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.

This program is open to all Chamber member firms and their representatives as part of their membership investment. If you would like to be added to the SBC and receive notices of upcoming events and information of interest to the small business community, please contact Kelsey Moore at kmoore@durhamchamber.org

David Mooring, 2009 Chair, Small Business Council
Cross Comm, Inc.

Member Testimonials

      To Sell or Not To Sell with Greta Shulz - video

Lunch & Learn

The monthly “Lunch & Learn” series provides small business owners access to education and training, as well as networking. The Small Business Council hosts the Lunch & Learn on the 2nd Wednesday of every other month from 12:00-1:00 p.m. at the Chamber. Bring your own lunch and drinks will be provided.  Click here for upcoming dates and topics.

Fast Track Advisors

The Fast Track Advisors 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.  An SBMI certificate will be awarded to each participant who completes the full series. 

Each seminar in the 2009 series will be held from 8:00a.m. - 10:00a.m. at the Museum of Life & Science.  Sign up for all 4 seminars by August 8 for $100 and this price includes the December Membership Matters Breakfast where individuals who have completed all four sessions will be recognized.  

The 2009 seminar dates are below, but make sure to check back in July for more detailed information!

  • August 27
  • September 17
  • October15
  • November 19

Special thanks to Cardinal State Bank for serving as the presenting sponsor of the Small Business Management Institute.

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).

The 2009 Business Excellence Awards Dinner will be held on October 1, 2009.  Click here for more information and to register for the event.

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.

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. 

Non Profit Committee

The mission of the non profit committee is to serve, represent, and promote the Chamber nonprofit members and to advocate as a collective voice for the vital role non profit members play in the Durham community. They host the Breakfast & Business series every other month (starting in February) from 8:30-9:30am at  the Chamber.

Would you like to showcase your organization and find more volunteers?  Participate in the "Get on Board!" DYP Volunteer Fair!  Click HERE to download a registration form! Applications are due on May 1, but are accepted on a first come, first serve basis.  

Information from previous committee meetings:

For more information on the Small Business Council programs, please contact Kelsey Moore, Programming & Events Coordinator, at (919) 328-8733 or kmoore@durhamchamber.org.