Small Business Academy
The Small Business Academy is approximately a 32 hour curriculum which is designed for the primary decision maker of a business. The curriculum's basic structure is 10 - 3 hour programs with lecture, small group facilitated activities and discussion, networking and either individuals or small group coaching/activities and a 2 hour Academy introductory session. Guest speakers would also be incorporated into several of the classes. Sessions will be in the morning, approximately 8:00 am - 11:00 am.
Session Topics:
- Sizing Up Your Business
- Exploring Growth Opportunities
- Making Strategic Decisions
- Using Financial Tools
- Strengthening the Product/Service
- Seizing the Market
- Leading the Organization
- Managing Operations for Growth
- Charting Financial Performance
- Making it Happen
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE FOLLOWING MEMBERS FOR THE COMPLETION OF THE 2010 SMALL BUSINESS ACADEMY!![]() |
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Row 1: Kathy Kay Werdehausen, US Land and Home Concept Realty and Auction, LLC; Brenda Myers, Myers Communications; Travis Rackers, Aire Serv Heating & AC / Nick Rackers Heating & Cooling; Row 2: Jay Barnes, Barnes & Associates; Rob Sachse, Aire Serv Heating & AC / Nick Rackers Heating & Cooling; Laura Payne, Midwest Advertising Specialties, Inc.; Row 3: Chris Thompson, Presenter, University of Missouri Extension; Jesse Kirchhoff, Handyman Solutions; Tom Horn, All-N-One Irrigation Systems, Inc. Not Pictured: Ruth Canada, Natural Awakenings Magazine; Julie Werdehausen, US Land and Home Concept Realty and Auction, LLC and Warren Prost, Asbestos Removal Services, Inc. |
Jay Barnes, Barnes & Associates
Ruth Canada, Natural Awakenings Magazine
Tom Horn, All-N-One Irrigation Systems, Inc.
Jesse Kirchoff, Handyman Solutions
Brenda Myers, Myers Communications
Laura Payne, Midwest Advertising Specialties, Inc.
Warren Prost, Asbestos Removal Services, Inc.
Travis Rackers, Aire Serv Heating & AC / Nick Rackers Heating & Cooling
Rob Sachse, Aire Serv Heating & AC / Nick Rackers Heating & Cooling
Kathy Kay Werdehausen, US Land and Home Concept Realty and Auction, LLC
Julie Werdehausen, US Land and Home Concept Realty and Auction, LLC.
Interested in applying for the next Small Business Academy, contact kathyscheulen@jcchamber.org. For more information about the program, click on the Small Business Academy Application and the Small Business Academy Informational Flyer.
The value of the academy is its focus on and preparation for growth through a structured curriculum that provides practical advice, real-work techniques, and opportunities for coaching and access to new resources.
SMALL BUSINESS ACADEMY ALUMNI TESTIMONIALS:

I was pleased to be selected as part of the pilot program of the Small Business Academy. As 1 of 8 small-business owners, I was impressed with the partnership of the Jefferson City Chamber of Commerce and the University of Missouri Extension Services. Both Kathy Scheulen and Chris Thompson strived to make this initial venture worthwhile for all involved. The sessions were worthwhile whether an owner had several employees or was their own "sole employee". I look forward to sharing my experiences with future classes to further finesse the course. - Laurelanne Bellezzo, Stage2Sell, LLC
I believe that education is an ongoing process. Through the Small Business Academy I was able to see that many of my business processes were on target or ways to improve other areas. Each session was dedicated to the different aspects of business. It was very interesting learning from the different businesses represented in the class. Even though you may not have the exact issues, we all have the same kind of concerns or problems. I would recommend this class to any start up or existing business, the education and friendships I have gained were well worth the effort. - Paula Benne, C&S Business Services, Inc.



