The Selma Times-Journal

To grow Selma has to show its support of small business.

That’s a major reason, organizers say, they began the 1st Annual Small Business Expo.

The gathering of more than 20 small businesses provided lots of conversation, one-on-one job coaching and looks at holiday gift ideas at the Selma Mall on Monday.

One of the organizers, WBFZ 105.3 also provided some entertainment for shoppers.

Gloria Nelson of Avon greeted prospective sales people and customers with a smile and a squirt of perfume.

Members of the Alabama State University Small Business Development Center talked to people who might want to start their own businesses.

They also encouraged the entrepreneurs to continue working

Yvonne and Willie Thomas of Superior Choice All-Purpose Sauce, made in Selma, are a couple who took the risk and went into business for themselves.

Although he wasn’t passing out any samples, the Thomases had a big jug of the sauce just for the asking.