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Retail Ready: Practical Strategies to Grow Your Small Business

July 15, 2026 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM (EDT)

Description

Join us at Retail Ready: Practical Strategies to Grow Your Small Business, a strategy-focused session designed for small business owners, local entrepreneurs, and aspiring business professionals on how they can strengthen their business operations on May 12, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. The session will feature approximately 45 to 55 minutes of presentation, 10 to 20 minutes of question and answer, then audience interaction. This is part of a broader small business development initiative aimed at equipping local entrepreneurs with the tools, knowledge, and resources to operate effectively.

Event Agenda:

  1. Inventory Management Best Practices: Practical approaches for managing stock, reducing inefficiencies, and improving business operations. 
  2. Enhancing the Customer Experience: Real-world strategies for creating stronger customer relationships and improving the in-store or service experience. 
  3. Digital Transformation for Small and Local Retail: Online presence, business tools, automation, and technology that can help small businesses operate more efficiently. 
  4. Local Retail Trends and Opportunities: Insights into current opportunities and challenges impacting small and local retail businesses. 
Date:  July 15, 2026
Time:  9:30 a.m. - 11 a.m. 
Location: University of South Carolina Charlotte Campus
200 S College St 
Charlotte NC, 28202

Parking Instructions: $15-$30 parking fees may apply through LAZ Parking. Street parking options are also available.

Speaker

 

Donald Pollard, Jr., MBA 

Instructor, Department of Retailing | University of South Carolina Department of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management | 

University of South Carolina College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport ... 

Donald S. Pollard, Jr., is a creative director, entrepreneur, TEDx speaker, and educator with over 20 years of experience in executive and entrepreneurial roles. Pollard's entrepreneurial ventures include founding the DONN STERLING Group Inc., a private label menswear company, and co-founding Impact Mentors, an organization aimed at breaking systemic barriers for minority entrepreneurs through mentorship. At the event, Pollard will discuss how organizations can develop the best inventory practices, enhance customer service experiences, and develop digital tools which strongly align with their businesses.


Time

9:30 a.m. - 11 a.m.

Location

Darla Moore School of Business - Professional MBA Program, Charlotte Classroom

Parking Instructions: $15-$30 parking fees may apply through LAZ Parking. Street parking options are also available.

Pricing

Members: $0
Non-Members: $25

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Contact Information

CHARLOTTE AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Name: Linda Lemmons
Email: linda@charlotteareachamber.com
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