Small Business Council
The mission of the Small Business Council (SBC) is to serve, represent and promote the Greater Durham Chamber of Commerce’s small business members and to enhance the economic health of Durham's small business community. The Small Business Council provides educational, networking and promotional opportunities tailored to the needs of small business owners and managers. Program offerings include:
Small Business Management Institute
Small Business Administration Days
These programs are open to all Chamber member firms and their representatives as part of their membership investment.
David Mooring, 2010 Chair, Small Business Council
Cross Comm, Inc.
Chamber U
The weekly Chamber U series provides all Chamber members, including small business owners access to education and training, as well as networking. The topic of these sessions changes weekly, but are often suggested by the Small Business Council. The Chamber U series takes place every Wednesday, from 8:30-9:30 a.m. Breakfast bars, coffee and drinks will be provided.
For more information about the topics, or to register, please go to our Calendar of Events.
Executive Roundtable
The Executive Roundtable program provides Chamber business leaders the opportunity to meet, discuss ideas, offer suggestions and develop both personal and professional relationships. They serve as a confidential “board of advisors” to support owners and managers of small, mid-size and large businesses with the challenges, problems and opportunities encountered in leading and managing a business.
Groups include 8 to 10 professionals selected according to business type, number of employees, years of experience and annual sales volume. Groups establish their own meeting times and locations. Competitors are not placed in the same group, and all conversations are confidential. A Spring and Fall session are offered each year.
Small Business Management Institute
The Greater Durham Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Durham Technical Community College Small Business Center, has created a program that not only fits your schedule, but connects you with necessary information you need to run your business. The Small Business Management Institute is designed specifically with the busy business owners and managers in mind, providing you with key elements to business operations. Sign up for all for sessions or pick and choose which ones best suit your interest or current business needs.
Business Excellence Awards
The Business Execellence Awards highlight the accomplishments of businesses and individuals in the Durham community. The Awards recognize small, mid-size, large, and non-profit organizations as well as volunteers, and professionals who exemplify success in our community. This premier event for the Chamber also increases public awareness of businesses and professionals making a difference in our community. View our list of previous winners (since 1986).
Nominations are now open for the 2010 Business Excellence Awards. The nomination deadline is Friday, July 2. Click here for a nomination form.
The 2009 Business Excellence Awards Dinner was held on October 1, 2009. Check out our 2009 Business Excellence Winners and see photos of the event!
2009 Business Excellence Awards- Press Release.
Small Business Administration Days
Together with the Small Business Center at Durham Technical Community College, the Chamber hosts a representative from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). Ivan Hankins, SBA marketing and outreach specialist, will be available to meet one-on-one with interested individuals to discuss SBA loan programs and services that may benefit his/her business. Whether you're starting or expanding your business, or making some changes due to the economy, you won't want to miss this benefit of your Chamber membership! For more information, or to register for your one-on-one meeting, please click a date below.
2010 Upcoming SBA Days:
Business After Hours
Business After Hours is networking, pure and simple. Every fourth Thursday of the month a Chamber member opens the doors of its business for an evening of networking - no long program, just refreshments and networking. These events allow Chamber members to meet in a relaxed environment to network and build relationships and new business contacts. They also give the sponsors the opportunity to promote their location, products and services.
Make sure to check the Calendar of Events for more information on our monthly Business After Hours series!
Would you like to host a Business After Hours? There are still a few months available in 2010 for you to host a Business After Hours at your business! Please contact Mable Rogers for more details at mrogers@durhamchamber.org or by phone at (919) 328-8733.
Member Testimonials
To Sell or Not To Sell with Greta Shulz - video
