Woodstock continues to grow, and with it, programs to help inspire and edify young entrepreneurs as they grow their businesses here. In 2019, Woodstock ventured forward with some impressive numbers for entrepreneurs (per woodstockga.gov):
- 438 new business licenses issued
- 22 ribbon cuttings celebrating new businesses through IN WDSTK, Inc.
- New small business license waiver program which waives fees for new businesses meeting certain criteria
With stats like these, it’s clear that Woodstock business owners and residents are still very much invested in the growth of our community. With this in mind, where can a local entrepreneur go to receive support?
Here are just a few programs and partnerships available to encourage and edify the entrepreneurs who decide to make Cherokee County the place to live and work.
NAV – Launching last summer, NAV is the first program of its kind in Georgia with the mission to make Cherokee County the #1 place in the state to start and grow a business. The program, which is principled and based off of MIT VMS, is a personalized program that provides a team of mentors to alleviate confusion and guide entrepreneurs to success.
The Lunch Circuit – A monthly exclusive lunch series powered by Fresh Start Cherokee that invites both aspiring and current entrepreneurs for lunch and community-building as they learn stories behind other successful Cherokee-based entrepreneurs. The event is located at The Circuit, the co-working space and student center for Chattahoochee Tech’s Woodstock campus.
YPOW – A function of IN WDSTK Inc., YPOW offers programs aimed to help young and new professionals alike develop professionally, build lasting relationships, become philanthropically active and contribute to the economic development and high quality of life in our community. YPOW gathers weekly for networking featuring an informal chat with a local leader, and also has monthly networking events as well.
1 Million Cups – The 1 Million Cups program works with entrepreneurs to empower them with the tools and resources to break down barriers that stand in the way of starting and growing their businesses. These monthly events take place all over the Cherokee county community, fostering conversation with plenty of coffee.
Human Side of Entrepreneurship – Built for the humans behind the business, this monthly gathering of entrepreneurs is designed to help candidly explore, discuss, and solve challenges of starting and running a business from the human perspective. Topics include work/life balance, finances, personal relationships and more.
This article appeared in the March 2020 issues of Townelaker and Around Woodstock magazines. Read them online or find a hard copy at one of these local retailers.
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