Category Archives: Entrepreneurship

by | June 24, 2011 · 12:26 pm

SCORE one for the hometeam

Photo by Sandor Weisz of Flickr (Creative Commons)

Oh joy! Your family has a newborn, and your new baby is all cute and cuddly–full of potential. But what’s next? You can read the dreaded baby books like in the movie Knocked Up, OR you can get advice from other people who’ve been there and done that in the world of babies. Oh, and one more thing…this newborn baby that I’m referring to doesn’t wear pink or blue. Instead, it wears an Employer Identification Number and coos with email notifications and phone calls. The newborn is none other than your new business.

Going into business can be scary, and navigating through the rules and expectations of your industry of choice can be a little daunting. That’s where SCORE come in. SCORE stands for the Service Corps of Retired Executives and describes itself as “a nonprofit association dedicated to educating entrepreneurs and helping small businesses start, grow, and succeed nationwide.”

All that was said to say this–Thanks to the Jackson Business Accelerator Collaborative, SCORE is now being offered in Jackson!

With the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) as its partner, SCORE offers free and confidential advice to small businesses through local and online counseling, workshops, and more and the organization has been mentoring small business owners for more than forty years.

Entrepreneurs who sign up for SCORE will have access to a network of over 13,000 volunteers who offer small business entrepreneurs confidential business counseling services at no charge. SCORE volunteers have the knowledge and experience to help any small business owner get the help they need.

If you are interested in learning more about SCORE, contact James Griffin of the Small Business Accelerator Collaboration at (601) 371-1296, (601) 540-5415, or jamesgriffin601@yahoo.com.

P.S. The SBAC is seeking feedback from business owners. If you own a business, float on over to their online survey. It’s very short, but your feedback could help make a great service even greater.

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by | January 31, 2011 · 4:52 pm

We have a guest contributor

A little while back, we asked those of you who wanted to spread the good news about West Jackson to send us a story to post. Heck, if you’re a photographer, send us a nice and positive West Jackson photo. Well, we finally got one!

Alexander Robinson, a undergraduate economics major at Jackson State University and a writer for the Blue & White Flash, graciously sent a story to us to be posted on the blog. We’ve already covered the grand opening of Express Cleaners, but we are so excited to have a volunteer that we figured “hey, why not post it again?” Besides, this one is written from Alexander’s perspective.

So check out the story below and feel free to leave some kind comments for this wonderful volunteer. Thanks Alexander!

P.S. If you’d like to submit a story to us, simply draft it and email it to curnis.upkins@jsums.edu. You get a double high five if you send pictures too!

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On Thursday January 20, a ribbon cutting ceremony was held for the opening of Express Cleaners, the first business to open in One University Place, located on Dalton Street across from Jackson State University. Since its opening in October, One University Place has changed the landscape of Jackson State University and added new opportunities for West Jackson.

Kenneth O’Quinn, owner of Express Cleaners saw the right time for a business opportunity and did not hesitate to seize it.

” I saw a need for a cleaners and the development project was the right fit.”

O’Quinn also sees more opportunities as a result of the developments being undertaken by Jackson State. “The university is the driving force for the community” O’Quinn declared.

City Councilman Charles Tillman of Ward 5, the ward JSU is primarily situated upon, agrees with O’Quinn.

“Jackson State is the biggest economic base in West Jackson. A lot of products and services in the area are dependent on the students and faculty from the school.”

Kim Hilliard, director of Jackson State University’s Center for University-Based Development, does not want students to be surprised by the level of activity that takes place at One University Place in the next few months.

“We are now in the process of leasing to restaurants, retailers, and an art gallery ran by students”, Hilliard said. “We wanted to adhere to the students wants, we took students opinions into consideration for One University Place and the type of business that it will be composed of. The apartments that make up the upper portion of One University Place is 35% leased and have recently began offering leasing specials.

Jackson State students are happy to see the development of the area, some recalling a time when shotgun houses filled the spaces now comprising the College of Business, Dollye M.E. Robinson Building, and Walter Payton Wellness Center.

Curnis Upkins, a graduate student studying Urban and Regional Planning from Jackson Miss., envisions future development in the area.

“In ten years I would like to see Lynch Street offering all entertainment, food and services for the students.”, says Upkins.

Ontario Ford, a junior management major from Ruleville Miss., and a member of  Students  In Free Enterprise (SIFE), expects to see a boost in enrollment as a result of the new development.

“The more attractive environment will attract new students as more and more the old is being replaced with the new.” said Ford.

Shannon Hunter, a senior business major from Jackson Miss., sees One University Place as only step one in a long beneficial process.

“New businesses will come,” says Hunter, “and with that, more people and developments,” said Ford.

Express Cleaners  was the first business to take residence in One University place, but more are on the way, as the Jackson State community and business realize the potential the new development can bring into the area.

