by David Chapman
Staff Writer
The tarps are down and the doors are open for the Jacksonville Regional Chamber of Commerce’s new Small Business Center at the organization’s Downtown office.
The first floor facility, a remodeled and revamped center that relocated from the Northside, offers potential and existing business owners a space to research and receive assistance in their entrepreneurial endeavors. Several computers, a business library, meeting space and counseling are just a few of the resources available to those are looking for assistance.
The move made a lot of sense from both a geographical and economic standpoint, said Chamber Small Business Center Executive Director Sandy Bartow.
“We’re now centrally located, which is convenient,” said Bartow. “We serve the entire seven-county region and being here not only helps small business owners get to us, but us to them as well.”
Bartow said that moving into the Chamber space allowed officials to duplicate the best aspects of the Northside office while updating other aspects of the facility. Being in the same building as other Chamber staff who can lend personal assistance on matters is also an advantage.
“If you’re a business owner or thinking about becoming one, this is the ideal place to come first,” she said. “We’re definitely offering ‘high-tech, high-touch’ assistance.”
Shirley Moore, Small Business Center senior coordinator, has now been in both the Northside and Downtown locations of the center. She isn’t the only one who feels the new location can improve service.
“Clients are excited about the changes,” said Moore, who oversees operations for the Center. “The phones are ringing and we’re busy.”
Appointments for small business owners who would like to consult with counselors from SCORE, a nonprofit group that’s part the U.S. Small Business Administration dedicated to educating entrepreneurs, are also steady she said, as are facility tours.
One of the local business owners who stopped by recently for a tour of the new facility was impressed with all the changes.
“I’m trying to further my business,” said Enola Gaines, owner of Enola’s Fine Jewelry. “I just stopped by to see it and I do like it.”
The resource facility isn’t just available to Chamber members, though, and Bartow said she was looking forward to seeing both Chamber members and the community at large benefit from the move and upgrade.
While it’s not completely furnished yet – another computer and additional furniture is on the way – Bartow said the end result will be a place with a coffee-shop-style intimacy where business owners could converse with other owners and staff for their entrepreneurial needs.
“It’s great to have it here and up and running,” said Bartow.
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