KINGSPORT, Tenn. (WJHL) — The Appalachian Highlands Women’s Business Center (AppH-WBC) is getting underway with director Brea Roberts taking the helm just two weeks ago.
“I’m really trying to get myself familiarized (and) trained so I can start helping clients who want to be helped,” Roberts told News Channel 11.
Kingsport Chamber of Commerce leaders announced they had received a grant to launch the area’s first center for women entrepreneurs in April. So far, Roberts said she’s seen a lot of interest in her services.
“A lot of the women I’ve talked to so far just want a place, even if they’re not in the same industry, to connect with another woman and either vent or just say, ‘You know, this is what’s not working for me. Are you able to overcome this?’” Roberts said. “How can we learn from each other?”
Roberts will begin meeting regularly with women at any stage of starting a business, whether they just have an idea or a full business plan, toward the end of the month.
Lindsay Clarke is preparing to open her first business in downtown Kingsport, an all-day breakfast restaurant, and said she’s eager to have access to something like the AppH-WBC.
“It’s a big decision to take the risk of opening this business, and having someone there to help you through that process is an incredible resource for the area,” Clarke told News Channel 11.
Her restaurant, Momma D’s, is expected to open on Market Street this fall.
The center isn’t just for women starting new businesses. Roberts also works to create programs and training for women who already own businesses or want to connect with other professionals.
“I want them to know that this is a place for them,” Roberts said. “We’re here, literally, to help women get their ideas off the ground, to get started. So I really want it to be a welcoming place where they can feel like they can ask questions and not be afraid to ask.”
