Beaumont Enterprise newspaper published the article “Beaumont launches tool to help local entrepreneurs get started” and described how aspiring entrepreneurs can save tens of thousands of dollars and increase their chances of success using a new tool launched by the Beaumont Chamber of Commerce.

“Some 62% of businesses fail because they don’t understand what their market is,” says Chamber President and CEO Steve Ahlenius. However, gathering the necessary data to know the market better can cost upwards of $25,000.

To eliminate this cost and aid local entrepreneurs, the Chamber introduced the SizeUp Beaumont tool on its website. “The Greater Beaumont Chamber of Commerce wants the businesses that open in Beaumont to succeed and grow,” said Chamber Board member John Morrell. “SizeUp Beaumont gives our entrepreneurs and small businesses the information they need to realistically assess their assumptions and discover business opportunities.”

The tool is free on the Beaumont Chamber’s website.

“Really, it’s self-discovery. It allows folks to validate their thought process or see that there’s a flaw,” Ahlenius said. “A lot of people start with an assumption, but then realize there isn’t enough money per household to support a coffee shop.

“I would rather you waste your time than waste your money,” Ahlenius said. “With a small business, you only have so much money to get a business up and running.”

“All of the stuff we’re working on is designed to foster entrepreneurs and small business,” Ahlenius said.