The seventh-annual BizFest will be held at The Liberty in Elkin on Thursday from noon to 6 p.m.
The event alternates between Mount Airy and Elkin, said Todd Tucker, president of Surry County Economic Development Partnership (SCEDP), which puts on the exhibition. The Yadkin Valley Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Mount Airy Chamber of Commerce are co-sponsors
“BizFest is a business expo that features the business in Surry County, and focuses primarily on the small business,” said Tucker. “It gives them a chance to show off their products and services. It’s mainly a business-to-business event, but the public is always welcome to attend.
“It’s a good way for people to become aware of the companies we have here, so they can buy their products, use their services and shop local. We want to keep all that money here.”
Starting off the event is a kick‐off celebration from noon to 1:30 p.m. WorkForce Unlimited and the Small Business Center at Surry Community College will present Amanda Pearce and Marie Palacious with Funding for Good to facilitate an interactive session on successful partnerships, titled, “Competing or Collaborating? Keeping the Community in Mind and Dollars in Hand.”
“Our goal will be to explore ways to grow your business through innovative partnerships across diverse business sectors. Many business owners struggle with finding new ways to grow their business, how to find needed services and how to engage partners to strengthen your work,” reads BizFest promotional materials.
The exhibition will feature 42 vendors representing Surry County businesses.
Duke Energy and the town of Elkin will host a Business After Hours event from 4 to 6 p.m. to wrap up BizFest. The exhibitor booths will remain open during this time to allow additional networking opportunities.
“The chamber is pleased to be a part of it,” said Randy Collins, president and CEO of the Greater Mount Airy Chamber of Commerce. “BizFest is a great way to showcase our local business community. I invite everyone to come out on the 12th.”
The Liberty is located at 222 E. Main St. in downtown Elkin.
