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Where the Sandhillsâ white-gray soil surrenders to Piedmont clay, Lee County has pulled much of its history from the ground. The process of forming earth into bricks has endured more than 60 years in its county seat, Sanford, which is also known as Brick Capital of the USA. Fields of tobacco and cotton once stretched to the horizon. While it holds tight to those traditions, itâs growing in new directions.
At almost 255 square miles â 89th-largest of North Carolinaâs 100 counties â Lee County is smack in the middle of the state, near Harnett, Moore and Chatham counties. Like its neighbors, itâs busy tending a high-tech economy of advanced manufacturing, food processing, aerospace, biotechnology and pharmaceuticals. Itâs possible in large part because of workforce training orchestrated and tailored by the local community college, a chamber of commerce dedicated to educating and encouraging entrepreneurs, and expanding health care options.
A new catering business will soon open in downtown Sanford thanks to a $5,000 grant from the cityâs Real Investment in Sanford Entrepreneurs program.
GiGiâs Creations is set to open Feb. 1 in the historic city hall building at 143 Charlotte Ave. Owner Angie Mundy is a graduate of the RISE programâs second class and beat out 11 other entrepreneurs in her course for the grant. Those interested in attending the course submit a business plan and 12 are selected by the Sanford Area Growth Alliance to participate in the free classes.
Offered in conjunction with Central Carolina Community Collegeâs Small Business Center, the eight-week program aims to help aspiring entrepreneurs develop a concrete business plan. Graduates of the first class opened several downtown businesses, including Seva Yoga Studio on Wicker Street and High Cotton Couture on South Steele Street.