The Appalachian Highlands Women’s Business Center (AppH-WBC) in Kingsport, Tenn., recently launched with Director Brea Roberts at the helm for the past two weeks. Roberts is currently training to assist clients in need of help as she gets familiar with the responsibilities of her new role. This initiative was announced by the Kingsport Chamber after securing grant funding to establish the region’s first center for women entrepreneurs in April. So far, Roberts has observed a significant interest in the services AppH-WBC has to offer.
She has found that many women she has spoken with are interested in connecting with other women, even if they are not in the same industry, to discuss common challenges, share stories, and learn from each other. Roberts will soon start meeting with women who are at different stages of starting a business, whether they are in the idea phase or have a complete business plan, by the end of the month.
One future business owner, Lindsay Clarke, is excited about the opportunities the AppH-WBC will provide. She is preparing to open her first business (an all-day breakfast restaurant) in downtown Kingsport this fall. This new center aims to assist women like Clarke through various programs and training while fostering connections among professionals in the community.
Roberts emphasized that the AppH-WBC is not exclusively for women starting new businesses but also for those who wish to expand their existing businesses or connect with other like-minded professionals. She envisions the center as a welcoming place where women can seek guidance, ask questions, and receive support to turn their ideas into successful ventures.