Through a partnership of two local entities, the public is invited to see what local businesses have to offer as well as participate in several seminars on Sept. 24 at Beaufort County Community College.

The Washington-Beaufort County Chamber of Commerce and Beaufort County Community College Small Business Center have partnered to host the sixth annual Beaufort County Business Expo, sponsored by CenturyLink, which will showcase a variety of local businesses and what they have to offer the public, said Washington-Beaufort County Chamber of Commerce Business Manager Robin McKeithan.

“It’s a great chance for chamber members and the general public to come network and see what our business community has to offer,” McKeithan said. “Last year was our first year at the community college. It’s just a great venue for us, and we’re very excited about having it at the community college again this year.”

From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Building 10 of BCCC, businesses from the area will be present to network with community members and three seminars, presented by BCCC Small Business Center, will be held for the public to attend, McKeithan said.

At noon, the “Resources for Your Business” seminar will feature BCCC Small Business Center Director Lentz Stowe sharing with business owners or potential entrepreneurs free resources available to start, expand and improve their business. At 1 p.m., a “Legal Entities and Your Business” seminar will be hosted by Attorney Will Mayo, giving participants valuable legal information pertaining to business. At 2 p.m., “Social Media — What’s In It For My Business?” will be the last seminar held, which will showcase how social media can benefit a business, McKeithan said.

Stowe said BCCC’s SBC and the WBCOC has worked together for a number of years to promote grassroots economic development in the community, and this year’s expo is a reflection of that.

“We’ve had a long-standing, strategic partnership in promoting our workshops and, of course, it’s about being in the same area in terms of promoting grassroots economic development,” Stowe said. “The main thing is we have three really good, relevant workshops—relevant to folks who are starting a business and those who already have a business. Two of our presenters are local — William Mayo and myself — and the third person, Christina Williams, has been a good presenter and a known resource for one of our sister colleges — College of the Albemarle.”

There will also be flu shots available for attendees, provided by Carolina East Medical Associates (CEMA). Insurance is accepted, and immunizations will be $25 for those who are non-insured. Participants also have the chance to win an iPad mini. To register, a certain number of booths must be visited, McKeithan said.

From 11 a.m. to noon, a special “Chamber Exclusive” will be held, in which food will be served to Chamber members and vendors, courtesy of Bill’s Hot Dogs and Perfect Perks, McKeithan said.

Preregister by calling 252-940-6375 or by emailing evap@beaufortccc.edu. For more information, call Jeanne Neiderhauser at 252-946-9168 or email jeanne@wbcchamber.com.