Chamber looking to help home-based businesses

The Columbia County Chamber of Commerce intends to start a new recruiting program targeting home-based businesses.

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"We want to figure out what are some best practices for home-based businesses," said Tammy Shepherd, the vice president of business development. "Should we put them all together to share ideas? How do you get home-based businesses involved?"

Executive Director Jim Tingen said the variety of home-based businesses the chamber can help include consultants, insurance, speciality repairs, direct sales and more.

"The main thing for them is to get out and get known and get to know others," Tingen said. "It all comes down to networking."

The networking opportunities offered by the chamber are what lured Nancy Daigrepont to join.

"Networking is probably the No. 1 benefit," said the interior designer and owner of NDI Designs, which she operates out of her Martinez home.

Daigrepont said any program the chamber starts to help home-based businesses should feature a chance to meet regularly and exchange ideas.

"This would put us in contact with people having the same challenges," she said. "Marketing is difficult for small businesses, and any ideas someone else might have could help."

Any effort designed for home-based business will be launched this fall, Shepherd said.

Those interested in such a program are encouraged to call the chamber at (706) 651-0018.