Even the most seasoned small business owners may not know all the ways they can most effectively get their message to potential customers and clients.
The Small Business Marketing Academy, offered by the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce, is currently accepting applications for the next session.
“Our Small Business Marketing Academy is a six-month program that we have once a month for small businesses that have been in business for at least two years to learn from industry and local experts on different ways to essentially do marketing that could be best for their business,” Emma Jones, Events and Marketing Manager for the Chamber, explained for ABD.
The Chamber website breaks down the topics for each session:
Day 1 – ESSENTIAL MARKETING PLAN INGREDIENTS
Day 2 – BRANDING BASICS
Day 3 – MEDIA & ADVERTISING
Day 4 – MARKETING THROUGH TECHNOLOGY
Day 5 – MESSAGING
Day 6 – CREATE YOUR MARKETING PLAN & GRADUATION
The Academy brings small businesses together in a round table setting. It allows the cohort to learn best practices from experts in each field. It also creates an atmosphere for the small businesses to share with each other what they have found that works or does not work.
The news release announcing the 2024 Academy quoted Faith Meador, Marketing Coordinator for ATC Corporation, who praised the program for creating the opportunity to hear from marketing professionals.
“From digital media sessions to brand building, the Small Business Marketing Academy really dives into all corners of marketing for your business. And the opportunity to create connections with other local businesses was greatly beneficial as well. Any small business looking to grow in their success should invest in the Small Business Marketing Academy.”
Jones said the Academy is open for anyone connected to a small business that has been in business for at least two years.
“It can range anywhere from the CEO to the owner or a manager to their marketing team,” she said. “Anyone they think from their team would benefit from the course to benefit their business.”
The Chamber began offering the Academy in 2016. Jones said some of the experts leading the classes have participated for years.
“We have certain folks that come every year to speak that we continue to use, but for other topics, we switch up every year,” she said. “We reach out based on recommendations or people that we know that we think would be really good fits to come and talk.”
Jones said the Academy is more than just an educational program. It creates a community that extends long after the sessions have ended.
“From last year, I got some really good feedback from people from the cohort being very excited and learning new things,” she said. “I know a good portion of that cohort still meets up and will still bounce ideas off each other. So, knowing a year later, they’re still in each other’s lives is kind of fun.”
Classes are held on the last Wednesday of each month during the six-month term. In addition to learning the best way to market their business, participants leave with a marketing plan tailored to their specific needs.
The 2024 Academy, sponsored by SouthState Bank, begins July 31. The deadline to apply is July 19.
To learn more and apply, go to https://www.augustametrochamber.com/events/sbma-2024.
