Tusculum College offering informational session on business development program, Sept. 18

Tusculum College’s Center for Economic Development & Entrepreneurship is offering an informational workshop on the business development program, “Help Me Help You” on Thursday, Sept. 18, at 7 p.m. in the Chalmers Conference Room in Niswonger Commons on the college’s main campus in Greeneville.

To kick off the new year, the Center for Economic Development & Entrepreneurship will host the informational session to discuss the 2014-15 goals, provide more information about the HMHU course and allow possible course attendees to meet the individuals that comprise the CEDE.

Registration for this event is encouraged. Registration and information is available by calling extension 5256 or by e-mailing cede@tusculum.edu.

The “Help Me Help You” certificate program is supported by the Greene County Partnership, Main Street Greeneville and Rural Resources. The free program, designed to support small businesses, will consist of 10 sessions between September 25 and December 11 at the Greeneville campus. It will be open to 15 participants.

Fall semester spots are limited, and anyone wishing to sign up is encouraged to do so as soon as possible before the deadline on Sept.18.

Interested business owners will be asked to provide their name, contact information, business name and a brief summary about themselves, their business and their product or service.

Through the 10-week program, sessions will focus on market definition, cost administration, pricing, marketing and sales strategies, body language in business, financing, legal issues, networking and business presentations.

The program provides a huge opportunity for Tusculum students and local small-business owners to work and grow together both personally and professionally, thanks to community partners who have picked up expenses in order to allow the program to become established.

Operated by Tusculum College’s Center for Economic Development and Entrepreneurship, HMHU is committed to helping participants increase profits, create a business plan, expand their network and improve practical and interpersonal skills through a variety of globally tested activities. In the last three years, the HMHU course has assisted dozens of small business and organizations to reach their goals including retail operations, restaurants and other food establishments, service providers, non-profit and community organizations.

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 community support, participants will not be charged a fee.

“The Help Me Help You course has been a perfect Christmas present for my business,” said Warren Verity, a participant in the course and the owner of a local photography studio.

“Two big take-aways from the class are being able to talk through and discuss the business plan in detail. The HMHU team has been there for me, encouraging, leading, understanding and providing a much-needed kick in the backside. Each team member has had my best interests at heart,” Verity said.