Tarboro vet-turned-entrepreneur makes the cut: Startup Showdown finalist

Craig Woodall, a Tarboro resident and Air Force veteran, is moving forward in his pursuit of business innovation. He was selected as one of 18 finalists for the inaugural Startup Showdown, a statewide competition hosted by the North Carolina Small Business Center Network and powered by the Wells Fargo Foundation. Out of 316 applicants from across the state, Woodall stood out for his potential and commitment to his specific business idea.

Following his selection, Woodall will participate in an eight-week program titled Pitch It!. This phase focuses on refining business plans and presentation skills, ensuring every finalist is ready for the final round in August. Woodall credits his success in reaching this stage to his background as a former call center director and his focus on the complete operational process.

Laura Brown Evans, director of the Small Business Center at Edgecombe Community College, has worked with Woodall to sharpen his pitch. She notes that his progression serves as a signal for the economic potential in rural North Carolina regions. It demonstrates that entrepreneurs in smaller counties can access statewide resources and funding.

The competition concludes on September 17, when winners will be announced and a total of $60,000 in startup funding will be awarded. Woodall remains focused on the preparation necessary to compete against the other finalists, as he aims to secure the capital needed to move his project from the planning stage to operation.