Entrepreneurship Programs Build Momentum at the Greensboro Chamber
Posted: 07-07-2009 : GREENSBORO, N.C.

GREENSBORO, N.C. – As the driving force behind entrepreneurship development in Greensboro and the Triad, the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce has been developing several programs designed to nurture the Triad’s entrepreneurial culture. After the Piedmont Triad Entrepreneurial Network (PTEN) dissolved at the end of 2008, The Greensboro Partnership pledged to continue several of PTEN’s programs while developing new approaches to entrepreneurial growth. Programs such as the entrepreneurial education series, the Life Science CEO Roundtable series, and Capital Connects are being retooled and will be offered over the next several months.

“It is exciting to be offering a fresh, new approach to the existing PTEN programming for entrepreneurs and developing new resources to foster a growing entrepreneurial culture in Greensboro and the Triad,” commented Rob Clapper, Greensboro Chamber of Commerce President and the Executive Director of Entrepreneurship for the Greensboro Partnership, the parent organization of the Greensboro Chamber. “Because of the Chamber’s long-standing relationships with key partners like the SBTDC, the Nussbaum Center, and Womble-Carlyle, we feel we are well-positioned to help local entrepreneurs achieve success while helping the community continue its transformation into a fertile region for creating new enterprises.”

As a part of the entrepreneurship initiative, the Piedmont Triad International Bioscience Business Center will be hosted at the Greensboro Chamber in partnership with the NC Biotechnology Center. The Bioscience Business Center was created to accelerate market entry and economic development of International Bioscience Companies into the Piedmont Triad region and North Carolina. A venture capital event is also planned for October 2009 and the North Carolina Nanotechnology Conference is returning to Greensboro in early 2010, an ideal forum to tie new business enterprise to the growing research strengths of the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, North Carolina A&T State University, and Wake Forest University.

The first two educational programs are planned for July and August, 2009. The first, Becoming an Investor Ready Entrepreneur™ is scheduled for July 23 and is designed to educate and prepare growth-oriented entrepreneurs to successfully engage private equity investors. The second program is a two-part series on August 12 and August 19 called Business Launch, designed to help entrepreneurs evaluate their ideas and develop them into growth-oriented businesses. The sessions will explore business planning, legal issues, intellectual property, and finding funding. The SBTDC will be conducting the workshops. Contact Kathy Elliott for more information at 337-387-8322.

The Chamber of Commerce is Greensboro’s premiere business association, working to build a vibrant economy one business at a time through unique educational programs, leadership training, and opportunities to network with key business leaders. The Chamber is a member of the Greensboro Partnership, united with Greensboro Economic Development Alliance and Action Greensboro to create a growing economy and vibrant quality of life. To learn more about the Chamber and its activities in the community visit www.greensborochamber.com.