The Franklin-Southampton Area Chamber of Commerce routinely sponsors “Business After Hours” at various businesses.

These gatherings create networking opportunities for businesspeople and shine a light on outstanding businesses.

This Thursday, Business After Hours will be an open house from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Franklin Business Incubator in downtown Franklin. Co-sponsored by the Chamber and Franklin Southampton Economic Development Inc., the event is open to the community and will be an excellent opportunity to see firsthand the outstanding work being done to promote and develop homegrown small businesses.

The Franklin Business Incubator provides a cost-effective way for small businesses to become established before moving out on their own. An award-winning enterprise in its own right, the Incubator has been the birthplace of many successful small businesses. One is Highground Services, which received state and national recognition for the Incubator.

There are some who question what is being done to promote business growth and economic development in Franklin and Southampton County. Join the Chamber and FSEDI this Thursday to see.