This is an in-person event at the Benjamin Hooks Central Library.

Creating a business starts with a great idea, but it doesn't end there. There's so much more to know and so many more things to do. In this one-hour SCORE Memphis webinar, we'll go through a series of questions to which you'll need to know the answers, as well as steps you'll need to take to take your idea to the next step. Learn about motivation, market research, mapping out your business in a plan and more! When you finish watching, you'll know how to proceed.

ABOUT THE PRESENTER: Gary Robinson has been with SCORE Memphis since 2017 and now serves as chapter chair and as District Director for the state of Tennessee. He spent 40 years in the newspaper business, including 31 of them in Memphis. His passion is helping aspiring entrepreneurs touch all the bases as they analyze turning their idea into a real business. He knows it's not an easy task, but that's why SCORE is here to help.

LEARN MORE/REGISTER HERE.

The Small Business Council presents Masterclass, a program designed to empower and inspire small business owners. Join us on March 28th at 11:30 am for a dynamic session featuring the esteemed Carolyn Hardy, a distinguished leader renowned for her unparalleled prowess in growing businesses. Carolyn Hardy will be sharing her invaluable insights and unveiling unique strategies that have propelled her success in scaling ventures. This is a remarkable opportunity for you to glean from her wealth of experience and gain actionable tactics to navigate the intricacies of scaling your own business.

$20 for Non-Members

$15 for Members

LEARN MORE/REGISTER HERE.

If you're new to small business, figuring out the proper way to do your taxes can create many headaches. In this workshop you will learn about tax-filing requirements, common deductions and even some Internal Revenue Service record-keeping rules.
ABOUT THE PRESENTER: Dorothy Smith has more than 30 years in the Accounting Industry, including 20 years in the U.S. Airforce as a Financial Management Specialist. She has a Bookkeeping and Tax Practice, and a Masters' degree in Accounting and Financial Management from DeVry University. She is also an Enrolled Agent, which is the highest credential awarded by the IRS to speak on behalf of all taxpayers. Dorothy is also a SCORE Memphis volunteer.

REGISTER/LEARN MORE HERE.

Topic: Marketing and Sales

Marketing your small business may seem like a daunting task, but like all tasks, the first step is to formulate a plan. How do you find segmented markets? You must think constantly about who your customers are. In this class, we will show small business owners how to make your marketing work for you. You will learn: Why you need a marketing plan 10 steps to creating & implementing a marketing plan in your business 3 categories of task items you can jump on today Write a marketing plan with confidence by joining us so you can drive your business toward the results you want! The training workshop is completely free to all small business owners. Please pre-register for seating.

Speaker(s): This class is taught by Eyona Mitchell, Principal Consultant, Market | Profit | Grow

LEARN MORE/REGISTER HERE.

Meet AgLaunch staff and our startup founders to learn how the AgLaunch Farmer Network is helping shape the future of agtech innovation.

Farming is changing rapidly. We all know the role of data, conservation, direct-to-end user markets, and traceability are the future, but farmers are often left figuring it out on their own. The AgLaunch Farmer Network connects farmers with startup companies and specialty crop opportunities to beta test ideas, offer feedback, and, ultimately, increase farm efficiencies and earning power.

Don’t miss this great opportunity to hear from the startups and their plans for 2024 Farm Trials!

In partnership with

Southern Cotton Ginners Association and Foundation

and Delta Farm Press.

REGISTER HERE.

Please join us to meet and hear pitches from AgLaunch's newest cohort of AgTech start-ups with technologies that aid specialty crop, row crop, and livestock producers. Join us for light refreshments and hors d'oeuvres and meet the founders and CEOs leading these teams.

REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED.

Topic: Financing

This in-person workshop will explain the difference between debt and equity, highlight resources that provide them and explain how you should prepare before seeking capital for your business.

Speaker(s): Gary Moore, Business Development Specialist BrightBridge Capital

REGISTER/LEARN MORE HERE.

