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Power Up Spartanburg’s Mentoring Program Boosts Small Business

Small business owners collaborating and learning through the Power Up Spartanburg mentoring program.

News Summary

The Power Up Spartanburg mentoring program is making significant strides for local business owners by providing vital support and resources. It connects entrepreneurs with experienced mentors, fostering a supportive community. This initiative, part of the OneSpartanburg effort, aims to uplift small and minority-owned businesses in the area by addressing key knowledge gaps, particularly in financial operations. With 66 mentors and 27 mentees, the program is poised to make a lasting impact as it prepares to celebrate its second anniversary.

Power Up Spartanburg’s Mentoring Program: A Boost for Small Business Success

In the heart of Spartanburg, an exciting initiative is turning the tide for local small business owners! The Power Up Spartanburg’s mentoring program has been making waves over the past year, filling a crucial knowledge gap in the world of small business operations. With a mission to empower entrepreneurs, this program is brought to life as part of the broader OneSpartanburg effort, specifically designed to uplift small and minority-owned businesses throughout Spartanburg County.

Connecting with Experienced Mentors

For many, starting a business can feel like a daunting task, but the mentoring program is here to help every step of the way. Just ask business owner Jasmine Herbert, who dove into the program during its pilot phase. With more than a decade of experience in human resources, Herbert found herself at the helm of her own consulting firm called The Employee Handbook: Career & Workforce Solutions. It wasn’t long before she realized that having a group of mentors to bounce ideas off was invaluable. Through these interactions, she gained fresh perspectives and innovative business ideas, transforming not just her own practices but the opportunities available to her clientele.

After leveraging the mentorship program, Herbert was inspired to split her focus and establish a new venture known as HR Compliance Partners. This new direction came out of a realization that the name of her original firm created confusion among potential HR clients. The supportive environment of the mentoring program alleviated some of the overwhelming challenges of running a business and granted her the clarity she desperately needed.

Paying It Forward

Seeing firsthand the significant advantages her mentorship brought her, Herbert is now passing the torch by becoming a mentor herself. This creates a cycle of support that strengthens the local business community, making it an encouraging place for aspiring entrepreneurs.

The People Behind the Program

At the helm of this inspiring endeavor is Sheila Snoddy, the director of the mentoring programs. Snoddy emphasizes the importance of establishing a robust support network for small business owners, enabling them to surpass the “mom-and-pop” stage and develop sharper business acumen. With this aim, the program continuously adapts to address the pressing needs of local entrepreneurs.

Adapting to Feedback

One significant takeaway from the program’s early feedback was the surprising lack of financial knowledge among participants. Recognizing this gap, the team behind Power Up Spartanburg wasted no time drafting a new curriculum focused on financial operations. Knowledge of finance can often make or break a small business, and this curriculum is on track to equip owners with the tools they need to thrive.

As the program gears up to celebrate its second anniversary in May, the numbers show just how impactful it has been so far. Currently, the program has matched 66 mentors with 27 eager mentees, fostering a community of shared learning and growth. With such positive momentum, it’s clear that the Power Up Spartanburg initiative is poised to make a lasting impact on the small business landscape in the area.

How to Get Involved

Whether you’re a business owner looking for guidance or someone wishing to share your expertise, there are opportunities available. To dive deeper into how this mentoring program works or to get involved, interested individuals can visit powerupspartanburg.com/mentoring. Together, this thriving community is creating a path for success, ensuring that Spartanburg remains a vibrant hub for small businesses. So, why wait? Join the movement and power up your business today!