Information session Thursday to explain business training course

TDDA is launching a program to encourage entrepreneurship training in downtown Tryon.

This will be a six-week small business training course in February, followed by a business plan contest. Winners and participants will receive incentives to open their business in downtown Tryon! 

Please join us for a free information session on Thursday, Dec. 8 to learn more. This six-week class will introduce or re-introduce entrepreneurs to practices that will allow a well-rounded understanding of best practices and tools for business success. In addition, the potential business owners who participate will have the ability to form a cohort with their peers and teachers.

The selection committee will choose the businesses that are the best fit for the downtown mix, and those winners will receive tangible support in the form of mentoring; free or reduced rent for a seasonal pop-up to test the idea (retail or some food service); office space and support within the business incubator to start the business; start up funding in the form of reimbursable expenses for rent, utilities, façade improvements, etc., and help in identifying additional funding and financing sources.

According to a 2014 survey, 70 percent of small businesses that receive mentoring survive more than five years – double the survival rate of non-mentored businesses.

A business incubator is an organization designed to accelerate the growth and success of entrepreneurial companies through an array of business support resources and services that could include physical space, capital, coaching, common services, and networking connections, according to Entrepreneur.com.

TDDA is seeking sponsors who are interested in supporting this program. Sponsorship can provide scholarships, business incentives and facade improvements to new businesses in downtown Tryon.

TDDA works to revitalize and preserve downtown Tryon through economic development, quality design and preserving the historic nature of downtown, and promotion of downtown. We do this through partnerships with the Polk County Community Foundation providing operational support, businesses, local government and governing boards, and more.

For more information, please visit www.downtowntryon.org or call 828-859-6484.

– article submitted by Jamie Carpenter