Planting the SEEDS for Business Growth

Startup businesses, as well as existing and expanding companies, can find growth opportunities through the Chamber’s SEEDS Business Resource Center.
 
All services are free and available to anyone, regardless of Chamber membership.
 
Each year the SEEDS Center works with approximately 500 entrepreneurs and business owners to provide a variety of services including market research analysis, assistance in writing a business plan, generating sales leads and reports, and marketing and social media strategies.
 
This year, the SEEDS Center has served more than 80 clients interested in starting a business.
 
“It starts with an idea,” said Betty Morgan, vice president for Business Development at the Chamber, “but the process involves many steps along the way before you open the doors of a new business.”
 
Working in collaboration with the University of Georgia Small Business Development Center (SBDC) located at Valdosta State University, Morgan helps potential business owners take their ideas and develop a workable business plan. “A business plan is essential for any startup company,” Morgan said.
 
Guiding existing businesses is also an essential function of the SEEDS Center. This year Morgan has consulted with approximately 90 existing companies to provide growth strategies.
 
 The SEEDS Center has expanded its outreach and partnership with six area chambers of commerce to provide regional access to customized demographic and industry reports, competitor analysis, area traffic counts, and targeted sales leads.
 
Using a national database that contains approximately 15 million businesses and 250 million consumers, companies can directly target potential customers.
 
“If you want to contact customers within a certain age range or other demographics, we can create a specific list,” Morgan said. “For sales representatives, the SEEDS Center can be a valuable tool in finding new clients.”

The SEEDS Center also provides business-related workshops throughout the year to help ensure that local businesses are thriving.
 
For more information, visit the SEEDS Center located in the Chamber building at 416 North Ashley Street, Valdosta, or contact Betty Morgan via email at bmorgan@valdostachamber.com or call 229-247-8100, ext. 234.