Small Business Programs

Managing a Successful Business

Whether your business is new or you are an experienced business owner facing growth or challenges, the “Managing a Successful Business” course will provide you with the key elements of running a successful business.

The eight three-hour sessions span two months, beginning each year in late February or early March. Each session is from 5:45 to 8:30 p.m. at the Jackson Area Chamber of Commerce. Interested entrepreneurs may sign up for the full eight sessions or attend individual sessions. The cost to attend is $240 for the full course, or $40 per session. Costs to attend include materials and a light dinner.

The “Managing a Successful Business” course is designed specifically with the needs of busy business owners and managers in mind. Sessions are led by Ron Acree, Director of the Tennessee Small Business Development Center, and Joel Newman, Small Business Counseling Service president, along with several outside experts.

This learning system is designed to help businesses help themselves. Each topic focuses on a different strategic management skill to allow participants to bring that area of business under control before moving on to the next skill. Content is cutting edge, concise, targeted and practical providing tested and proven techniques to help support professional success and long-term business profitability.

Topics include business plans, cash flow management, forecasting, target marketing, time management, financing and e-commerce. With the completion of 80 percent of the sessions, participants will qualify for an incentives package.

The sessions are sponsored by The Chamber’s West Tennessee Business Resource Center, Tennessee Small Business Development Center of Jackson State Community College and the Chamber’s Small Business Counseling Service.

For additional information, call 731.427.7900 or email jrenshaw@jacksontn.com.

B for Business

“B for Business” is a networking and informational breakfast, held the last Thursday of each month at The Chamber. The event is a program of the Chamber’s West Tennessee Business Resource Center and First Tennessee Bank. Breakfasts are limited to Chamber members.  Each month, a small business owner presents a program on some aspect of owning or operating a business.

The program is for toward small business (1-20 employees) and business owners or managing decision makers.  The breakfasts begin at 7:45 a.m. each month and conclude at 9 a.m.

Invitations to the breakfast are sent to all small businesses who are Chamber members, but the event is limited to the first 50 who sign up each month.

For additional information, call Judy Renshaw, 731.423.2200 or e-mail jrenshaw@jacksontn.com.

Non-Profit Executives Roundtable

The Non-Profit Executives Roundtable is a monthly forum designed for non-profit executives, or non-profit board members. The program is held the first Thursday of each month, beginning at 8:00 a.m. at the Chamber, 197 Auditorium Street. The event features discussion about issues pertinent to non-profits. All non-profit executives in the West Tennessee are invited and encouraged to attend this free roundtable. For additional information, email Judy Renshaw, jrenshaw@jacksontn.com, or call 731.423.0403.

Business Expo

The next show will be held in the fall of 2009 at Jackson Fairgrounds Park. Booths will be available for business displays. Business Expo is a great way for area businesses to create awareness and gain new customers. For more information, contact Lisa Webb, lwebb@jacksontn.com or call 731.423.2200.




Pinnacle Awards

The Chamber's Pinnacle Awards are designed to recognize local companies that demonstrate distinction in many categories. Because of the diversity of size, age and product/service orientation of local businesses, several Pinnacle Awards are established to appropriately judge and award those who are deserving. For additional information, contact Lisa Webb, lwebb@jacksontn.com, or call 731.423.2200. Nominations are accepted beginning in August each year.

College Intern Clearinghouse

The Chamber's West TN Business Resource Center (WTBRC) facilitates a Clearinghouse for Colege Interns to assist companies and organizations in the community. Anyone interested in obtaining an intern should contact the WTBRC and complete a form which will be sent to all participating schools, including Lambuth University, Union University, Lane College, Freed-Hardeman University, Jackson State Community College, and West Tennessee Business College. School representatives will then contact interested companies for specifics. To obtain the intern request form, contact Judy Renshaw, jrenshaw@jacksontn.com, or call 731.423.2200.