succeed, the center supports economic development and strengthens communities across northeastern North Carolina.
The SBCN Startup Showdown represents a collaborative effort among North Carolina’s 58 community college Small Business Centers to foster entrepreneurship and connect promising business owners with the tools and resources needed for long-term success.
To learn more about the COA Small Business Center and its services, visit www.albemarle.edu/sbc or contact Holly Staples, Director, at 252-335-0821, ext. 2370 or [email protected].
For all other COA-related information or media inquiries, contact Tammy W. Sawyer, Executive Director, Public Relations and Institutional Engagement, at 252-335-0821 ext. 2420 or [email protected].