The Government Affairs Committee of the Wake Forest Area Chamber of Commerce has expanded, and its programs are now open to every chamber member. The monthly updates in 2019 will feature elected officials and staff from local, county and state government. This is your opportunity to hear from and ask question of the people who represent you and your business.
The first session of the year is on Wednesday, Feb. 6, and will feature the mayor of Wake Forest, Vivian Jones. We will get a preview of her state of the town address on Feb. 18, and there will be ample time to ask questions and voice concerns.
A light breakfast will be provided for the program that lasts from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. There is no fee, but the staff needs to know how much coffee to brew, so please register by emailing President Ann Welton, ann@wakeforestchamber.org.
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Wake Technical Community College will provide a free workshop to educate our members on small business financing. “Free Money from the Government? Demystifying Small Business Financing” will be held Tuesday, Jan. 29, from 12 to 1:30 p.m. at the Wake Forest Chamber building. Lunch is included, but pre-registration is required as space is limited.
If you own a small business and are confused by grans and means of finance, this workshop is tailor-made for you. Patrick Rodriquez with the U.S. Small Business Administration will provide the why’s and how’s of financing a business and you’ll develop a clear understanding of grants and finances.
To register, go to https://wakeforestchamber.chambermaster.com/eventregistration/register/17543
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Budding business owners will again be showcased at the 39th Annual Meet in the Street festival in downtown Wake Forest on Saturday, May 4. Presented by the Wake Forest Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation and sponsored by Blue Wave Pressure Washing, the Young Entrepreneurs Fair gives students from age 9 to 14 an opportunity to manufacture, market, and sell their handmade products.
As part of its mission to support both entrepreneurship and youth programming, the Wake Forest Chamber invites students to participate at no charge. According to Ann Welton, Chamber president, “We get around 30,000 visitors to Meet in the Street, so it’s the ideal time for young people to market and sell their products.”
New this year are two workshops scheduled prior to the Fair to help students with their business and marketing plans. “By participating in the Fair, students get real-world experience in manufacturing, inventory control, branding, marketing, and sales,” said Welton. “By adding these workshops, we hope to also show them how to make a profit!”
Applications are currently being accepted through February 1, 2019. They can be accessed by visiting wakeforestchamber.org, by calling the Chamber at 919-556-1519, or clicking: https://wakeforestchamber.org/site/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Young-Entrepreneurs-Fair-Application-MITS-2019.pdf
Meet in the Street is free and open to the public from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, May 4. For more information, including the complete entertainment schedule, parking information, an interactive map, and concession offerings, visit wakeforestnc.gov and search “Meet in the Street.”
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The Wake Forest Area Chamber of Commerce will sponsor a new event in 2019 – a Family Expo to be held Saturday, March 23, at Richland Creek Community Church. It will be an opportunity for area residents to learn about summer and track-out camp, find a local pre-school, childcare, educational center, health care and other family-oriented businesses.
Along with the serious stuff there will be a lot of fun with bounce houses, face painting, food trucks and more.
Booth registration is now open. Sponsorships are also available for those eager to market their business. Call the chamber office for complete details and the registration packet.
