Those wanting to see what local businesses have to offer need look no further Thursday than the Lanier Technical College Forsyth Conference Center.

From 12:30 to 7 p.m. the facility will be the site of the Cumming-Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce’s Small Business Expo.

Admission is $5 for chamber members and $10 for non-members.

Jason Mock, director of the chamber’s small business services center, said 78 businesses offering services ranging from lawn care to banking and everything in between will be on display.

"It’s a great opportunity if you’re looking for a new service or a new business," Mock said. "If you’re new to the community trying to find out who to shop with, this is a great opportunity to see these people live at one place."

Mock added that the expo has planned a strong speaker series, which kicks off at 1 p.m. with John Robertson, vice president and senior economist of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta.

Greg Cameron, Microsoft senior technology strategist, is scheduled to speak at 2:30 p.m.

An hour later, Mark McGraw of Sandler Sales Institute is expected to cover seven myths about sales that can slow business growth.

The series ends at 4:30 p.m. with a discussion by a panel of local marketing leaders on techniques to improve and grow businesses.

Mock said registration to attend the event is not necessary.

"Come in for 30 minutes or if you can, for the whole day," Mock said. "It’s got something for everybody."