Local Partners Launch Alleghany Highlands Small Business Support Network to Connect Businesses with Resources   ALLEGHANY HIGHLANDS, VA – Starting, operating and growing a business comes with plenty of questions. A collaborative group of organizations across the Alleghany Highlands has come together to make finding the answers, and the right people to help, easier. The Alleghany Highlands Small Business Support Network brings together organizations from across the region with a shared goal: making it easier for entrepreneurs, small business owners and those considering starting a business to find the resources, programs and people who can help them succeed. As part of that effort, the Network has launched a centralized online resource where businesses and entrepreneurs can explore the wide range of assistance already available throughout the Alleghany Highlands and beyond. The link for this resource is: https://ahchamber.com/alleghany-highlands-small-business-support-network/ Through the Small Business Support Network, local entrepreneurs and business owners can explore resources related to: Business training, workshops and educational opportunities Grants, loans, financing and other sources of capital Mentoring and one-on-one business guidance Networking and relationship-building opportunities Available commercial spaces and locations for businesses Events and programs designed for entrepreneurs and small businesses Connections to local, regional and state business-support organizations The Network represents collaboration among organizations that play different roles in supporting the Alleghany Highlands business community, including the City of Covington, Town of Clifton Forge, Alleghany County, Alleghany Highlands Chamber of Commerce & Tourism, Alleghany Highlands Economic Development Corporation, Mountain Gateway Community College, The Advancement Foundation, Olde Town Covington, Clifton Forge Main Street, the Alleghany Foundation and other community partners. Rather than asking a business owner to know which organization to contact first, the Small Business Support Network provides an accessible starting point and helps connect businesses with the resources and organizations that best fit their needs. “Our region has a tremendous number of organizations, programs and people who are ready to help businesses succeed, but knowing where to begin can sometimes be a challenge,” said Josh Taylor, Executive Director of the Alleghany Highlands Chamber of Commerce & Tourism. “The goal of the Small Business Support Network is to make that process easier. A business owner should be able to come to us with a question, an idea or a need and quickly begin finding the resources and connections that can help them move forward.” Connecting Businesses Directly with Help An important component of the new resource is the Alleghany Highlands Community & Business Interest Form, which gives business owners, entrepreneurs and community members a simple way to share what they need, from funding and available commercial space to training, mentoring, workforce resources, networking and more. With permission, submissions can be shared with appropriate Network partners to connect individuals directly with organizations and resources that can help. The form also provides valuable insight into the needs and opportunities facing local businesses, helping partners identify where additional resources or programming may be beneficial. The effort reflects a broader commitment among participating organizations to collaborate more closely on entrepreneurship and small business development throughout the Alleghany Highlands. By sharing information and connecting businesses across organizational lines, partners are working to create a stronger and more coordinated support system for both existing businesses and future entrepreneurs. The Small Business Support Network is designed to serve businesses at every stage, from someone exploring their first business idea to an established company looking for financing, workforce assistance, a new location, professional development or opportunities to connect with other businesses. The Network will continue to grow as partners identify new programs, resources, events and opportunities that can benefit the local business community. Local entrepreneurs, existing businesses and individuals interested in starting a business are encouraged to explore the Alleghany Highlands Small Business Support Network, become familiar with the resources available and complete the Community & Business Interest Form to be connected with assistance that fits their needs. Explore the Alleghany Highlands Small Business Support Network at ahchamber.com/alleghany-highlands-small-business-support-network/. The page can also be found on the Alleghany Highlands Chamber of Commerce and Tourism’s website, ahchamber.com About the Alleghany Highlands Small Business Support Network The Alleghany Highlands Small Business Support Network is a collaborative partnership of organizations working together to strengthen entrepreneurship and small business development throughout the Alleghany Highlands. Its vision is to create a thriving, inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem where local business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs have clear access to the resources, relationships and support they need to succeed. Through collaboration and shared leadership, participating organizations work to raise awareness of available resources, reduce barriers and connect entrepreneurs with opportunities throughout every stage of their business journey.

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