James Suttles Entrepreneurship Institute
The James Suttles Entrepreneurship Institute was established in 2008 by a very generous $350,000.00 donation from James Suttles, the founder and owner of one of the most successful private trucking ventures in the United States. The Institute’s mission is to provide the citizens of West Alabama/East Mississippi and the Black Belt Region with the knowledge, skills, and ability to successfully launch new entrepreneurial endeavors, create viable and sustainable small business ventures, retain and expand existing small business, and build capacity through skills training and workforce development.
Director Mike Grayson believes that the Institute has and will continue to positively impact the region’s overall economic and community development efforts, as well as help improve the quality of life for all residents in its service area. To this end, the Institute has partnered with numerous and varied organizations, such as AIDT, the Alabama Entrepreneurial Resource Network, Chambers of Commerce, Small Business Development Centers, Economic Development Authorities, etc. to provide specialized training, workshops, and seminars to interested citizens, with a focus on creating, retaining, and expanding jobs.
Please contact Mike Grayson at 334-289-0577 or mike.grayson@demopolisal.gov for further information.