Gaston’s Small Business Center Helped Chris Forbis Start Strong with his New Business
Nacho Business food truck owner Chris Forbis is a perfect example of how Gaston College’s Small Business Center helps our community own their momentum. Chris credits the Center’s free support and training as the key to his five years of success.
When Chris’s 15-year information technology career came to a sudden halt in 2020, he saw an opportunity to pursue his dream of starting a business.
That’s when he turned to Gaston College’s Small Business Center and signed up for an online class.
“It was a 12-week, 1-hour per week online course,” said Forbis, a Burlington native who now lives in nearby Lake Wylie, S.C. “I had taken classes previous courses at another community college, so I was familiar with and really appreciated the opportunities it provides working adults. When I was planning to start up my own business, I looked for any resources that would help.”
Chris joined a group of about 12 aspiring entrepreneurs, all eager to build momentum for their business ideas. He received instruction from teachers, local business owners, marketing experts, and even a certified public accountant, gaining real-world advice on how to get started the right way.
“It was very rewarding,” Forbis said. “Not only from the information that was passed along, but also the networking that we did. I have since followed up with several of the people in my class. They asked how my truck was doing, and they came out to see me. I went to see how their events were doing.
“For the cost and simplicity of the course, you can’t beat it. It gave me a lot of tools that I wouldn’t have had when I opened up my business. I truly believe that I avoided a lot of mistakes that other food truck owners encounter because of that class.”
With his new skills and support, Chris prepped for his launch in fall 2020, and Nacho Business officially opened in January 2021.
“I do a lot of work in Rock Hill and Gastonia and everything in between,” Forbis said.
He even brings his food truck to Gaston College’s Dallas campus about twice a month, sharing his success with our community.
“I’m very thankful for what this place did for me,” Forbis said. “There are a lot of things I know that I avoided because of getting the knowledge about what to do – and what not to do.”
If you have a business idea and would like support to build your own business momentum, visit gaston.edu/sbc/.
