Congratulations to Mobile Chamber business navigation client Johnneshia Perrydon, for winning first place in The University of South Alabama Melton Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation pitch competition for her company, The Secure Terminal.

The Secure Terminal is a governance, risk and compliance firm that is committed to making cybersecurity more accessible and understandable for small businesses. Perrydon helps entrepreneurs navigate overwhelming terminology, understand their risks through affordable services and provides in-depth assistance.

“I want to provide information without all the tech jargon, so it doesn’t feel like it’s going over someone’s head,” Perrydon said. “I’m here to help people understand what they may be missing about cybersecurity and the risks that come with new technology.”

Some of the services provided include:

• free cybersecurity health checks
• customized consulting services
• ongoing support to address the distinctive needs of small businesses

Prioritizing accessibility and community impact, The Secure Terminal is positioning itself as a trusted resource for small businesses seeking technological guidance. Its commitment to helping entrepreneurs navigate digital risks empowers local businesses to operate more securely today, to prepare for tomorrow’s challenges.

Technology has been a lifelong passion and Perrydon has spent the past five years in the cybersecurity world before launching The Secure Terminal. Her entrepreneurial journey gained momentum after connecting with the Mobile Chamber, where she was introduced to the Chamber’s business navigation services and encouraged to apply for the Melton program.

“Johnneshia came to us with a strong vision and a genuine desire to make cybersecurity resources more accessible to small businesses,” said Mobile Chamber Business Navigator Japonica Brown. “I knew the Melton program would be a great fit because it could help her strengthen the business side of that vision. Watching her grow throughout the program and ultimately win the pitch competition has been incredibly rewarding, and I am so proud of the progress she has made.”

Through the program, Perrydon redefined her business model, identified her customer base, established pricing and developed an eight-minute pitch that clearly communicated her company’s mission and growth plans.

“It was really easy to connect and learn about the programs available,” Perrydon said of her experience with the Chamber. “When I found out I had been accepted into the program, I thought, ‘Wow, this is actually happening. This is real.’ It was simple to move forward and navigate the process with help.”

Perrydon plans to use the competition funding to formally establish the business, secure insurance and put the necessary protections in place before expanding her services.

“It is really about getting everything settled on the back end so I can legally form the business and make sure both my clients and I are protected,” she said.

The Mobile Chamber provides dedicated support to small businesses through its business navigation services. Those looking to launch or expand a business can schedule a free, one-on-one consultation to discuss challenges, identify helpful resources and develop a personalized action plan.

The Mobile chamber offers practical guidance, valuable connections and a listening ear to help entrepreneurs bring their vision to life. Visit the business navigation page on the Mobile Chamber website to learn more or schedule a session.

To learn more about The Melton Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation’s community programs visit southalabama.edu/meltoncenter.

As The Secure Terminal continues to grow, Perrydon hopes to help small business owners protect their organizations in a rapidly advancing digital landscape. She also encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to believe in their ideas and remain persistent.

“Keep going,” Perrydon said. “If you tell yourself you can or you can’t, you’re right. For me, it has really been about not giving up.”