In keeping with its primary mission — to create and preserve local jobs — the Chamber has created a new space for place makers, creatives, small businesses, entrepreneurs, freelancers and the community to connect, innovate, create, train and empower. Called the Work Together Business Studio and Co-Space located at 600 S. Court Street, the space offers co-working and meeting spaces, but it will also host dynamic new programming and events beginning in 2020.
By launching and supporting a casual, inclusive space designed to foster creativity and collaboration between local makers, creatives, side-hustlers, entrepreneurs and small businesses, the Chamber is also supporting job creation and growth. By acting as a bridge to join these entities and therefore, help them flourish, the Business Studio allows the Chamber to do what it does best: connect people to people and people to resources.
Everything about the space’s look, feel and programming is planned to bring people together to share ideas, issues and successes with no boundaries. No matter their dream, passion or current position, the Business Studio is a place where anyone can come create the life and world they want. The Business Studio’s messaging — “You’re in the right place!” — communicates this.
Although this concept isn’t new, it’s new for Montgomery, and it’s new for the Chamber. Through its Business Resource Center, the Chamber has continually offered small business mentorship and provided guidance and assistance with things like launching and scaling a business, but it has never offered a collaborative space and never featured strategic programming to help individuals and businesses learn from each other to thrive.
The Business Studio offers flexible space that can accommodate two to 100 individuals and includes high-speed Wi-Fi and the ability to meet AV needs. Several of the spaces provide areas for small group meetings, one-on-ones, and it also includes a conference room set-up that can accommodate 10.
By nurturing the River Region’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, the entire area becomes a place of inspiration, further enhancing the quality of life for the business community and for residents.
2020 PROGRAMMING
The Chamber is excited to launch a fresh set of programming for the Business Studio, with educational and social events being offered through this year’s Total Resource Campaign. Sponsorship opportunities are available and are in a range of price points to cater to entrepreneurs just starting out or small businesses that have been in business for years. Check out what’s coming up.
Small Business Boot Camp
Quarterly Boot Camps will be a deep dive into challenges and opportunities facing our small business and entrepreneur community. Each Boot Camp will feature a panel of small business experts, entrepreneurs and local place makers who will discuss real-life experiences; offer proven tips and tools; and provide business development education on a number of topics, including: Funding & Access to Capital, Recruiting, Start Up Process & Procedures, Talent Recruitment/Workforce & Team Building and Marketing and Data.
First Fridays Culture Builder & Social Hour
At First Fridays, aspiring entrepreneurs and the people of MGM will hear from business owners and entrepreneurs who have helped shape our community. The speakers are makers, store owners, movers and shakers and creators of regional or national brands, and they all have stories that are unique. The events will include presentations along with beer and wine tastings and tap takeovers.
Small Business Briefcase presented by the Montgomery Business Journal
The Small Business Briefcase events turn MBJ content into live events that feature local business experts sharing their insight into tips and tools small businesses and entrepreneurs need to be more efficient and ultimately, more successful. The series will be held in conjunction with the launch of each issue, and topics and discussions will be centered on the 2020 MBJ editorial calendar.
Small Business Week - May 3-9, 2020
MGM’s Small Business Week is a weeklong celebration honoring the impact our local small businesses and entrepreneurs make in and on our community. In 2020, the week will be filled with celebrations and opportunities for makers, creators and innovators to connect and collaborate, while also launching NEW, impactful programming and events to reenergize MGM’s small businesses and entrepreneurs.
Calendar of Events:
- Monday: Small Business Week Block Party
- Tuesday: Workshops
- Wednesday: Top 5 for Small Business
- Thursday: Small Business Success Summit
- Friday: Top 5 for Small Business
Interested in sponsoring a Business Studio event next year?
Log on to the TRC website for complete details: ygmtrc.com/montgomerychamber19/
