New Choctaw County “Navigators” Ready to Help Entrepreneurs Succeed

BUTLER, AL - - In rural Alabama, many towns and counties depend upon small businesses and entrepreneurs for survival.  “It is vital that we nurture and support these endeavors,” said Virginia Loftis, executive director of the Choctaw County Chamber of Commerce.  “We need to help them be successful so our community can be successful.”

Ms. Loftis made her comments after being trained as a MyBiz Network Navigator.  She is now one of a growing number of community champions in West Alabama and East Mississippi trained to better assist individuals wanting to expand or start local businesses. 

“It is important that our communities and counties learn about MyBiz and how to use it, said Nichole D’Andrea, community development coordinator for Alabama Southern Community College.  The college is one of eight participating in the WAEM Regional Initiative and bringing entrepreneur support and training opportunities to the area.  “MyBiz is an invaluable tool to anyone looking for assistance in starting or growing a business.  Network Navigators learn the ins and outs of this tool and how to connect entrepreneurs to nearby and needed resources.

Ashley Taylor, from the Choctaw County Public Library,
concentrates during MyBiz Network Navigator Training.

MyBiz Network Naviator training was conducted March 19, 2009, by Chris Reed, director of Entrepreneurship Development Programs at The Montgomery Institute in Meridian, MS.  The website www.MyBiz.am provides assistance to entrepreneurs at every stage, whether it is dreaming of starting a business, the process of actually starting a business, or growing an existing business.  The website also has a function called the “Resource Navigator” that goes far beyond a basic resource directory.  The Resource Navigator can provide an individual a report customized for his or her particular situation in just a few seconds. 

"MyBiz is a wonderful resource for rural communities,” said Ashley K. Taylor, director of the Choctaw County Public Library and another new Network Navigator.  “It provides so much information for local entrepreneurs."

Through Loftis and Taylor the Choctaw County Chamber of Commerce and the Choctaw County Public Library can better assist local entrepreneurs and business owners seeking information and support. 

“My Biz is a great tool for entrepreneurs,” reiterated Ms. Loftis.  “It gives them the directional resources necessary not only to put them on the right path to success….but to keep them there!  And these entrepreneurs are the backbone of a lot of our communities.”