Every great venture starts with great ideas by creative individuals who serve a higher purpose. The higher purpose in this case being the people around us and quite honestly, who amongst us doesn’t need a little help every now and then? Whether personal or professional, now is the time to reach out to our neighbors, connect and help local businesses stay in business.

Small Biz BarCamp – Phoenix – An “unconference” that reaches out to small business owners and asks “What tools do you need to stay in business?” Regardless of geographical location, budget or number of employees, this event is designed with every small business owner in mind.

So – what do we need to get started?? Well, let’s start with:

1. Volunteers
2. Sponsors
3. A Date
4. A Venue
5. Speakers

Having been part of other events, I would never be one to down play the importance of volunteers. So – let’s make that #1 on the list and see if we can come up with a handful of creative individuals who are willing to be part of something bigger. What do you say? Are you in?

Simply leave a comment below or connect with me on twitter – I’m @cwaterhouse

Atlanta Small Biz BarCamp is coming September, 2010 Bookmark for details as they come!

Small Biz BarCamp Atlanta has a place to happen sponsored by AHK mortgage. We still have spots for table sponsors and door sponsors. Use the sponsor form to let us know about your offer http://smallbizbarcamp.com/sponsors/ or contact Ken Cook at 678-439-8683.

RSVP through EventBrite at this link – fee for early bird is only $10 - seriously TEN BUCKS (plus the EB fee). Through September 3rd. Starting September 4th RSVP is $39 plus EB fee. Click here http://sbbcatl1.eventbrite.com/ to RSVP now.

Confirmed Thought Leaders are:

Taryn Pisaneschi – Atlanta long time social media user and advisor. Women Intelligently Networking (W.I.N.) and many other networking organizations.

James Ball – Atlanta area behind the scenes of more online/print publications than most of us know.

Maura Neill – Atlanta blogger behind 365Atlanta.com

Steve Worrall – Marietta attorney with expertise on various types of asset defense.

Lane Bailey – Lawrenceville blogger from GarageHomesUSA.com – a prolific blogger and consummate “car guy” with plenty of practical experience building an offline type business (real estate) online.

Michael Levin – Atlanta expert on private data protection from the administrative view point.

(The open forum format of the BarCamp style events means this “schedule” is a guideline only and the attendees will drive the event as it unfolds. This is not a you listen I speak event. It is a we speak, we listen event. All round-table discussions with session leaders.)

Most “BarCamps” (an offspring of FooCamp – has nothing to do with smoke filled barrooms) are operated similarly wherein there is no preset schedule, no podium, no slide presentations. Instead everyone participates and the thought leaders act as moderators. Topics are decided “on the fly” and you will be amazed at this process!

Instead of an “I talk, you listen” format thought leaders will sit at the tables with the discussion groups. Thought leaders must have proven experience in the topic they are leading because the questions will be answered accurately. Our focus on starting and promoting businesses is a serious matter.

Some topics may be: “What is blogging and does it really help business?”, “How do I protect my content if I release it online?”, “What changes to small business taxes are happening in 2011?”, “How does the new Government Health Care Plan affect me?”. “How do I get a corporation and business license?”, “When do I need to interact with the Secretary of State’s office?”

Interested in participating with Small Biz BarCamp Atlanta? Great! Use the form at http://smallbizbarcamp.com/speak/ and let us hear from you.

Interested in sponsoring Small Biz BarCamp Atlanta with space, food, samples, or cash? We need those, too! Use the form at http://smallbizbarcamp.com/sponsors/ and let us know.