When you start a small business, sometimes you might feel like you’re all alone. It can be challenging to find resources, especially financial ones, unless you keep your ear to the street and talk to other entrepreneurs who have experienced similar challenges.
As a former entrepreneur myself, I know that it is important to always have a plan B, but to also have the rest of the alphabet covered, too. That’s where the Columbus Chamber comes in.
Our new Entrepreneur Program was designed to answer the question: “Where do I go to access the resources, the connections and the funding that I need for my business?”
Why? At the Chamber, we were hearing that a lot of entrepreneurs were going to multiple organizations and entities, trying to find answers. In response, we created a “one-stop-shop” to help navigate all of the resources that are available to small business owners.
Participants in the Entrepreneur Program can turn to Somers Martin. Somers, the Chamber’s Director of Business Development Services, has been serving the needs of small businesses in various roles in Columbus for more than two decades. I call Somers a “virtual” business adviser. She wakes up every day thinking about how to help entrepreneurs.
Depending on where the entrepreneurs are in their business cycle, she might connect them to organizations that can help them tackle challenges like business planning or financial literacy. Or suggest they take advantage of money savings programs, like those offered through the Chamber. Somers can also connect Entrepreneur Program participants to each other – so they can learn and lean on one another.
Entrepreneurs, what can the Chamber do to help take your business to the next level? I invite you to contact Somers to learn more about the business services and solutions we’ve designed for you.
By: Shaun Frecska, Vice President, Membership, Columbus Chamber
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