News about the chamber

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A group of local investors has announced the second year of a program intended to stimulate the entrepreneurial spirit brought on by shows like “Shark Tank.” Called “Accelerate Wake Forest,” the initiative was inspired by similar programs in other towns.

Area inventors, entrepreneurs, and business owners hoping to start or expand will have an opportunity to pitch their ideas to a panel of investors in front of an audience. If an idea appeals to one or more of the investors, they will offer advice and mentorship for free, or financial backing in exchange for a percentage of the business. After the event, any further details and negotiations between the investor and the entrepreneur to complete the deal will be confidential.

The 2018 program resulted in investments ranging from $2,000 to $600,000 in a variety of businesses. Accelerate Wake Forest follows up on a Wake Forest Rotary Club-sponsored program, Launch Wake Forest, which provides training and mentorships to current and aspiring entrepreneurs.

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April’s Business After Hours will be held Thursday, April 18, at Focus Design Builders’ newly redesigned building, 881 Falcate Drive, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. The caterer is Cook Shack. Don’t forget to bring your business cards. Focus is raffling off two $50 gift cards from local Wake Forest businesses!

Focus Design Builders is a two-time INC. 5000 Fastest Growing Company. They are proud to be ranked #1166 in the nation and #22 in North Carolina for 2018. Come learn more about Focus Design Builders and their commercial construction business.

Parking for this event is limited in Focus Design Builders’ parking lot; however there is plenty of parking on Falcate Drive and at the end of Galaxy Drive. Please do not park on grassy areas or in Sherwin Williams’ parking lot as they are still serving customers until 7 pm. We recommend carpooling if you can.

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The Chamber’s 2019 Community Raffle will be launched on May 4 and run through the summer. Our presenting sponsor is Edward Jones, and our Community Partner is the Alzheimer’s Association of Eastern North Carolina.

We are currently seeking sponsors for our prizes. Sponsor a cash prize or a lottery ticket basket for $1,000, and in return you can choose one of our $500 opportunities at no cost:

·       Meet in the Street Booth (Taylor Street location)

·       Senior Expo Premium Booth

·       Golf Tournament Twosome plus a Tee Sponsorship

·       Sporting Clays Twosome plus a Station Sponsorship, OR a Foursome

Additional benefits include your company name on 1,5000 tickets; recognized as a prize sponsor on marketing for more than three months; and the ability to sell tickets and promote community support of the Chamber and Alzheimer’s Association.

Contact Ann Welton if interested!

(919) 556-1519 or ann@wakeforestchamber.org.