FRANKLIN—Businesses that expect to be impacted by the closure of the International Paper Co. mill are invited to attend free, confidential counseling through the Old Dominion University School of Business.

Jim Carroll of the Hampton Roads Small Business Development Center has arranged for the counseling, which will be performed by ODU graduate students working pro bono. Carroll is a member of the Small Business Recovery Committee.

The ODU graduate student assistance program kicks off with an information session Friday, May 7 from 11 a.m. to noon at the Franklin Business Incubator, located at 601 N. Mechanic St. in Franklin.

Business owners interested in potentially participating in this program should attend today’s information session. Reservations are not required. The information session will be held in the first floor conference room.

For more information, call the Franklin-Southampton Area Chamber of Commerce at (757) 357-3502.