Small businesses fuel the Jackson economy. We know that when small business succeeds, the community benefits. Our mission is to ensure that our small business community is equipped with the tools for continuous learning, connection to resources, and an environment to enable job growth and creation.
With over 80 percent of Chamber members made up of small companies, we connect the Jackson business community and help our members grow their businesses through a broad range of best-practice sharing, networking and advocacy programs and events. The Chamber collaborates with companies and organizations to build a strong community for small businesses, their employees, and customers.
Create a Business Plan
Business plans are not just for starting a business — they are essential for growing a business. It should serve as a management tool to help establish production goals and measure performance.
Resources to Help Write a Business Plan:
TheCo — attheco.com
Soul Collective — soulcollectivetn.com
Tennessee Small Business Development Center (TSBDC) — tsbdc.org/jscc
CO— by U.S. Chamber of Commerce – uschamber.com/co
The Greater Jackson Chamber offers many ways for you to build your network and work with other business leaders to build a stronger business community.
Annual Celebration
This annual luncheon celebrates our chamber members’ accomplishments throughout the year. Local businesses that have reached ultimate success and chamber volunteers are also recognized.
Business After Hours
One of our largest networking events! This popular after-hours gathering is attended by representatives of the business community. The event is held from 5-7 p.m. typically on the last Thursday of the month. Members make new connections with potential clients and colleagues in a relaxed atmosphere.
CapitolTALK
Held each year February through April. This event provides a forum for members to meet their state senator and representatives in a town hall type setting.
Chamber Member Breakfast
Members enjoy breakfast with their peers and an opportunity to network with other business and community leaders at this quarterly event. Program content covers topics of interest to the business community and helps keep members up to date on what’s happening with the chamber and our local community.
Emerging Leaders
Emerging Leaders is for emerging business professionals ages 22 – 35. This program, in partnership with the United Way of West Tennessee, is designed to create an avenue for young professionals to connect with networking events, develop professionally with programs and engage within our community through awareness.
Ribbon Cuttings
Members host a groundbreaking, ribbon cutting and/ or open house for their business with assistance from our Ambassadors. Home-Based and Out-of-Town Businesses ribbon cuttings give a opportunity for those with no store front or outside of Madison County. Held twice a year.
The Breakfast Club
These events are designed to bring together regional leaders and stakeholders to discuss topics vital to the enhancement and development of the West Tennessee region.
Women in Business
Local businesswomen come together each quarter to lunch and learn as a part of this luncheon series. Held at various locations in Jackson, the Women in Business luncheon offers ladies the opportunity to network, hear fabulous speakers and enjoy lunch.
U.S. Small Business Administration – sba.gov
SCORE – score.org
Tennessee Small Business Development Centers – tsbdc.org
Tennessee SmartStart – tnsmartstart.com
City of Jackson – jacksontn.gov/business/doing_business
Madison County – madisoncountytn.gov
Want other Chamber members to know about your new business? Have a ribbon cutting celebration.
These events are a great way to tell the business community about your business and increase visibility. They bring customers to your location where you can showcase your products or services and begin to build valuable relationships.
To learn more or schedule a celebration, contact Kristy Dew.
The Greater Jackson Chamber is dedicated to supporting our small business community. One way we do this is by recognizing an extraordinary small business each month. The Small Business of the Month is chosen by a selection committee who review submissions of the applications.
All nominees must have 25 or less full-time employees and a current Greater Jackson Chamber member in good standing.
Nominations are accepted year-round.
