Peachtree – The Business Resource Roundtable: Cherokee County, held on Feb. 25 at Tri-County Community College, successfully brought together an outstanding group of local entrepreneurs, business owners, resource providers and community leaders for a morning of networking, collaboration and idea sharing.
Hosted by Mountain West Partnership, We Speak WNC Business, the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Murphy Business Association and Tri-County Community College Small Business Center, the event exceeded expectations, drawing more than 90 attendees eager to engage in meaningful discussions about the future of business in Cherokee County.
The roundtable created a unique space for conversations that rarely happen in – bringing together business owners, nonprofit leaders, resource providers and policymakers. Attendees engaged in open and honest discussions about challenges, opportunities and the collective future of business in Cherokee County. Many participants expressed how valuable it was to connect with others facing similar experiences and to learn about the wide range of available resources.
“I don’t think we’ve ever had so many people in one space, openly talking about what’s working, what’s not, and how we can better support each other,” Victoria Ivie, director of the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce, said in a release. “It was a reminder that we’re not alone in this. There are resources, connections and people who genuinely want to see businesses succeed.”
The event featured inspiring startup stories from three local businesses – Julie’s Place, Graciela Laurent Photography and Morning Fog Coffee & Eats, alongside insights on Cherokee County’s economic trends, funding opportunities and business support.
“It was incredible to see so many business owners, resource providers and leaders come together to share ideas and build connections,” said Eli Hashemi of Mountain West Partnership. “This event highlights the power of collaboration and the wealth of resources available to businesses in Cherokee County.”
A special thank you to Morning Fog for providing fresh-baked pastries and locally roasted coffee to start the morning, and to Tri-County for their generous hospitality and commitment to fostering business growth in the region.
As Cherokee County’s business community continues to grow, the Business Resource Roundtable aims to be a catalyst for ongoing collaboration, support and connection.
The Mountain West Partnership is a division of the Southwestern Commission, focused on fostering business growth and investment across western North Carolina. By working with counties, municipalities and industry partners, the organization provides tailored economic development solutions to strengthen local economies and create sustainable job opportunities.