Call them solopreneurs or SOHOs but don’t underestimate the number of people running businesses from home or single offices in Fountain Hills. 

These innovative and courageous entrepreneurs join the likes of Apple Computer, Hershey’s and Ford Motor Company. They’re dedicated to seeing something grow and flourish and willing to risk leaving a stable company to make it happen.

The Fountain Hills Chamber of Commerce is hosting the first SOHO meeting on Thursday, May 14 at 11:30 AM to discuss forming a regular program for single office and home office entrepreneurs. The Chamber’s meeting is open to any Single Office and Home Office entrepreneur in Fountain Hills.

New business owners have a passion for a product or service and often with limited planning to launch a business. “We make it pretty easy to register a business in Arizona and obtain a basic local license, but that doesn’t mean you know how to run one effectively” remarked Scott Soldat-Valenzuela, President/CEO of the Fountain Hills Chamber.

Solopreneurs are famous for hitting the ground running, making mistakes and then gradually going back to develop a business plan, marketing plan, and staffing plan when they realize help is needed. The Chamber’s role is to help these dedicated entrepreneurs obtain access to information and resources.

Local writer and solopreneur, Cindy Kibbe recently joined the Chamber. She is an Arizona-based editor, writer and business consultant, and has more than a decade of award-winning journalism experience. 

Cindy remarks “We often operate in isolation, have shoestring budgets, have less-than-superior technology and have incredible demands on our time…I’d like to see workshops on free/low cost technology/apps/marketing strategies, time management and work/life balance.”

While some love the commute to their home office, others find being alone all day to be isolating and challenging for family and home life. There are some basic questions that should be considered. Where will my business be located? Will my neighbors be impacted? Can this disturb my family? Can I regiment myself to work from home? How will I create meaningful business relationships when I do leave the office?

Chris Pinna closed her store for a home office and loves it. “I have more flexibility than I ever had when I was running my retail store from 8-6 daily. Now I work on my own terms. I am flexible enough to spend time visiting with my clients and networking around town. I would never again trade my home based business for my past life in a retail location!”

As more businesses become mobile and shed the traditional office environment, there is a unique opportunity for the Chamber to be dynamic and create programs for these business professionals.

The Fountain Hills Chamber of Commerce is a non-profit 501(c)6 organization that provides business growth opportunities for members. The focus is helping companies become more profitable through low cost education, SCORE mentoring and developing a network of trusted business professionals. Learn more at www.fountainhillschamber.com. 

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