También puedes leer este artículo en español, Las Cámaras de Comercio Locales son Herramientas Para tu Empresa.

When in doubt, ask. When questions are about business, the local Chambers of Commerce can help.

They offer access to resources that allow a business to grow, says Jorge González, director of Business Inclusion for the North Little Rock Chamber of Commerce. That includes participation in events that give visibility to the business, representation, and access to educational programs that would otherwise be very expensive.

"Successful entrepreneurs need to have a lot of skills," González says. The chambers also provide guidance in the process of opening a business, including the search for loans.

González explains that entrepreneurs want to spend their time developing their product, but marketing and networking are also essential. Chambers of commerce can facilitate those contacts with the community, he says.

The chambers also teach entrepreneurs to be prepared when a good opportunity arises.

“It's good to get together with people who know,” says González, “and to have those institutions that are stable and can give you protection and resources.”

On the other hand, the Arkansas Chambers of Commerce must reach out to the growing minorities.

“It is very important that the Chambers are inclusive in their strategy to reach minority businesses. In other words, they must create an inviting environment for minority groups, where businesses feel comfortable and invited to participate in the chamber,” says Esperanza Massana-Crane, director of the Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprise Division of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission.