Chamber's 'First Hour Free' a win-win program

The Cape Coral Chamber of Commerce has enacted a new service that can benefit members' businesses as well as their wallets.

The "First Hour Free" program gives a chance for chamber members to interact with one another.

Launched May 26, business members who agree to be experts offer services to other members with the first hour being free. Chamber members were informed of the program by memo.

"I saw the program and I immediately signed up," said Matthew Connar from Boost Creative, a four-year chamber member. "It's a no-brainer."

The program can benefit every member but Chamber President Mike Quaintance says new members will especially benefit.

"(Especially) folks that are new in business or trying to grow their businesses," Quaintance said. "As well as people who are trying to diversify their business."

Chamber members who agree to be experts will have the "First Hour Free" logo under their name in the business directory. The special consultation is only available to other members and is not available to the public.

"It just started up," said attorney William Merchant, who is also participating in the program. "I'm looking forward to meet with and give advice to other chamber members."

Expert advice is offered in accounting, consulting, legal help and graphic design as well as other fields. The consultation meetings can be set up independently between the two parties; the chamber is not involved in scheduling. After the first hour, members can negotiate if more assistance is required.

"I think it's an excellent opportunity to provide services and assistance to newcomers in Cape Coral as well as old-timers who need questions answered," Merchant said.

The program is just as beneficial to the advice seekers as it is to the advice givers. Connar said it's a great way to get potential clients in the door to see his design work.

"It's twofold," Connar said. "Obviously I'm looking to get clients out of it but I'm also trying to be a quality resource for the chamber, a go-to guy."

Experts are not reimbursed for the time spent.

"It's a great example of the generosity of the community to help other people in need," Quaintance said.

The program is still new and growing and the chamber is still accepting member applications to become experts.

"Hopefully it will continue to grow to help diversify other areas of (the chamber's) business mentorship," Quaintance said.

For more information, call Quaintance at 549-6900.