Small business owners and managers can apply to the Paducah Area Chamber of Commerce for the Small Business Collection Program. The five-month program, now in its third year, has yielded excellent results for the 30 graduates from the past two years. The program aims to help business owners work through problems and stabilize and/or grow their businesses.
Current graduates have expanded their businesses, opened new locations and reached new levels of business. Participants do not have to be Chamber members and are available throughout Western Kentucky and Southern Illinois.
Applications are currently available for classes starting June 7 and running through October. Applications are available at www.paducahchamber.org/cohort. The cost to attend is $750 and scholarships are available. Minority-Owned Business Scholarships are sponsored by Western Kentucky Community and Technical College and the McKenzie Scott National Charitable Trust.
“Our Small Business Coalition is focused on giving small businesses the skills and connections they need to move to the next level and grow,” said Chamber President/CEO Sandra Wilson. “Over the past two years, we’ve helped more than 30 business owners increase their income and reach in our area.”
The program is led by Chris Wooldridge, director of Murray State University’s Center for Economic and Entrepreneurship Development. Class members attend 10 academic sessions and spend time outside of the classroom with local mentors and with each other.
Kathy Englert, owner of Compass Advice and Chicken Salad Chick, and Chris Hill, owner of IHM Used Parts, will serve as mentors to bring participants together. Both have completed previous studies at “Next Fix” and are eager to help the next cohort.
“It’s always helpful to connect with other small business owners about their struggles, strategy and successes,” Englert said. “This program is for small business owners who have a common interest in making small business better. Those new to small business can meet and share in ways that will help them feel confident about what to fix next.”
Participants are recognized frequently throughout the program during the Paducah Chamber Power Partnership Breakfast, as well as through the chamber’s weekly e-news and monthly newsletter.
Payment plans are available and there is a money-back guarantee for those dissatisfied with the program after completing the program with no more than two absences.
