BUSINESS MATTERS

Karin Hopkins

With the holidays approaching, let’s remember that local, small businesses need our support. We will definitely focus on this sector during Small Business Saturday, a national event that was shaped to fit our community by two enterprising go-getters. Last year, Garrysa Caffey and Stephanie Simon introduced us to the Small Business Saturday concept. In 2016, it was so successful they outgrew the venue. For 2017, they have moved to the Tuskegee Municipal Complex where they can accommodate more of everything—more businesses, more consumers and more partners. This year, the Tuskegee University business group, ENACTUS will present a version of “Shark Tank” during the Small Business Saturday experience. Open to Tuskegee University students, cash prizes will be awarded for business concepts based on the United Nations Sustainable Goals. The complex will be transformed into an expo environment with exhibit space for attendees to meet face to face with a wide range of entrepreneurs. On a personal note, I participated last year to showcase my digital media platform ECHOboom. I also carved out time to shop with participating retailers. If you have seen me carrying a stylish crocodile purse, it was purchased at the Small Business Saturday event last year and I look forward to buying new merchandise this year. So you see, the benefits can be personal and professional. Business owners may pick up valuable tips at the market readiness breakfast seminar. Everything is free and open to the public. Participating businesses also get in on the action at no cost. Since there are space constraints, local and student businesses are required to pre-register online at www.tusmacsbs.eventbrite.com no later than November 11, 2017. For more information regarding Small Business Saturday, please contact Stephanie Simon at 334-226-0750. The Tuskegee Area Chamber of Commerce (TACC) is a sponsor of this project and it is a good fit since the mission is all about BUSINESS MATTERS.

Small Business Saturday Schedule

Saturday – November 18, 2017
“Are You Market Ready” Breakfast Seminar – 9:00am until 10:00am
(Open to Local Businesses and Student Businesses)
Small Business Saturday Vendor Exhibit – 10:00am until 1:00pm
(Local Businesses & Student Businesses)
Shark Tank Business Pitch Competition
Sponsored by ENACTUS – 1:30pm until 3:30pm
(Exclusively for Student Participants – Public Audience)

Karin Hopkins is executive director of the Tuskegee Area Chamber of Commerce and also co-founder of ECHOboom, a digital media platform. Contact her at ourchamberworks@gmail.com.