Small business owners and managers are encouraged to apply for a Small Business Cohort program of the Paducah Area Chamber of Commerce.  Now in its third year, the five-month program has produced excellent results for the 30 graduates from the past two years.  The program is aimed at helping work through challenges and stabilize and/or grow their businesses. Current graduates have expanded their business, opened new locations and reached new business levels.  Participants do not have to be a Chamber member and can be located throughout western Kentucky and southern Illinois.  

Applications are currently available with classes starting on June 7 and continuing through October.  Applications are available at www.paducahchamber.org/cohort.  The cost to participate is $750 and scholarships are available. Minority owned business scholarships are made possible by West Kentucky Community and Technical College and the MacKenzie Scott National Philanthropic Trust grant. 

“Our Small Business Cohort is focused on giving small businesses the skills and connections they need to move to the next level and grow,” said Sandra Wilson, Chamber President/CEO. “Over the last two years, we have helped more than 30 business owners grow their revenue and reach in our community.” 

The program is led by Chris Wooldridge, Director of Murray State University’s Center for Economic and Entrepreneurial Development.  Class members will participate in 10 instructional sessions and have time together outside of class with local mentors as well as with each other.  

Katie Englert, owner of Compass Counseling and Chicken Salad Chick, and Chris Hill, owner of IHM Used Parts, will serve as mentors to Cohort participants. Both have completed previous studies with “Fix This Next” and are eager to assist the next Cohort group. 

 “It is always valuable to connect with other small business owners about struggles, strategy and successes,” Englert said. “This program is for small business owners who have a common interest to do small business better. Those new and seasoned to small business will be able to connect and share in ways that will help them be confident about what to fix next.” 

Presenting Sponsors of the Cohort Program are Murray State University’s Center for Economic and Entrepreneurial Development and Paducah Bank. The Supporting Sponsor is West Kentucky Community and Technical College’s Workforce Solutions. 

Participants will be recognized during a Paducah Chamber Power in Partnership Breakfast, as well as in the Chamber’s weekly enews and monthly newsletter multiple times throughout the program. 

Payment plans are available and a money back guarantee is available for those who are not satisfied with the program after completing the program with no more than two absences. 

For more information, call Carrie Dillard at the Chamber at 270-443-1746 or email cdillard@paducahchamber.org.