With the aim to support new businesses and help established ones grow, the York County Chamber of Commerce recently began a mentorship program in a new office.
The chamber’s new office located on the U.S. 17 business corridor is three times the size of the previous office. The move was made to accommodate the mentorship program and the 15 board members who meet monthly, Executive Administrator Tracy Harsey said in an email.
“We needed a professional office building that would allow the chamber to better support the business community and project a positive image,” she said. “When the new office space at Mid-Atlantic Commercial Real Estate became available, we knew this would fit our needs to support the business community and help new businesses get started.”
Set to start in autumn, the mentorship program is for startup businesses and existing businesses who want to expand. It is a partnership between the chamber and Artinspired, owned by chamber board member Marilen Crump, who has over 23 years of experience in business development and marketing strategies.
There are few requirements, but the most important is commitment, Crump said.
“Perseverance and commitment are important attributes for any business owner,” Crump said. “There will be times of struggle when you are in your entrepreneurial journey but they can be overcome if you are willing to see it through.”
There are two pricing options. For $75 a month, participants receive coaching, business plan preparation, workshops and access to an online platform. For $150 a month, participants also receive a desk, full access of the chamber building and internet.
The price is affordable, Crump said. Typically, such a service could cost between $375 and up to $1,000. There is no limit as to how long a participant can stay in the mentorship program.
The mentorship program can help keep participants accountable for their progress, Crump said. When she coaches a business owner or entrepreneur, she works with them to set goals and achieve them.
Businesses do not need to be located in York County to be a member of the chamber or participate in the mentorship program. York County Chamber President James “Snap” Troeschel said more than 50% of chamber members have businesses outside of the county. The chamber, which grew by 20% last year, has a strong commitment to small businesses, he added.
The chamber also introduced public service awards last year with its Heroes Awards, which are displayed on a wall. Several times a year, an award is given to an outstanding member of law enforcement, the fire department, education, nursing or military at the chamber evening networking events.
The new office is located at 110 Mid Atlantic Place. For more information, visit yorkcountychamberva.org.
