1. Creating Jobs: Encouraging Entrepreneurship

2.  Information ◦ Business Intelligence ◦ Business Plan  Technical/Moral Support ◦ SCORE, SBDCs, Peer Counselors  Financing ◦ Conventional Loans, Angel Networks, Venture Capital  Marketing ◦ Key role for Chambers in assisting start ups

3.  Economic Gardening ◦ Nurturing start up and growing businesses by providing needed data ◦ Littleton, Colorado was the genesis of the concept and still the “Master Gardner” ◦ Businesses can identify markets, determine locations and even access mailing labels for likely customers ◦ Business Tools is an easy way for Chambers to “plant” copyright©2007 Greater Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce www.gjchamber.org

4.  Provide onsite pooling of resources (phones, copiers, loading docks)  Onsite counselors available to assist with problem solving  Typically offering rental at below market rate with a “graduation” requirement  Federal Way Chamber just launched one with grant funding…ask Tom for details

5.  Business peers act as a Board of Directors to each other  “Discovery 9” is a new twist utilizing unemployed small group to work together to identify opportunities  Chamber member professional service types offering one hour “free” sessions with start up firms

6. copyright©2007 Greater Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce www.gjchamber.org

7.  Business Boot Camps  Leads Groups  Open Coffee Club  Business Fitness Club (classes and workshops)  …and more

8.  You may already be helping create new jobs by encouraging entrepreneurs…so SAY SO!  Lots of resources online: WACE, IEDC, National Incubator Assn.  Innovation and Invention have been and will continue to be the keys to future economic success…