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by | January 28, 2011 · 12:32 pm

There’s a new skating rink in West Jackson

Photo by Will Merydith of Flickr (Creative Commons--Attribution/Share Alike License)

A few years ago, when the movies Roll Bounce and ATL hit the scene, it made you want to go skating.  You know, the good old fashioned kind of skating with the flashing lights, loud music, and timid newbie skaters who became well acquainted with the wooden floor.

There was one problem–Jackson (the city itself) didn’t have a skating rink. So those who wanted to skate had to venture over to Clinton or Pearl to get their skate on. Jackson residents Craig and Kavivah Bradley decided that something had to be done about this.

A couple of months ago, the married couple opened The Palace Skate Rink in the Miller Center on Ellis Avenue. This isn’t the couple’s first venture into business. They already own C & K Phone and Tax Services–a business that has three locations in Jackson. This is, however, their first venture into the world of family entertainment, but the couple is excited about the possibilities.

More than anything, they are excited about being able to offer Jackson residents a place to skate within the city.

So if you’re looking to lace up your skates and glide across the floor in the city of Jackson, look no further than the Palace Skate Rink. By the way, I never did get the whole skating backwards thing down, so I may need a quick lesson!

Business Details:

The Palace Skate Rink
Owners: Craig and Kavivah Bradley
1219 Ellis Avenue, The Miller Center (behind Advanced Auto Parts)
601-862-9295

Hours:

Fridays
7 p.m. – midnight, $10 admission

Saturdays
2 p.m. – 5 p.m., $6 admission
7 p.m. – 11 p.m., $11 admission

Sundays
1 p.m. – 6 p.m., $6 admission

Other Information:

The Palace offers an optional  Skate Club membership that allows members to receive discounts on admission and food. Membership costs $25

The venue is available for private parties for a starting price of $125.

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Filed under Economic Development, Entrepreneurship, Youth

by | January 26, 2011 · 3:06 pm

West Jackson’s businesses offer good deals

Ok, so we’ll admit…we’re no Groupon or Living Social, but there are some good deals going on in West Jackson’s businesses. Below are a few that we’ve recently spotted:

Click this image to view full size coupon. Print it to redeem for 50% off custom framing at Elim's.

A few months ago, Elim’s Art Concepts (1434 Ellis Ave., 601.540.4810) decided that it was time to open a second location for its artwork/custom framing business. The company that began in the Jackson Medical Mall chose none other than West Jackson as the expansion point for its business.

Harold Hart, the owner of the business, called a couple of days ago to notify us of a coupon that is available to any current or potential customers. The coupon gives you 50% off any custom framing order.

So if you have something that needs framing, make sure to visit good folks at Elim’s. To get the coupon, make sure to click on the image above, print it, and bring it with you on your visit to Elim’s Art Concepts.

For more information on Elim’s Art Concepts, check out our post about their Grand Opening.

(Elim’s is also on Facebook. Make sure that you become a fan…and if you’re not already, be our fan too!)

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What’s a City with Soul without Soul Food? Collins Dream Kitchen, Miss D’s Cuisine, The Country Fisherman, Green Lite Inn, Country Kitchen (the one on Macon Street), and Pecan Park Cafe are just a sampling of the many soul food restaurants that you’ll find in West Jackson.

The newest of the lot, of course, is Pecan Park Cafe (1039 Pecan Park Circle, 601.665.4842). The restaurant recently posted the following on their Facebook Fan Page:

PLUS, if you happen to miss the sweepstakes window (deadline is Friday), you can also swing by Pecan Park Cafe’ between 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. on Saturday, January 29. On that day, if you’re a Pecan Park Cafe’ Facebook Fan, make sure that you say “I’m a fan on Facebook” and you’ll get a chance to win a door prize. Door prizes will be awarded to every 3rd Facebook Fan.

Make sure to visit their Facebook Page and “Like” them. (Hey, visit our Page too while you’re at it!)

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This final deal is just for the ladies. If you’re looking for something to spruce up your wardrobe, make sure you visit Blush  (formerly Fashion Cafe Jxn). Even better, if your birthday is coming soon (or just occurred), you may be able to take advantage of the deal recently posted to Blush’s Twitter Account:

(Make sure to follow Blush, @Make_You_Blush, on Twitter…and, you guessed it, follow us too!)

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That’s it! Make sure that you support West Jackson businesses!

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by | January 25, 2011 · 3:11 pm

Express Cleaners is now open in West Jackson

Last Thursday, the Jackson Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony for West Jackson’s newest business–Express Cleaners.  Located on the ground floor of One University Place, Express Cleaners is the first tenant to open in the new development.  Other businesses slated to open in One University Place include an Art Gallery and an Internet Cafe.

