Applications for the third offering of the Help Me Help You (HMHU) program for small-business owners and entrepreneurs at Tusculum College are now being accepted.
The certificate program, supported by Tusculum College and the Greene County Partnership, was extremely successful the first year, receiving recognition by the Clinton Foundation as one of the most promising student-led programs in the world.
This new academic year brings with it more opportunities for community members to benefit from both HMHU as well as the new Tusculum College Center for Economic Development & Entrepreneurship (CEDE).
Daniel Velez, a participant in the Help Me Help You program last spring, talks with Business Club member David Talley during a workshop about the new Center for Development and Entrepreneurship on Sept. 6.
HMHU’s fall 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 September and ending in December.
The sessions take place from 7 to 9 p.m. on Thursdays. The focus of the HMHU program will be on market definition, 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 Luis Zamora, a senior business and economics major from Santiago, Chile, the program provides a huge opportunity for students and local small-business owners to work and grow together both personally and professionally. He added that much thanks goes to community partners that have picked up expenses in order to allow the program to become established.
Zamora has created the program along with Rodrigo Gimenez, in partnership with the University of Chile (Santiago, Chile).
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 Zamora, in addition to the other benefits, each business person joining HMHU will become connected to a network of thousands of small businesses from all over the world through HMHU’s global network.
Registration is required for participation in the course. 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.
The program is being sponsored financially by ETSU and has received generous support from Scott Niswonger, Tom Ferguson and Atmos Energy Corp. Because of this community support, participants in the program will not be charged a fee.
Registration and additional information are available by calling 423-329-9016 or by e-mailing lzamora@tcstudents.tusculum.edu.