Small businesses are the heartbeat of our communities — they create jobs, foster innovation, and give neighborhoods their unique character. Yet, for many entrepreneurs, the path to sustainable growth is often filled with challenges: limited resources, changing markets, and steep learning curves.
That’s why this year, Startup Cherokee is proud to partner with the City of Canton and the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Kennesaw State University (KSU) to bring an empowering series of free quarterly workshops designed to help local entrepreneurs learn, grow, and innovate.
A Strategic Partnership for Local Business
In collaboration with the City of Canton, Startup Cherokee — a vibrant and energizing hub for trailblazing startups and bold entrepreneurs — is hosting a series of quarterly business workshops completely free for attendees, facilitated by the University of Georgia’s (UGA) SBDC at KSU. Registration and details are available here.
“The City of Canton’s Mayor and Council are committed to advancing economic success and are proud to provide this opportunity to our business community,” said Aundi Lesley, Economic Development Manager at the City of Canton. “By offering these workshops in partnership with Startup Cherokee and the Cherokee Office of Economic Development, we are investing directly in our local entrepreneurs by giving them practical tools, trusted resources, and the knowledge they need to grow strong, resilient businesses that contribute to Canton and Cherokee’s long-term economic vitality.”
This workshop series is part of Startup Cherokee’s Small Business Advancement Series, a program designed to give accessible, actionable insights that help founders work on their business, not just in it.
For Startup Cherokee, supporting local business growth is part of a broader mission: to make launching and scaling a venture more accessible and easier to navigate for entrepreneurs of all stages by connecting them to education, resources, mentorship, and community.
What the Workshop Series Offers
Each quarterly workshop zeroes in on a specific theme essential to business growth — from mastering emerging technologies to strengthening financial foundations. For example:
- Digital Marketing Mastery | February 10: Learn how to turn online strategies into real results.
- QuickBooks & Financial Tools Made Simple | May 12: Simplify day-to-day financial management and gain a clear understanding of your overall financial position.
- Leadership That Works: Skills for Owners & Managers | August 11: Build leadership habits that empower your team and business.
- Financial Fluency: What Every Business Owner Should Know | November 10: Understand your numbers and break down the essentials of financial literacy to make smarter, data-driven decisions.
These topics align with Startup Cherokee’s educational focus on giving entrepreneurs accessible, actionable insights that help them work smarter and grow faster.
Why These Workshops Matter
The benefits of these quarterly workshops go well beyond individual sessions:
- Accessible, High-Value Learning (For Free)
Thanks to our partnership with the City of Canton and UGA’s SBDC at KSU, these workshops are offered at no cost, removing traditional barriers to high-quality business education — a core value at Startup Cherokee, whose programming is centered on providing always-free educational opportunities.
- Practical Tools You Can Use Now
Each workshop is designed to deliver practical, immediately actionable skills. From simplifying bookkeeping to understanding emerging trends, these sessions let business owners leave with tools they can apply the next day — truly education you can act on.
- Strengthening Local Business Community
By bringing business owners together regularly, these workshops foster community, encourage networking, and help entrepreneurs learn from one another. In Startup Cherokee’s network, connection is more than a buzzword — it’s a core part of building a collaborative ecosystem of founders, creatives, and makers.
- Aligned with Broader Entrepreneurial Support Programs
The quarterly workshops complement other Startup Cherokee programming like Fresh Start Mornings, LaunchPad Bootcamp Series, and North Atlanta Venture Mentoring Service (NAV) — all designed to support entrepreneurs through education, mentorship, and meaningful connections.
Real Results, Real Growth
Educating local businesses isn’t just an abstract goal — it has measurable community impact. Communities that invest in small business education often see stronger business retention, improved workforce readiness, and a more resilient local economy. Giving entrepreneurs the tools and confidence to scale their operations benefits everyone: owners, employees, and the community at large.
For Startup Cherokee, that mission is reflected in programs and resources that connect entrepreneurs not just to workshops, but to ongoing education, mentorship, coworking spaces, and data tools.
Get Involved
Ready to take your business to the next level? Explore and register for the quarterly Small Business Advancement Series here.
Together with the City of Canton and the Small Business Development Center, Startup Cherokee is helping local entrepreneurs grow — one workshop, one connection, and one idea at a time.
