News Summary
The Lexington Chamber and Visitors Center’s Small Business Council is organizing a seminar titled “Fortify Your Finances” on May 7, 2025, to educate small business leaders on fraud prevention strategies. Keynote speaker Oneal Staples from Ameris Bank will share insights on protecting finances from fraudulent activities. The event follows a networking hour, and registration is required with fees for Chamber Shareholders and Non-Shareholders. This initiative, part of National Small Business Week, aims to empower entrepreneurs in overcoming financial challenges.
Lexington – The Lexington Chamber and Visitors Center’s Small Business Council is set to host an educational seminar titled “Fortify Your Finances: A Proactive Approach to Fraud Prevention” on May 7, 2025, as part of the National Small Business Week (NSBW) events running from May 4-10, 2025. This seminar aims to equip small business leaders with essential tools to protect their finances from fraudulent activities.
The event will take place at the Old Mill Brew Pub, located at 711 E. Main Street in Lexington, beginning at 3:30 p.m. A social networking hour will follow the seminar, commencing at 4:30 p.m. Registration is mandatory, with fees set at $20 for Chamber Shareholders and $25 for Non-Shareholders. This fee covers access to the seminar and social refreshments.
Oneal Staples, the Lexington County Market President of Ameris Bank, will serve as the keynote speaker for the seminar. His expertise is expected to provide valuable insights into effective fraud prevention strategies for small businesses. Chamber President & CEO Angelle LaBorde stressed the importance of this seminar for helping business leaders strengthen their operations against financial threats.
The seminar is sponsored by Herndon Chevrolet and contributes to a series of events highlighting the significance of small businesses in the region. Small Business Week celebrates the contributions of entrepreneurs nationwide, with significant events planned to recognize outstanding small businesses and their achievements.
The NSBW will commence with a kickoff event in Washington, D.C., spearheaded by SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler on May 4. The event will celebrate excellence in entrepreneurial development, recognizing individuals such as Crinda Francke, President and CEO of ExecuTrain, for her role in professional training and community outreach efforts within the Kentucky Bluegrass area.
In the context of rising costs, a report underscores a concerning trend of declining small businesses offering health insurance. Small businesses are struggling with increased healthcare expenses, prompting many to reconsider or eliminate health coverage for their employees. This trend has significantly impacted Kentucky’s small businesses, further complicating their financial stability amid rising operational costs.
The Lexington Chamber and Visitors Center’s initiative to host this seminar reflects a proactive approach to address the challenges faced by small businesses, especially in today’s volatile economic climate. Through valuable education and community engagement, the Chamber aims to fortify local businesses against fraud and enhance their resilience in the marketplace.
For attendees, the seminar not only provides expertise and knowledge but also an opportunity to network with other business leaders. Such connections can foster partnerships and collaborations that benefit the broader business community. This seminar is a pivotal part of Small Business Week celebrations, designed to empower small businesses to thrive despite challenges.
As the event approaches, business leaders in Lexington and surrounding areas are encouraged to register early to secure their place in this important seminar aimed at enhancing the financial security of small businesses.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Seminar on AI for Small Businesses in Lexington
SBA Offers Low-Interest Loans for Hurricane Helene Recovery
Top 5 Corporate Lawyers in Chapin, SC: Expert Legal Assistance for Your Business
Additional Resources
- Cola Daily: Lexington Chamber to Host Fraud Prevention Seminar
- Kentucky.com: Fayette County Local News
- Lane Report: Kentucky Announces SBA Small Business Week Award Winners
- LEX18: Small Business Saturday at World’s Apart in Lexington
- Hazard Herald: Decline in Health Coverage Among Kentucky Small Businesses
- Wikipedia: Small Business
- Google Search: Kentucky small business
- Google Scholar: Small business fraud prevention
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Small business
- Google News: Small Business Week 2025

Author: STAFF HERE Chapin
CHAPIN STAFF WRITER The CHAPIN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREchapin.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Chapin, Lexington County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Chapin Christmas Parade, Fourth of July Celebration, and the Chapin Fall Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Chapin Chamber of Commerce and the Lexington School District One, plus leading businesses in retail and recreation that power the local economy such as Lake Murray Tourism and the Chapin Visitor Information. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREaiken.com, HEREbeaufort.com, HEREchapin.com, HEREcharleston.com, HEREclinton.com, HEREcolumbia.com, HEREgeorgetown.com, HEREgreenwood.com, HEREgreenville.com, HEREhiltonhead.com, HEREirmo.com, HEREmyrtlebeach.com, HEREnewberry.com, HERErockhill.com, HEREspartanburg.com, HEREaustin.com, HEREcollegestation.com, HEREdallas.com, HEREhouston.com, and HEREsanantonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.


