Small Business Services

The Small Business Committee has developed key programs specifically designed to strengthen the fundamentals of small business. We call it BizToaster "It's your business...well done." 

Eight sessions, two hours each, covering subjects that matter most to small businesses. Sessions run September 2019 through April 2020 and take place on the first Thursday of each month at the chamber office.

• $299 for Non-Chamber Members
• $250 for Chamber Members

SESSION 1: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION TO CUSTOMER LOYALTY
September 5th     11AM - 1PM  by David Kee

Empower your employees to be your company’s greatest asset by intentionally focusing on building loyalty through positively outrageous service, improved customer-relations skills, manners, social cues and attitudes.

SESSION 2: LEAD, FOLLOW OR GET OUT OF THE WAY
October 3rd         11AM - 1PM  by Ray Montgomery

Employees are an organization’s most vital resource. This talk will focus on principles that will help leaders maximize that resource. There are a combination of skills and techniques discussed within the session that will help leaders build relationships and ensure maximum results.

SESSION 3: DIGITAL MARKETING ESSENTIALS
November 7        11AM - 1PM  by Justin Johnson & Phillip Slavin

Facebook is a powerful social media marketing tool for small businesses. We will reveal an easy-to-follow Facebook marketing strategy that empowers you to craft posts that convert while working within the Facebook algorithm.

SESSION 4: DREAM IT. DO IT.
December 5        11AM - 1PM  by Whitney Horton from ASBTDC

Entrepreneurial Business and Succession Planning. Organize your business plan in a logical way using Lean Canvas to steer your company toward its goals and track progress, expectations and accountability.

SPRING SESSIONS

We will tailor the Spring 2020 sessions to meet the needs of Small Business University Class ll. Topics could include business budgeting and financial management, legal compliance, HR tips, and apps and software to boost productivity for small businesses. Dates will remain the first Thursday of each month from 11a.m.-1p.m.

The Consultants’ Club is a FREE service to member and non-member organizations to assist in clarifying business goals and acquire the knowledge, resources and perspective to meet them.

Non-chamber members may access the program at no charge for one session; additional sessions will be available upon joining the chamber.

HOW IT WORKS:

Have lunch...on us! After answering some questions on our online form about your business needs, you will be invited to a casual lunch meeting with a handful of strategic thought partners from differing business backgrounds to chat with you about your points of interest. There’s no pressure and all information is confidential.

The consultants offer unique insights based on their own experiences and are passionate about supporting Searcy businesses. You will walk away with some informal feedback and will receive a follow up list of resources to assist you in your pursuit of success.

When you run a small business, you wear a lot of hats and make a zillion decisions. The good news is ... you don’t have to figure everything out alone! Ask about connecting with one of our Small Business Mentors. We pair you with someone who has industry experience who can be a sounding board for the “What should I do?” questions.

Wouldn’t it be nice to have a trusted mentor to reach out to while navigating the challenges of growing your business?

We want the community to be thinking “Shop Local” year-round. Monthly micro campaigns are content marketing campaigns utilizing talented PR students from Harding University to generate content centered on a theme each month that highlights chamber businesses and encourages shopping local.

Content generated will be dispersed through the chamber’s social media, chamber e-mail blasts, The Daily Citizen, Searcy.com, and others. Chamber staff will select chamber member businesses that will match up with the theme each month. The content generated also provides assets for the chamber members to utilize for their own marketing purposes.

We each do a little. We all do a lot! The Searcy Cash Mob is a group of women who love our town and want to see local businesses succeed. We will periodically post on our Facebook group page places and times to meet up and shop, eat or do something.

The idea is to boost local boutiques, shops, restaurants and other points of interest by coming together to shop. It is a great way to have a night out and make new friends. Invite others to join our group; we plan to meet up once or twice a month. Don't worry, we will give the shops a heads up that we are coming. Let's make a big impact for Searcy's local businesses!

Online reviews of businesses are so important when consumers are deciding where to eat and shop. These reviews are present on Facebook, Google and many apps. The 5-Star Club works in cooperation with the Cash Mob events.

Host shops will hand out 5-Star rating cards to encourage shoppers to take a moment to rate them on Facebook, Google, Bing, and apps specific to their type of business. Many of us have positive opinions about local businesses, but we forget to take a second to give an online review. It's quick, easy and can make a BIG difference!