March 8, 2023

Forsyth Tech’s Small Business Center hired a new Director in 2022, and she has worked steadily over the past several months to increase the offerings and opportunities for small businesses in our community.

Martha Larson came to Forsyth Tech after serving at Davidson-Davie Community College, and has been recognized as the State Director of the Year by the North Carolina Community College System.

In addition to leading Forsyth Tech’s Small Business Center, Martha is also the Regional Director for the Piedmont/Triad region, providing leadership to the seven Small Business Center Directors in the region. Martha also serves as co-chair of the Professional Development Committee for the Small Business Center Network and worked to ensure the success of the planning and execution of the network’s fall and spring conferences.

According to the NCCCS, she was “…recognized for providing extensive support to three colleges that were in transition, helping with search committees to hire new directors, helping onboard new directors once hired, and supporting the completion of annual reports and counseling activities while the positions were vacant.

“It is an honor to be able to support the small business owners of our community and I am so grateful for the recognition and the support that Forsyth Tech offers through the SBC and the many programs at our campuses and centers!” Martha said.

Since being at Forsyth Tech, she has created new learning opportunities for the community. With Martha’s leadership, the Small Business Center has coordinated an AgriBusiness Conference, an arts-based conference and the Business Black Summit.

This spring, the Small Business Center is funding a Digital Marketing certificate series; and established a programming, mentoring and grant program in Spanish. The Small Business Center utilized Wells Fargo grant funds to award six clients with mentorship and grant forms of $5,000 each, and has funded over $10,000 in professional services to serve business clients in intensive counseling services that include legal, accounting, bookkeeping, and marketing assistance.

The Small Business Center also hosted a Women on the Rise leadership conference on March 3, in coordination with the Division of Inclusive Excellence and Employee Care at Forsyth Tech.