Small business owners and managers are encouraged to apply for a Small Business Cohort program of the Paducah Area Chamber of Commerce.  Beginning its fourth year, the five-month program has produced excellent results for the 40 graduates from the past three years.  This program is geared towards established businesses who have the capability and desire to scale up through an intensive five-month program. Current graduates have increased profits, streamlined their business, added new staff and expanded their operations.

Applications are currently available with classes starting on June 12 and continuing through October.  Applications are available at www.paducahchamber.org/cohort.  The cost to participate is $750. Scholarships and payment plans are available.

“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. “Each participant will receive academic coaching and mentorship, plus guaranteed meetings with our small business resource partners, including the Paducah Small Business Development Center. Our program delivers more than $11,000 in value of services.”

The academic part of 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, 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,” said Englert, who also serves as the Chamber’s 2024 Chair of the Chamber Board. “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, Paducah Bank, and West Kentucky Community and Technical College’s Workforce Solutions. The Supporting Sponsor is Open Door Accounting.

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.

For more information, go to paducahchamber.org/cohort, call Carrie Dillard at the Chamber at 270-443-1746 or email cdillard@paducahchamber.org.  Applications are due by June 3.