Whether you’re a brand-new entrepreneur, a solo service provider, or a brick-and-mortar business opening its doors for the first time in Blacksburg, Christiansburg, or beyond—one of the most powerful tools available to you is your local Chamber of Commerce.

The Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce exists to help local businesses succeed—especially small and startup businesses. But how, exactly, does that support show up?

Let’s break it down.

1. Visibility: Getting the Word Out About Your Business

New businesses often face a single major hurdle: no one knows you exist yet.

That’s where the Chamber comes in.

We offer:

• A public business directory that ranks well in local Google searches
  https://business.montgomerycc.org/list

• New member announcements across Chamber emails and social platforms

• Ribbon cuttings and grand openings that include photos, press, and promotion

• Access to sponsor or highlight your business at events like Business After Hours and Eggs & Issues

This level of promotion gives your business immediate credibility and brand lift in the New River Valley—even before your own marketing kicks in.

2. Networking: Relationships That Lead to Referrals

Montgomery County is a place where relationships drive results. At the Chamber, we help you build those relationships faster.

You’ll connect with:

• Other local small business owners

• Vendors and service providers who “get” local operations

• Potential partners and clients in key industries like real estate, healthcare, tech, and education

• Leaders from institutions like Virginia Tech, Radford University, and New River Community College

Whether you’re looking for customers, collaborators, or simply a supportive community, our events give you direct access.

3. Education: Helping You Grow As You Grow Your Business

The first few years of business ownership can feel like a crash course in everything.

That’s why the Chamber offers programming designed for real-life learning.

You’ll find:

• Workshops on marketing, finance, hiring, and leadership

• Lunch-and-learns with experts from Montgomery County and beyond

• Panel discussions with successful members who’ve grown their businesses here

• Special access to tools and insights from Chamber members (such as local accountants, graphic designers, web developers, and consultants)

We’re not a classroom—we’re a hands-on resource center.

4. Advocacy: A Voice for Small Business

You don’t need to understand local government or legislation to feel the impact of decisions made by town councils, state agencies, or economic development boards.

The Chamber does the legwork of:

• Monitoring proposed changes to tax, zoning, or business regulation

• Representing the interests of local small businesses in policy discussions

• Working alongside groups like Downtown Blacksburg Inc., Montgomery County Tourism, and economic development partners

As a member, you’ll benefit from our proactive efforts to ensure Montgomery County remains a great place to do business.

5. Access: Resources You Didn’t Know You Needed

You’ll also gain access to:

• Leadership development programs, like Leadership New River Valley

• Monthly networking events and annual signature events like the Women’s Leadership Conference or the Chamber Annual Meeting

• Mentorship opportunities and cross-referrals with other members

• Tourism and quality of life marketing that indirectly supports your business

The more you engage, the more doors open.

What It All Adds Up To: Community + Credibility + Support

When you join the Chamber, you don’t just get access—you get alignment. You become part of a network built around collaboration, celebration, and local impact.

We help you:

• Show up professionally

• Connect with others intentionally

• Learn continuously

• Grow sustainably

Take the Next Step

If you're ready to move from startup stress to strategic growth, the Chamber is here to help.

• See upcoming events: https://business.montgomerycc.org/events/calendar

• Ask about new member benefits or join today: marketing@montgomerycc.org

• Explore our site: https://www.montgomerycc.org

You’re building something important—and we’re here to help you succeed, every step of the way.