More than 60 small businesses take the spotlight at Greater Memphis Chamber event

Memphis’ small business community took the spotlight at the Greater Memphis Chamber’s inaugural BizPalooza. 

On Oct. 17, more than 60 local companies promoted their businesses, products and services at Agricenter International. The Chamber’s small business council created the free event to provide exposure and additional networking opportunities for their small business members. 

"It’s important to create opportunities for local businesses to do business with other local businesses," said Lauren Loeb, membership director for the Chamber. "The Chamber and our small business council have programming throughout the year that provides small businesses the education, networking, and information they need to be successful."

Several years ago, the Chamber held a three- to four-day expo that was very successful but required a lot of staff to operate and manage. When the small business council decided to bring this type of event back, a three-hour event was deemed more manageable. The Chamber partnered with Greater Memphis chapter of Business Networking International, which has put on similar events in the past.

"We had 60-plus businesses represented at this event that included all kinds of businesses such as office supplies, banks, non-profits, event planning, restaurants, technology, security and more,” said Loeb. "We even had complimentary drinks, shoe shining and giveaways from several participants."

Some of the diverse range of companies on hand showing off their wares included Bruce Upchurch Homes LLC, Captivating Balloons, Cartridge World, Casbah Restaurant, Champion Awards, Dinstuhl's Fine Candy Company, Inc., eBiz Solutions, Freed-Hardeman University, Iberiabank, Judy Bell Consulting, Juice Plus+, Pop-A-Lock of Memphis, REACH, SunTrust Bank, and the YMCA of Memphis & the Mid-South.

The attendees liked the opportunity to see what other businesses were offering and the ability to showcase their own products and services.

The event sponsor was the Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau, and program sponsors included Independent Bank, Yuletide Office Solutions, Comcast, Glo and Behind the Scenes.

Organizers plan to host a second BizPalooza in 2017.