Learn the art of making great connections at our Small Business Council’s Lunch in the Know with Jana Cardona. Jana, a longtime networking coach and speaker, will share the ins and outs, the dos and don’ts, that will help you turn prospects into clients. Bring your team, and be prepared for practice sessions!

$15 for Members

$20 for Non-Members

REGISTER/LEARN MORE HERE.

We’re thrilled to return with our 11th Annual Mentoring Monday event where we’ll bring in the region's most influential businesswomen to serve as mentors. Designed for busy schedules, this event is an efficient way to build relationships and receive constructive feedback. Attendees will experience an open-minded atmosphere and opportunities to grow their networks, as well as partake in rounds of speed-mentoring with the most in-demand businesswomen in our city.

It’s more important than ever that women take bold action towards advocating for themselves!

Grab a friend or a co-worker and register before tickets sell out. After you sign-up, share this opportunity with your network tagging us @MemphisBusinessJournal and using #MentoringMonday.

REGISTER/LEARN MORE HERE.

Tickets are $45 with parking.

The Small Business Administration has numerous valuable programs and opportunities for small business owners and those aspiring to start small businesses. At this event, on the third floor of the Benjamin L. Hooks Public Library, you will learn about:

** How to market to the Federal Government

** Women-Owned Certification

** HubZone Certification

** 8(a) Business Development Program

** Veteran/Service-Disabled Veteran Certification

** SBA Loans

** The five C's of credit.

NOTE: Seating is limited for this event. Please register early.

ABOUT THE PRESENTER: Eric Terrell is Senior Manager for Middle and West Tennessee for the U.S. Small Business Administration, a position he has held since 2017. Before that, he was marketing director for the General Services Administration.

LEARN MORE/REGISTER HERE.

Topic: Start-up Assistance

This in-person workshop will help you gain insights on why a business plan is important and the preparation needed to begin writing it. Major components of a business plan will be discussed as well as the supporting documentation needed for an effective business plan.

Speaker(s): Dr. Eddie Harris, DBA La'Breda Morrow, MBA

LEARN MORE/REGISTER HERE.

On behalf of the Chairman’s Circle, please join Memphis business leaders for the Greater Memphis Chamber’s annual State of the Economy featuring Chief Investment Strategist David S. Waddell and GMERG Executive Director Tecora Murray. David will present an economic forecast titled “Outlook 2024: Why They Gotta Be So Mean! A Swift Survey of Economics, Politics, and Markets” and allow time for Q&A. Tecora will share “An OVerview of MEMMeasures 2.0,” educating audiences on how Greater Memphis compares to peer economies.

$35 for Members

$50 for Non-Members

Complimentary to members fo the Chairman’s Circle

REGISTER/LEARN MORE HERE.

This is an in-person event at the Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library.

Social media can be a great way to promote your business, sell your products and get your message out to the world. This workshop will look at how best to use Facebook and Instagram to get noticed. What are the trends? What are the best strategies?
ABOUT THE PRESENTER: Sarita Price is a published author, adjunct professor, board certified life coach, motivational speaker, business owner, and social media and branding guru, among other things. She helps her clients develop and enhance their life and leadership skills to be equipped to live and lead with confidence and BOLDNESS through her Soft Skills Matter(TM) practices. She is “Skilling You Softly”.

LEARN MORE/REGISTER HERE.

Topic: Business Basics

In this in-person workshop we will discuss the following: *How to use AI in your business strategies and legally * What businesses can do to protect their AI-generated creations, content, and works.

Speaker(s): Lauren Brown, J. D., MBA Owner and Lead Consultant, LRB Global Consulting Services

REGISTER/LEARN MORE HERE.

Stop by the Hilton Garden Inn Germantown from 8-9 AM for coffee & connections every FIRST Friday of the month.

At every First Friday, you will have the chance to win an opportunity for your business to be the spotlight at the following First Friday! 

First Fridays is open to members and non-members of the Germantown Area Chamber of Commerce.

First Fridays is sponsored by Shoemaker Financial.

REGISTER/LEARN MORE HERE.