Express Cleaners Manager, Deborah Collins, and Managing Partner, Kenneth O'Quinn

So why did Express Cleaners choose to locate in West Jackson? Managing Partner, Kenneth O’Quinn, says that a large part of the decision was due to the consistent growth of Jackson State University’s campus over the years.

While Express Cleaners is a drop-off site for laundry (meaning the actual cleaning isn’t done on site), the business promises that items in by 9:00 a.m. will by ready by 5:00 p.m. Also, if you can’t stand doing laundry, they offer a “Fluff & Fold” special in which you can bring your loads of dirty clothes to Express Cleaners, and they will wash, dry, and neatly fold the clothes for you (P.S.: placing the clothes in your dresser drawers is still up to you!). The cost for this service $2.50 per pound.

So if you’re looking to get your clothes smelling and looking fresh, feel free to give Express Cleaners a try. They are located near the corner of Dalton St. and John R. Lynch Street, across from the JSU Student Center (the business actually fronts Dalton St).

Express Cleaners Price List (NOTE: Prices subject to change):

Dry Clean Prices

Laundry Prices (don’t forget about the $2.50/lb. Fluff & Fold special)

Household Prices

Express Cleaners’ operating hours are as follows:

Monday-Friday, 7:00 a.m.–6:30 p.m.

Saturday, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Sunday, CLOSED

Other West Jackson Dry Cleaners include:

Hallmark Cleaners (Westland Plaza, 801 Ellis Avenue)

Buckley’s Cleaners (4122 Highway 80 W)

Bet-R-Way Cleaners (415 Broad Street)

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by | December 23, 2010 · 10:39 am

Groupon Deal at Koinonia

My, my, my…West Jackson businesses have been on a roll with Groupon lately! A couple of days ago, the Jackson Zoo offered a deal that included admission for 2 adults for the low price of $8. A couple of weeks before that, Lumpkins, which is owned by West Jackson residents, offered lunch for two for half the price. Those deals were posted to the West Jackson social networks, but I’ll be sure to start including all West Jackson-related Groupon deals on the blog.

Today, West Jackson’s coffee house, Koinonia, is offering a great deal in which you pay only $5 for $10 worth of baked, caffeinated, and sandwiched goodness! Click the picture above to check out the deal. But hurry, the the Groupon coupon will only be available for 1 day, 13 hours,40 minutes and 10, 9, 8,…okay, I’m sure you get the point.

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by | December 16, 2010 · 12:24 pm

Now open for business: “a Sleep Inn to sleep in”

Members of The LEAD Group and elected officials cut the ribbon on the new Sleep Inn.

Today, a large crowd gathered to witness the ribbon cutting of West Jackson’s newest business. Sleep Inn & Suites, located near the intersection of the Metro Parkway and Gallatin Street, is a $5 million development that features Free Wi-Fi, hot breakfast, a conference room, an exercise facility,  and 64 guest rooms equipped with a microwave and fridge.

The newly constructed hotel is owned by a group of local, African-American investors known as The LEAD Group.

This is very exciting news for West Jackson as the many investments that are taking place downtown began to seep across Gallatin Street and into the community.

If you’d like to book a room at the Sleep Inn, the hotel is currently offering a special rate of $79.99 per night. This rate is effective until the December 31, 2010.

If you are on a mobile device and can’t see the photo gallery, try this direct link.

Visit the Clarion Ledger photo gallery for more images.

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by | November 17, 2010 · 9:34 am

Elim’s: West Jackson’s Newest Framing Business

Elim's Art Concepts & Decorative Designs (601.540.4810)is now open at 1434 Ellis Avenue.

(via Zakiya Summers of Lady Godiva Productions)

The first retail store to open since Mayor Harvey Johnson, Jr. announced the redevelopment of Highway 80 in West Jackson will celebrate its Grand Opening this week.  Elim’s Art Concepts will hold a ribbon-cutting of its second location at 1434 Ellis Avenue next to WINGSTOP onThursday, November 18, 2010 at 4:30 p.m. The celebration will continue with refreshments and wine, a live band, and art showing at 6:30 p.m.  Owner Harold Hart will also introduce the new Elim’s gift card, which can be purchased during the grand opening just in time for the holidays.  People can view all types of art in the 3,000 square foot space.

“We are so excited to become a part of the West Jackson retail community,” says Hart, whose first store is located inside the Jackson Medical Mall.  “We are looking forward to bringing exceptional art concepts to this part of town and making a difference in the overall economic impact of the area.”

Elim’s specializes in custom framing including hand-crafted statues in shadowboxes, canvases, mirrors, mounted jerseys and other sports memorabilia, framed photographs, diplomas and certificates, newspaper articles, posters, and decorative art.  It is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Hart says he also plans to host framing workshops in the near future.  Music will be provided by Kolectiv Rhythm and door prizes will be given away.  The Greater Jackson Chamber Partnership is hosting the ribbon-cutting.

