by Think Currituck, on 7/18/17 9:30 AM
Starting a business isn't easy.
Experienced entrepreneurs know that launching a new company takes more than just a great idea and a solid work ethic. There are a million moving parts that need to work together for any startup to succeed. Even then, there are no guarantees.
It's infinitely easier when you have help.
If you're an entrepreneur or business owner in Currituck County, we'd like to introduce a new FREE resource that can help you launch a new company, expand your current business or just boost your business IQ...
Currituck County's Economic Development Department has partnered with Hatch to make their 1000 Four program available to our local business community.
Right here, right now... everyone in Currituck County has complimentary access to 1000 Four.
What is 1000 Four?
Simply put, it's an online tool to that gives you "everything you need to start or grow your business."
According to the Hatch website, 1000 Four is a "community first platform developed with the modern entrepreneurial experience in mind. The combination of real interactions with other entrepreneurs and an on-demand ready-to-use educational library gives entrepreneurs actionable solutions to their growth problems."
It's an online resource library, a support hub and an idea network and place to ask questions and get answers.
Currituck citizens now have instant access to hundreds of hours of business development content covering topics that are essential to starting and building a successful business. This on-demand video library of business content (like a “Netflix for business") is at the core of 1000 Four.
Entrepreneurs can watch workshops and “how to” webinars on everything from marketing and accounting to social media strategy and sales tactics.
Joining 1000 Four also connects you to a larger community of regional business owners, entrepreneurs and thought leaders.
"If you're wondering why you should join, I can give you the answer," said Tracy Link, owner of Intergrity Security Services and 1000 Four member. "It is about the network."
1000 Four will help establish a strong entrepreneurial culture which is critical to grow the local and regional economy. The platform will help existing businesses grow by providing information and resources from other business owners who have “been there and done that.”
“I was able to get honest criticism and feedback by being surrounding by entrepreneurs and business owners who can understand the struggles I was going through," said Nathan Tschohl, founder of Swim Nerd. "I would never have been able to reach my goal without 1000 Four."
The idea for 1000 Four was sparked by Hatch founder Zack Miller's reaction to an economic development proposal for turning around the Hampton Roads economy. After experts suggested that attracting four 1,000-employee companies to the region was the solution, Miller offered an alternative.
"Our region has focused on building and attracting huge Fortune 500 companies, but we're not going to get four 1,000-person companies" Miller said. "We need to focus on building 1000 four-person companies... that's our future."
Currituck County joins a roster of 1000 Four partners that includes the City of Virginia Beach, Suffolk Economic Development, Launchpad: The Greater Williamsburg’s Incubator, Starting Block in Portsmouth, Franklin Business Center, and Lighthouse Labs in Richmond.
"We're super excited to have Currituck County involved and on board," said Hatch founder, Zack Miller.
Economic Development Director Larry Lombardi is equally enthusiastic.
"The 1000 Four program will complement our Business Retention and Expansion efforts, by connecting people and building relationships within our business community," Lombardi said. "This will help in demonstrating our goal to provide information to help grow their businesses and at the same time build trust within the business community."
"Above all else, this helps maintain a business friendly environment and a platform in keeping lines of communication open," added Lombardi. "We do not want our business owners to get frustrated and deal with obstacles, instead we want them to focus on growing their businesses!"
Interested in signing up for FREE access to 1000 Four?
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