Kelly Barber
About
Kelly Barber serves as Director of the Small Business Center at Halifax Community College, where she champions entrepreneurs and helps communities embrace the possibilities of the Experience Economy. A lifelong entrepreneur and passionate advocate for rural economic development, Kelly brings both firsthand business ownership experience and a deep commitment to helping entrepreneurs launch, grow, and sustain successful businesses.
A native of Halifax County, Kelly's entrepreneurial journey began at an early age, inspired by parents who demonstrated the value of hard work, resourcefulness, and small business ownership. In 2008, she founded KWB & CO, where she currently serves as Chief Innovation Officer. Now in her 18th year as a business owner, Kelly credits entrepreneurship as her greatest education, providing firsthand insight into the realities of building a business, overcoming funding challenges, and creating opportunities through innovation and perseverance.
Kelly earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing from Appalachian State University and a Master of Arts in Human Resource Development from North Carolina State University. She is also a graduate of Meredith College's Broyhill Leadership Institute and has earned numerous professional certifications in entrepreneurship, human resources, financial coaching, and business development, including Master Certified REAL Entrepreneurship Facilitator with specializations in Agriculture, Professional Craft Arts, and Pitch It!.
Throughout her career, Kelly has served in leadership roles across business, workforce development, and economic development while actively supporting numerous regional organizations and advisory groups. In 2024, she received the North Carolina Small Business Center Network Center of Excellence Award for Innovation in Services and Collaboration for her "Pitch Your Arts Business" program, which culminated in the countywide Artsapalooza celebration and helped launch eight new artpreneur businesses.
Known for her practical, results-oriented approach, Kelly is passionate about helping entrepreneurs strengthen their financial literacy, develop sustainable business strategies, and build thriving businesses that create lasting impact in rural communities. She believes there are no true problems—only opportunities waiting for creative solutions—and finds her greatest reward in the "lightbulb moments" when entrepreneurs discover what's possible.