In an effort to assist fledgling local businesses, Grow! Highland County is hosting its first fall fundraiser dubbed Slipping Into Fall on Saturday, Oct. 2 at The Sanctuary in Hillsboro.

“We pride ourselves on starting small businesses in Highland County,” said Tracy Evans, the facilitator of Grow! Highland County. “The event will be a very fun night, so I hope we have a lot of people come to attend.”

Evans said she hopes to raise $4,000 to $5,000 from the event to support the program.

The fundraiser will include music from local classic rock band Blue Steel, appetizers from the Porch Carryout and Grill, a cash bar, and a silent auction.

Grow! Highland county partners with The Ohio State University to help newly forming local businesses develop business plans, create a Limited Liability Companies (LLC), and establish Tax ID numbers.

Originally formed through the Highland County Chamber of Commerce in 2010, Grow! Highland County has worked with more than 175 business startups. The non-profit is a stand-alone 501c3 organization that often partners with the Highland County Chamber of Commerce.

More information about the organization is available at www.growhighlandco.org.

Tickets for the fundraiser can be purchased for $20 prior to the event at the Highland County Chamber of Commerce or by contacting Evans at 937-763-1695. Tickets will also be available at the event for $25.

Reach John Hackley at 937-402-2571.