Antowanna Carpenter
Indian Trail,NC
Summary
Experienced workforce development, educator and business consultant leader with more than 20 years of experience designing and delivering training programs, building strategic partnerships, and supporting economic growth through education and workforce initiatives. Proven success working with businesses, entrepreneurs, community organizations, and educational institutions to identify workforce needs, develop customized solutions, and strengthen organizational performance. Extensive experience in business consulting, program management, grant-funded initiatives, stakeholder engagement, and workforce training, including supporting more than 280 small businesses through training, technical assistance, certification support, and business development services.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Business Consultant (Contract)
Granting Hope / North Carolina Small Business Center Network
Charlotte, NC
08.2010 - Current
- Provide business consulting and workforce development support through multiple North Carolina Small Business Centers.
- Facilitate workshops and training programs on entrepreneurship, business planning, leadership, nonprofit development, and organizational growth.
- Support workforce and economic development initiatives through strategic partnerships and community engagement.
- Serve on the Central Piedmont Community College Small Business Center Advisory Board, providing strategic guidance on small business development and community engagement initiatives.
- Assist businesses with growth planning, funding strategies, operations, and sustainability.
Project Manager
Central Piedmont Community College
Charlotte, NC
03.2022 - 06.2024
- Managed a $600,000 grant-funded workforce and business development initiative serving more than 280 small businesses through training, technical assistance, and government contracting readiness services.
- Developed and implemented the Small Business Government Contracting Initiative to expand access to government contracting opportunities and business certifications.
- Built strategic partnerships with businesses, community organizations, and economic development stakeholders to support program growth and participant success.
- Oversaw vendor procurement, contract administration, program compliance, budgeting, and performance outcomes to ensure successful program delivery.
Professor of Business Administration
South Piedmont Community College
Monroe, NC
06.2025 - Current
- Developed and delivered engaging course content in Business Administration, enhancing student understanding and participation.
- Serve as academic advisors for business students
- Awarded the UNC World View Globalization Grant
Adjunct Business Administration
Central Piedmont Community College
Charlotte, NC
08.2024 - 06.2025
- Designed curriculum based on course concepts, ensuring alignment with academic standards.
- Served as a subject-matter expert, providing critical assistance in decision-making processes, leveraging expertise to inform strategic choices and optimize program performance.
Senior Grants Management Specialist
Department of Homeland Security , FEMA
Madison, WI
08.2024 - 12.2024
- Managed grant proposals and awards, ensuring compliance with federal regulations and agency policies.
- Developed training materials for grantees, enhancing understanding of funding processes and requirements.
- Conducted thorough reviews of financial reports, identifying discrepancies and ensuring accurate fund allocation.
- Collaborated with stakeholders to streamline grant application processes, improving efficiency and applicant experience.
Business Administration Instructor
Central Piedmont Community College
Charlotte, NC
08.2022 - 08.2024
- Developed comprehensive business curricula aligned with industry standards and student needs.
- Facilitated engaging lectures and discussions to enhance student learning and participation.
- Implemented innovative teaching methods to improve course delivery and student outcomes.
Education
MBA - Business Administration
Strayer University
Raleigh, NC07-2012
Bachelor's - Business Management
Shaw University
Raleigh, NC06-1994
Skills
- Workforce Development
- Corporate Education & Training
- Strategic Partnerships
- Employer Engagement
- Program Management
- Business Development
- Grant-Funded Programs
- Budget Management
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT, TRAINING & GRANT IMPACT
- Deliver business consulting, workforce development, and training services to entrepreneurs, nonprofits, and small business owners throughout North Carolina.
- Develop and facilitate workshops, seminars, and customized training programs in entrepreneurship, leadership, nonprofit management, grant writing, and organizational growth.
- Provide technical assistance and business coaching through partnerships with Central Piedmont, South Piedmont, Stanly, and Wilkes Community College Small Business Centers.
- Serve on the Central Piedmont Community College Small Business Center Advisory Board, providing strategic guidance on entrepreneurship and small business development initiatives.
- Build partnerships with business leaders, educational institutions, nonprofits, and community organizations to support economic and workforce development efforts.
Timeline
Professor of Business Administration
South Piedmont Community College
06.2025 - Current
Adjunct Business Administration
Central Piedmont Community College
08.2024 - 06.2025
Senior Grants Management Specialist
Department of Homeland Security , FEMA
08.2024 - 12.2024
Business Administration Instructor
Central Piedmont Community College
08.2022 - 08.2024
Project Manager
Central Piedmont Community College
03.2022 - 06.2024
Business Consultant (Contract)
Granting Hope / North Carolina Small Business Center Network
08.2010 - Current
MBA - Business Administration
Strayer University
Bachelor's - Business Management
Shaw University