Special to IFN
The Greater Statesville Chamber of Commerce and the Mitchell Community College Small Business Center are working together to launch “Commerce Circles – Small Business Forums” for the Statesville and Iredell County business community.
Commerce Circles are specialized groups designed to foster collaboration and growth for local entrepreneurs and growing businesses. This dynamic platform is designed to empower and connect small business owners, from start-ups to well-established organizations by bringing together local experts in a variety of fields to discuss taking a business to the next level.
These targeted groups provide a platform to directly connect with those who share similar interests and challenges.
Here are some examples of what Commerce Circles are designed to accomplish:
● Allow for an exchange of ideas and best practices by sharing your expertise and gaining valuable insights from peers in your industry.
● The opportunity to collaborate on opportunities by exploring new possibilities, tackling challenges together, and discovering unique business solutions.
● Building lasting relationships and connecting with local business professionals who understand the specific landscape you navigate.
● Fuel your organization’s growth by gaining the support and resources you need to thrive in the Statesville and Iredell area market.
The first forum in a series of three slated for 2024 is set for Tuesday, August 20, from 9 to 11:30 a.m. at the Statesville Civic Center, located 300 S. Center Street in Statesville. Light refreshments will be served while having productive conversations and networking.
The agenda includes a welcome and introduction to the forum leadership team, roundtable discussions with relevant topics for small business, networking with fellow business owners, discussion of future forums, and closing remarks.
The speakers of the day include:
● City of Statesville Manager – Ron Smith
● Iredell County Commissioner Chair- Melissa Neader
● Iredell County Economic Development – Todd Black
● Mitchell Community College Small Business Center – Suzanne Wallace
● Small Business Administration (SBA) – Aregnaz Mooradian
● Small Business Success Story – Johnson Greenhouses – Ron and Cheryl Matthews, owners
Registration
RSVP is required: Visit https://tinyurl.com/3pdutjsu.
2024-2025 Commerce Circles Schedule
● August 20 – Business Forum Kick-off
● October 8 – Roundtable Discussion – Is Your Strategy Working? Growing/Scaling Your Business and Time Management Tactics
● December 3 – Business Forum – Building Strength in 2025
● January 21 – Roundtable Discussion – Hiring and Managing Your Team. How to hire the best employees, set expectations and quickly address problems
● March 11 – Roundtable Discussion – Financial Strength – For Profit & Non Profit
● May 3 – Roundtable Discussion – The Power of Customer Service
● August 12 – Business Forum – Building New Skills
This series is made possible by our sponsor Huntington Bank.
LEARN MORE
For more information about the Small Business Forums or The Greater Statesville Chamber of Commerce, please contact Nicole Kershner, 704-873-2892, Ext. 2 or email nkershner@StatesvilleChamber.org or visit https://www.statesvillechamber.org.