Jackson Free Press

A national nonprofit designed to educate entrepreneurs and support small businesses needs volunteers to help establish a chapter in Jackson.

The Service Corps of Retired Executives, based in Herndon, Va., has 364 national chapters and has worked with 9.5 million businesses since 1964. The organization's website reports that SCORE started 58,637 businesses and created 71,449 jobs nationwide in 2010.

Keith Scott, director of marketing and human resources for SCORE, said his organization had a chapter in Jackson several years ago, but it dissolved due to lack of support.Two weeks ago, Scott partnered with the Jackson Business Accelerator Collaboration and hosted meetings to garner support. Scott said SCORE hopes to establish another chapter in Jackson within the next three to six months.

Scott said SCORE needs current or retired business owners and entrepreneurs to provide business advice, counseling, coaching and workshops for aspiring and new business owners. "We are trying to re-engage this effort," Scott said. "We know that it's important in building economic development, and we want to have a strong presence in Jackson."

Scott said SCORE is in the planning stages and gathering information for support and awareness. Those interested in volunteering should email Scott at [e-mail missing] or [e-mail missing].

Midtown Market Begins

A community market opens Saturday at the corner of Adelle and Lamar streets. "The idea is to have a true community market where people who live in the neighborhood can bring crafts and products to sell for neighbors to purchase," Mary Elizabeth Evans, Midtown Partners director of community and economic development, said. Her organization established the market.

Other items for sale include baked goods, plants, fresh produce and handmade goods. The Midtown Community Market is open 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, June 4, and will continue the first Saturday of every month throughout the year. The cost for a vendor space is $10, and all vendor fees benefit the association. To reserve a space, call 769-257-5757.

Green Room Opens

The Green Room, an eco-friendly clothing and accessories store, opened May 20 at the corner of Duling Avenue and North State Street where the consignment shop, The Orange Peel, was previously located. The store offers animal-friendly and organic cotton clothing in addition to clothing made with bamboo, hemp and recycled materials. The Green Room is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. For information, call 601-981-9320.

SBA Loan Clinic

The U. S. Small Business Administration's Mississippi District Office will host a loan clinic on Tuesday, June 7, on SBA's guaranty loan programs. The clinic provides information about the variety of SBA loans ranging from $5,000 to $5 million. Attendees will learn about area lenders. The loan clinic starts at 4:30 p.m. at the SBA conference room on the 10th floor of Regions Plaza at 210 E. Capitol St. Call 601-965-4378, ex. 11 to register.