KINGSPORT, Tenn. (WJHL) — The Appalachian Highlands Women’s Business Center (AppH-WBC) hit the ground running just two weeks ago with Director Blair Roberts taking the helm.
“I’m trying to get myself comfortable and trained so I can help clients who ask for help,” Roberts told News Channel 11.
Kingsport Chamber of Commerce leaders announced in April that they had secured a grant to open the area’s first women’s entrepreneurship center, and so far, Roberts said she’s noticed a big demand for her services.
“A lot of the women that I’ve spoken to, even if they’re not in the same industry, just want a place to connect with other women and vent their frustrations and just say, ‘This isn’t working for me. Can you overcome this?'” Roberts says. “How can we learn from each other?”
Towards the end of this month, Roberts will begin meeting regularly with women at all stages of their entrepreneurial journey, from those with just an idea to those with a full business plan.
Lindsay Clark is preparing to open her first business, an all-day breakfast restaurant, in downtown Kingsport and said she is eager to have access to something like AppH-WBC.
“It’s a big risk to start a business, so having someone to help you through that process is a great resource for the community,” Clark told News Channel 11.
Her restaurant, Momma D’s, is set to open on Market Street this fall.
The center won’t just be aimed at women starting new businesses, Roberts is also working to create programs and training for women who are already in business and who want to connect with other professionals.
“We want them to know this is a place for them,” Roberts said. “We’re literally here to help women bring their ideas to life and take action, so we really want this to be a place where women feel welcomed, where they can ask questions and aren’t afraid to ask questions.”
