W-W Chamber's Small Business Breakfasts to help local small businesses grow, thrive

The Washington-Wilkes Chamber of Commerce is holding the first in a series of breakfasts next Thursday to help Wilkes County businesses grow and thrive.

"We are pleased to announce the first Washington-Wilkes Chamber of Commerce Small Business breakfast," said Allan Soto, chamber board president, "next Thursday, July 9, at 8 a.m. at the Washington Jockey Club."

The guest speaker will be Deborah McKenzie from the University of Georgia Small Business Development Center in Athens. "This is a great opportunity for local business people to learn about SBDC programs that can help your small business grow and business education at no charge," Soto said. "We are very excited to have Mrs. McKenzie come and speak to our mem- bership. Her insight and access to the resources available to the small businesses in our community will be a tremendous asset to our Chamber members."

McKenzie will go over programs provided through the SBDC to small businesses and entrepreneurs at no charge, he said. "Their services include providing expertise by connecting businesses to the right resources, giving expansion assistance, giving Georgia tax credit and exemption information, plus information on access to capital, access to research and technology, export assistance, international connections, competitive market data, website optimization, one-on-one business consulting, and several business education programs."

The July 9 Small Business Breakfast Seminar will be the first of several, Soto said. "As a service to our members, the Chamber will be hosting relevant business speakers on a quarterly schedule through the breakfast format."

Chamber members pay a discounted rate of $8 to cover the cost of the breakfast, and non-members pay $15. "The Washington Jockey Club has generously given us exclusive use of their restaurant for our inaugural Small Business Breakfast Seminar and will be providing a great breakfast bar of eggs, grits, sausage, bacon, French toast, juice, coffee, and more."

The speaker will be available after the breakfast for consultation, Soto said. "She has agreed to remain after the presentation and speak to any members and if necessary schedule future meeting times."