Small Business owners seeking expert insights gathered early at the Hilton Garden Inn on April 3, 2024, where they also enjoyed breakfast, networking, and an informative seminar featuring a panel of local financial industry experts and entrepreneurs on the topic of ‘Access to Finance and Funding for Small Business’.
 
Small Business Connect is a new initiative of the Temple Chamber of Commerce launched in 2023, with the goal of resourcing small business owners to accelerate and enhance their businesses, through training from subject matter experts.
 
‘Access to Finance and Funding for Small Business’ was presented as a panel discussion moderated by Bryan Daniel, The Daniel Group of Ameriprise Financial, and consisting of panelists Art Coley, Jr., CGI Franchise, Jason Ehler, McLennan Small Business Development Center, Hudson Kennedy, CPA, Extraco Banks, and Jonathan Briscoe, Extraco Banks.
 
The moderator led attendees on a journey surrounding finance and funding for small business from the needs and challenges of start-ups and new business to accelerating and scaling a business to considerations for business exit strategies. Each of the panelists shared practical advice based on their personal experiences and expertise.
 
One key takeaway from the seminar was the importance of proactive financial management and strategic planning. Many attendees expressed newfound confidence in approaching lenders, optimizing their budgets, and making informed decisions to drive business growth.
 
The Temple Chamber extends its gratitude to all the panelists, attendees, and sponsors who made this seminar a success.

​The Spirit of Santa Fe Trail invites guests to explore the growing number of Central Texas wineries, distilleries, and breweries. The annual event hosted by the Temple Chamber of Commerce is in its fourth year and has grown from a single day on the Plaza to a multi-week self-guided tour featuring 12 locations. Guests can enjoy an exclusive offer from each location from April 12 through April 28 with a $25 ticket. Purchase tickets online at www.templechamber.com/spiritofsantafe.
 
The trail is one of seven signature initiatives hosted by the Temple Chamber. The Chamber’s signature initiatives generate supporting income for the nonprofit organization, which enables it to provide a range of resources and programs for local businesses —especially small business owners.
 
The $25 ticket cost to enjoy the Spirit of Santa Fe Trail is nominal compared to the exclusive offers that come with it.
 
Participating Locations Include:
●  3 Texans Winery & Vineyard (Temple)
●  BeeMaRosa Vineyard & Winery (Belton)
●  Bird Creek Brewing (Temple)
●  Bold Republic Brewing (Temple)
●  Dancing Bee Winery (Rogers)
●  Kissing Tree Vineyards (Eddy)
●  Moose & Goose Winery (Temple)
●  Nolan Creek Brewery (Belton)
●  Red Caboose Distillery (Clifton)
●  Red Caboose Winery (Clifton)
●  Tanglefoot Brewing (Temple)
●  Wilson Valley Mercantile (Little River - Academy)
 
The event showcases Central Texas's mark in the craft beverage space and introduces the community to new businesses and new products from old favorites. Organizers of the Spirit of Santa Fe Trail ask that guests drink responsibly, avoid drinking and driving, and have a designated driver.
 
The Spirit of Santa Fe Trail is made possible by generous sponsors: City of Temple; Emerson Construction; First United Bank; Ludwick, Montgomery & Stapp; McLane Company; McLane Intelligent Solutions; Perry Office Plus; and Polar Texas Bottling Company.
 
For a list of offerings and operating hours for each location, and to purchase tickets, visit www.templechamber.com/spiritofsantafe.