Applications for the fourth offering of the Help Me Help You (HMHU) program for small-business owners and entrepreneurs at Tusculum College are being accepted until Friday, December 7.
The certificate program, supported by Tusculum College and the Greene County Partnership, has enjoyed great success thus far, receiving recognition by the Clinton Foundation as one of the most promising student-led programs in the whole world.
This next term brings with it even more opportunities for community members to benefit from both HMHU as well as the new Tusculum College Center for Economic Development & Entrepreneurship (CEDE).
HMHU’s spring semester program consists of 10 sessions offered through the college’s main campus in Greeneville and will be open at no charge to 25 participants with classes beginning in January and ending in April. The sessions take place on Thursdays from 7 to 9 p.m.
The focus of the HMHU program will be on market differentiation, cost administration, pricing, marketing and sales strategies, body language in business, financing, legal issues, negotiation, networking and business presentations.
“The Help Me Help You course has been a perfect Christmas present for my business,” said Warren Verity, a participant in the first course and the owner of a local photography studio.
“Two big take-aways from the class are, first, being able to talk through and discuss the business plan in detail. And, second, the HMHU team has been there for me, encouraging, leading, being understanding, and providing a much-needed kick in the backside. Each team member has had my best interests at heart,” Verity said.
According to David Talley, a senior international business and government major as well as director of HMHU, the program provides a huge opportunity for students and local small-business owners to work and grow together both personally and professionally, thanks to community partners that have picked up expenses in order to allow the program to become established.
The program, operated by Tusculum College’s business students and the Bonner Leader Program, is committed to helping its participants increase their profits, create a business plan, expand their network and improve practical and interpersonal skills through a variety of unique, globally-tested activities.
According to Talley, in addition to the other benefits, each businessperson joining HMHU will become connected to a network of thousands of small businesses from all over the world through HMHU’s global network.
Applicants should be prepared to provide their name, contact information, the name of the business, and a brief summary of the applicant, business operation and product or service.
The program has the support of the Tusculum College administration, as well as the School of Business, the Center for Civic Advancement and the Office of Institutional Advancement.
Because of generous community support, participants in the program will not be charged a fee. Registration and additional information are available by calling 423-534-2390 or by e-mailing (btalley@tcstudents.tusculum.edu). Applications are to be submitted by Friday, Dec. 7.