2024 Redistricting

GETUP Anniston - An Entrepreneurship Program

Are you ready to turn your entrepreneurial dreams into reality? Main Street Anniston, in partnership with leading local organizations, is thrilled to present the GETUP Anniston program—a comprehensive series of FREE business classes designed to guide you through every step of starting and growing your own business.

Over the course of 8 weeks, GETUP Anniston will immerse you in 10 essential topics, with classes held twice a month. Whether you’re a budding entrepreneur or an established business owner looking to refine your skills, this program offers invaluable insights tailored to your needs.

Here’s what you’ll explore:

Topics Covered in GETUP Anniston

  • Business Concept and Planning / Market Understanding – Develop a clear business concept, identify your target market, and understand market trends with guidance from industry experts.
  • Business Tools and Organizational Structure – Explore essential business tools, legal structures, and best practices for organizing your business for long-term success.
  • Business Insurance – Understand the importance of business insurance, the types of coverage available, and how to protect your business from unforeseen risks.
  • Financial Literacy – Gain key insights into managing your personal and business finances, budgeting, and making informed financial decisions.
  • Cash Flow Management and Business Financing – Learn strategies to effectively manage cash flow, secure business financing, and navigate funding opportunities.
  • Accounting Basics, Taxes, and Financial Statements – Get an introduction to bookkeeping, tax obligations, and how to interpret financial statements to keep your business financially healthy.
  • Selecting Business Locations & Understanding Leasing – Discover what to look for in a business location, lease negotiation strategies, and how to choose the right space for growth.
  • Navigating License, Zoning, and Permits – Understand local regulations, zoning requirements, and necessary permits to ensure compliance and avoid setbacks.
  • Business Boost: Mastering Digital Tools for Success – Learn how to leverage digital tools, online marketing, and technology to enhance your business operations and reach customers effectively.
  • Local Resources and Civic Engagement Opportunities – Connect with local business resources, networking opportunities, and community support to help your business thrive.

 

We highly encourage participants to enroll in the entire program to gain a comprehensive understanding of what it takes to start a successful business. However, we also offer the flexibility to attend individual sessions based on your specific needs and interests.

Complete the full GETUP Anniston program, and you could earn the opportunity to compete in our exclusive “Pitch” contest for a chance to win seed money to launch your start-up in the vibrant Main Street Anniston business district.

Don’t miss this chance to gain essential business skills, connect with local resources, and take the first step toward achieving your entrepreneurial goals!

For questions, please contact Main Street Anniston at the points of contact listed at the bottom of this page. 

Class Schedules:

GETUP Anniston – Spring/Summer Semester

April 3rd -July 10th

5:30 PM – 7:30 PM

Anniston City Meeting Center

Sessions:

Week 1: April 3, 2025

  • Get the Most out of Get Up Anniston – Monique Chatman
  • Business Concept and Planning / Market Understanding – SBDC

Week 2: April 17, 2025

  • Business Tools and Organizational Structure / Business Insurance – SBDC, Model City Insurance

Week 3: May 1, 2025

  • Financial Literacy – First Bank of Alabama

Week 4: May 15, 2025

  • Cash Flow Management and Business Financing – First Bank of Alabama

Week 5: May 29, 2025

  • Accounting Basics, Taxes, and Financial Statements – Warren Averett

Week 6: June 12, 2025

  • Selecting Business Locations & Understanding Leasing / Navigating License, Zoning, and Permits – Local Realtors, City of Anniston Staff

Week 7: June 26, 2025

  • Business Boost: Mastering Digital Tools for Success – Monique Chatman

Week 8: July 10, 2025

  • Local Resources and Civic Engagement Opportunities – City of Anniston Leadership and Calhoun County Are Chamber of Commerce

Program Partners:

Main Street Anniston Staff:

Main Street Anniston Director | Karla Eden | 256-371-3711

Administrative Assistant | Kristin Smith | 256-231-7633