About A.Y.D.E.N.

Education

Consulting

Networking

Resources

Assisting You to Develop an Entrepreneurial Network!  A.Y.D.E.N. is a program jointly initiated by the Ayden Chamber of Commerce and the Town of Ayden to enhance, increase, and support Entrepreneurship in the Ayden Area.  Our goal is to identify entrepreneurial spirit, activities, and ideas, to offer assistance through education, and financing, as well as networking. 

A.Y.D.E.N. is targeted to entrepreneurs, small business owners, and citizens, who are interested in helping to grow a strong business community in Ayden.

A.Y.D.E.N. teamed up with the Small Business Center at Pitt Community College.  Jim Ensor, Director, comes to Ayden to teach workshops and seminars for small business owners and entrepreneurs.  Topics covered are how to start a successful business, how to finance it, as well as marketing and other important issues around small business ownership.   Classes are offered right here in Ayden during lunch hours, convenient for even the busiest schedule.     

Classes are updated frequently ~ check this page often to see when new classes are added!

A.Y.D.E.N. also offers free consulting though the Small Business Institute at ECU. Michael Harris, Director of the ECU SBI, offers his services free every other Wednesday from 3:30 - 5:30 p.m. at the Chamber office. Mr. Harris offers his wealth of expertise and experience to those who own an existing business and have an idea for improvement, or those who are just starting out.

Appointments are not necessary, but are recommended. Contact the Chamber at (252) 746-2266 for more information!

Through A.Y.D.E.N. small business owners have the chance to meet others in a similar situation, with comparable problems, obstacles, and most important: experience how to solve and overcome those. 

Kathy, one of our workshop participants, says:  “If it had not been for the A.Y.D.E.N. program, I would have felt much more lost, confused, and I would not have solved some of my major problems.  Thank you for providing this valuable service to Ayden small business owners.

Small Business owners are welcome to visit the Small Business Center at Pitt Community College.  They have books, magazines, and other media ready for you to use at no charge.  

Additionally, resources are available at he Ayden Chamber, such as statistics on market size, demographics, and transportation information.  As this program continues to grow, more and more feedback from participants will be collected and made accessible to business owners.