Chamber Business Plan Competition EXPO hosted at the Clary Care Center

April 25, 2011

Contact
Competition Chair: Matt Skilling, Sanders & Ranck 706-886-7533
Chamber President: Wendi Bailey 706-886-2132

A Chamber Business After Hours and Business EXPO was held at the Clary Care Center for the eight businesses in the Chamber’s Business Plan Competition. The participants turned in their first drafts of their Business Plans in March and received feedback from the Toccoa Falls College business school class. They have been introduced to and encouraged to access the services of the UGA Small Business Development Center, the North Georgia Technical College Small Business Resource Center, SCORE business coaches and Access to Capital for Entrepreneurs (ACE).

Here is a list of the entrepreneurs and small businesses in the Chamber’s competition: DFV Designs offers distinctive fresh and silk floral designs for all occasions and all budgets in Toccoa and surrounding areas. Visit www.dfvdesigns.com, 706-716-3698. The Fab 4 Store is at the Boys & Girls Club. It is a thrift store that offers a variety of kids and adult clothing as well as household items with the proceeds benefiting the Club and Teen Center, 706-886-3771. Finnegan's Baked Goods are made from fresh-milled organic grains. They mill and bake the same day to insure freshness and optimal nutritional value. Products range from honey wheat bread and pizza to decadent desserts. facebook.com/finnegansbakedgoods. 706-244-1530. Infinite Possibilities Internet Broadcasting Network announces the launch of the first in it's collective plans of internet based radio stations, all niche marketing driven. For example, BGreenRadio.com will soon come to life with information and ideas on what can be done for sustainable living. The internet opens boundaries to a global effort in exposure and web presence. Email us at ipibnradio@gmail.com, 407-539-4440. Jaymarz Signs & Graf-X offers signs, banners, magnetics, car tags, yard signs, sand blast, lighted, LED, decals, auto lettering, window decals, tinting, spray in-bed liner, t-shirts and more ineedsignz@gmail.com , 706-716-9426. Personal Assistance of Toccoa is an in-home care service as well as a non-medical van service for transportation. 706-297-1380. Reynold's Pool & Spa services both residential and commercial accounts with pool openings and closings, pool and spa equipment repairs and replacement. They sell pool and spa chemicals, parts and accessories. They sell new and used spa's and install above ground and in-ground pools. They offer a cleaning and maintenance service for your pool or spa 7 days a week. Email at reynoldspoolandspa@windstream.net or call 706-716-1765. Walker IT Services provides network and data consulting expertise to small and medium-sized businesses in Toccoa and in Stephens County. They specialize in computer networking and business efficiency, lowering costs and improving value. 972-740-5846.

The participants will turn in their final Business Plans this Wednesday, April 27th and the winner will be announced at the Chamber's Annual Meeting on Thursday, May 19th. The winner will receive over $1,000 worth of prizes designed for a new business. Advertising Unlimited writing pens with business logo; the City waived business license fee; the Chamber of Commerce free 1 year membership; Currahee Graphics free web site development and hosting for 1 year; First Citizens will provide Merchant Services with credit card acceptance fee waived and networking with potential lenders and lending options; Sanders & Ranck legal services free of charge for one year related to lease preparation, negotiation, business formation and advice on these issues and assistance with negotiating, preparing, and obtaining a lease in downtown Toccoa, if needed. Toccoa Record will take 30% off 6-week run on a business card ad; $100 Cash and WNEG Radio will provide 20 FREE radio ads. Thank you to our sponsors for showing our participants that Toccoa-Stephens County is the Entrepreneur Friendliest!