For more information, call Zakiya Summers at 601.955.9761.

A few of the many framing options available at Elim's

 

Couldn't get a great picture of this with my camera, but this is probably the coolest graduation plaque I've ever seen!

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by | November 12, 2010 · 5:05 pm

WESTerday Trivia Answer: Stamps Super Burger

At the corner of Dalton Street and Topp Avenue, in the Washington Addition Neighborhood, is a little building that serves up a big ole burger.  The name of this place is Stamps Super Burger. Founded in 1970 by Algernon Stamps, Sr., Stamps had its beginnings as a small grocery called Al’s Deli Mart–a place that became known for its signature Stamps Burger.

In 1986, Stamps changed the name of his restaurant to Stamps Super Burger and serves up a product that has been well marinaded over the restaurant’s 40 year history.  Now, I’m going to be honest…when they call it a super burger, they mean just that.  It is a super burger in terms of size AND taste.

The signature Super Burger is 12-13 ounces of 100% fresh ground beef and can be topped with your choice of lettuce, tomato, pickles, onions on a…BIG bun.  You can even add grilled onions for free–just make sure that you request them. If that’s not enough, you can customize your burger for a little extra change by adding bacon, cheese (cheddar, swiss, or pepper jack), mushrooms, jalapenos, and/or chili.

If that sound like too big of a burger for you, you should try their small burger.  It’s smaller than the Super Burger, but at 6 ounces, it’s still bigger than your run of the mill hamburger.

For those who have beef with beef (get it?), you should definitely try the Turkey burger. Trust me, it’s just as big and just as good.  Feel free to add a side of french fries with your choice of Lemon Pepper, Cajun, Season Salt, or Plain Salt.

If you haven’t been to Stamps in a while, they’ve added a little variety to the menu.  In addition to the burgers, the restaurant offers a grilled chicken salad, fresh garden salad (for the vegetarians), and the new Stamps Super Wings (buffalo, lemon pepper, sweet & spicy, and old fashioned).

By the way, if you’re familiar with Cool Al’s, then you’ve been indirectly introduced to Stamps. Cool Al’s was started by Algernon Sr.’s son (Algernon, Jr.–hence, Cool Al’s).  So if you think Cool Al’s is good, you should definitely venture out West and try the original Stamps Burger.

Stamps is located at 1801 Dalton Street and is open from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m., Monday through Saturday.  Feel free to call your order in for pickup at 601.352.4510.

A menu is attached to this post, but be advised that prices are subject to change.

Thanks for participating in this week’s WESTerday Trivia! We’ll see you next week!

Stamps Menu: Stamps Menu

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by | October 14, 2010 · 7:00 pm

WESTerday Trivia Answer: Hutto’s Home & Garden Center

 

Hutto's Home & Garden Center, 1320 Ellis Avenue, (601) 973-2277

 

In 1968, Billy Hutto, Sr. opened the doors to a new business at 1320 Ellis Avenue that was created to serve the gardening needs of West Jackson’s residents.  This new company was named the Hinds Nursery & Garden Shop.

Forty-two years later, the company’s name has changed, its gasoline station that once fronted Ellis Avenue is now gone, but the business, now known as Hutto’s Home & Garden Center, remains. (Note: according to Mr. Hutto, the business changed its name to Hutto’s in 1983)

Billy Hutto, Sr. has turned the reigns of the business over to his son, Billy Hutto Jr., who describes the center as “the largest & most unique garden center in the South.”  Perhaps it is this uniqueness that keeps people from miles around coming back to West Jackson.  Hutto’s is particularly known for Ms. Hutto’s Bedding Mix–a soil mix that is bound to make even the frailest plants prosper. What’s better is the fact that if you have a truck, they can load the soil mix and/or various mulches right into your truck bed.  The benefit? No more fumbling with multitudes of little bags of dirt/mulch!  Simply back your truck up to the spot at which you are working and shovel away. (They also have bags if that is what you prefer)

The people at Hutto’s know their stuff too! Walk in the door and you are immediately greeted with “can I help you find anything?” Tell the staff what you are looking for and you are personally guided to the spot.  Need advice on planting tips? They can help you out with that too.  Gathered a yard full of pecans? Take them to Hutto’s and they can shell them for you.

That’s all for today’s WESTerday Trivia. Fall is a great time to winterize your lawn and plant trees & shrubs.  It is also a great time to add color to your lawn with mums and pansies.  So if you’re ready to get your yard in tip top shape for fall, shop locally by visiting West Jackson’s own Hutto’s Lawn & Garden Center.

We’ll be back with another WESTerday Trivia question next week!

Written by Curnis Upkins, III

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