The Haywood County Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the launch of the 2012 Business Academy. The Business Academy is a 7 session program (1 session per month from October through May) that will address and assist business owners with overcoming and identifying the challenges of sustaining and growing a business. Cohort members will gain knowledge from expert presenters, local business owners, and most importantly, each other.

Through a survey of new and experienced business owners, conducted by the Chamber’s Business & Economic Development Committee, it was clear that most businesses have similar challenges: the need for capital, cash flow, marketing, human resources and technology, to name a few. The 2012 Business Academy was created as a means of addressing these needs, using resources from the Chamber’s membership base and other local business owners in Western North Carolina.

"We want the businesses in Haywood County to overcome the statistics that say only a certain percentage of new businesses will remain open three, four or five years down the road," says Matthew Wells, Business & Economic Development Committee Member.  "Our goal is to bring our local business resources together in order to assist those new entrepreneurs that have great ideas and great passions for providing products or services in Haywood County."

The first session of the Business Academy, scheduled for October 4^th, 6-8 pm at the Gateway Club, will feature speaker, Mandy Wildman of Monetize Your Vision and her topic, “Revisit, Revive & Rejuvenate.” Additional sessions will include: Passion vs. Cash Flow, Success by the Numbers, Marketing Actions & Ideas, Fine Tune Your Finance Strategy, and Reading Your Customer.

The 2012 Business Academy is a FREE program. Cohort members must commit to attend all 7 sessions (1 session per month for 2 hours) that will run from October through May. Advanced Registration is required. Visit www.Haywood-nc.com or call (828)456-3021 for additional information or to register today.