The Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the addition of a new program designed for small to medium businesses interested in further developing their marketing and sales prowess as well as experiencing a co-learning environment with like-minded businesses.      

The Small Business Marketing Academy is an opportunity for the owners/managers to learn, share and plan for a growing and thriving business. The program assembles 25 business owners who have been in business for at least 2 years and have 25 or fewer employees. Participants come together once per month for 6 months for a full day of learning from local industry experts and to engage in roundtable discussion to apply practical advice and best practices. The Academy runs twice per year with classes beginning in July and January. Classes are held on the last Wednesday of the month, at the Chamber office, from 8:30 am–5:00 pm.

The Academy will cover topics such as branding, media, messaging and marketing through technology. At its conclusion, each participant will leave the program with a customized marketing plan with the help of an assigned mentor.

The first day of the series is Branding Basics and will be held on July 27th. With the help of local agency and corporate experts, business owners will explore the concepts of branding beyond the logo. Participants will learn tips and tricks on defining one’s brand and maximizing customer brand loyalty. Subsequent days of the program include Essential Marketing Plan Ingredients, Media and Advertising, Marketing through Technology and Messaging.  The final day in the series will be a capstone exercise in producing a marketing plan for each enrolled business.  

To participate in the Academy, applicants must complete an application and agree to the terms of enrollment which include payment of a $150 tuition fee, the completion of an internal business assessment prior to the start of the program, and a pledge to attend all classes of the program.