Appalachian Community Development Center

10/05/2026

10/02/2026

Join us next Monday to hear from Chelsea Watkins!

👉 Chelsea Watkins is an entrepreneur, filmmaker, and creative professional from Portsmouth, Ohio. Her journey through small-town Appalachia has taken her from community programs and entrepreneurship education at the Kricker Innovation Hub to working in technology and business consulting.

Today, Chelsea works with a software company and a business consulting company while building her own independent film production company, Black Amaranth Film Company. She is also involved in projects that support rural Ohio communities, including the Ohio Coffee Trail.

Much of Chelsea’s work is driven by her belief that you don’t have to leave a small town to build something meaningful, pursue creative work, or dream bigger than what people expect.

🗓️ Monday, Oct. 5th
🕒 8:00 to 9:00 AM
📍 613 Chillicothe Street, Portsmouth, OH 45662

09/26/2026

As an entrepreneur, it's easy to get lost in the hustle of business and forget to take care of yourself.

Customers are calling.
Bills are coming due.
Another big opportunity is appearing on the horizon.

But the road to burnout is paved with noble pursuits.

At our next meetup, we'll hear from Amanda Pratt about simple ways to take care of your body.

👉 Amanda is the owner of Roots of Recovery Herbs, where she creates small-batch herbal teas, tonics, oils, and other plant-based goods. Her work is centered around making herbs feel approachable, useful, and connected to everyday life, while also creating spaces for people to learn, gather, and connect with their community.

Join us at Trinity Business Group from 8-9 AM on Monday, September 28th to learn more!

09/18/2026

If you're curious about the re-vamp happening at The Landing In Portsmouth under the leadership of Ali Hull and Makenzie Wells, next Monday is your opportunity to learn all about it.

Join us at Trinity Business Group on Sept. 21st from 8-9 AM to hear what they've been up to and what's coming next!

09/15/2026

exists to build an ecosystem that catalyzes and sustains the growth of southern Ohio through entrepreneurship and community support.

Yesterday's conversation with Melanie Porter was a great example of what that looks like.

Melanie covered everything from independent benefits for small business owners to local community oversight of the data center project in Franklin Furnace, and her heart for our community bled through every word.

As Melanie says, "You can complain, or you can contribute" - and we're here to contribute!

Shout out to the Portsmouth Area Chamber of Commerce for sponsoring Melanie's visit.

To get connected and learn more, join us next week at 8:00 AM to hear from Ali Hull and Makenzie Wells about the latest developments at The Landing In Portsmouth.

09/11/2026

Our next meetup will feature Melanie Porter, sponsored by the Portsmouth Area Chamber of Commerce.

In her role as an Aflac Independent Benefits Advisor, Melanie helps businesses build stronger employee benefit packages, including voluntary supplemental insurance as well as group Dental and Vision coverage.

She works directly with employers and their employees to explain their options, assist with enrollment, and provide ongoing local service. She can also help individuals and families explore coverage options outside of an employer.

Join us next Monday from 8-9 AM at Trinity Business Group to learn more!

09/06/2026

Don't forget!

Trinity Business Group is closed on Monday, September 7th in observance of Labor Day, so will be taking the day off, too.

We'll see you next Monday, September 14th, bright and early!

08/23/2026

Does the prospect of another Monday morning have you down?

Then consider starting your work week with an hour of coffee and connection!

Tomorrow's meetup is sponsored by the WBC of Central Appalachia at SSU, and their featured guest is Ashley Wilburn.

👉 Ashley Wilburn is a Certified Business Advisor with the Ohio Small Business Development Centers at The Ohio State University South Centers in Piketon. She has a Master of Business Administration from Keller Graduate School and 10 years of experience as a small business owner. She has previously worked as a career-technical educator in graphic design, photography, video, and web development. She enjoys working with small business owners in Southern Ohio to strengthen their businesses using digital media and marketing planning.

The SBDC provides resources and small business support in the areas of business planning, access to capital, marketing, and much more.

Join us tomorrow at 613 Chillicothe Street, Portsmouth, OH from 8-9 AM to learn more!