News Summary
The Southern Georgia Black Chambers will host the 2025 Small Business Summit & Expo in Valdosta, focusing on the growth of the black business community. The summit, themed ‘Pride & Prosperity,’ will feature discussions on AI, economic growth, and entrepreneurship. Attendees can expect insightful talks from regional experts, networking opportunities, and various sponsorship options available for local businesses. The event will take place at the Rainwater Conference Center with free registration for public attendees.
Valdosta, Georgia – The Southern Georgia Black Chambers (SGBC) has announced that it will be hosting the 2025 Small Business Summit & Expo, a transformative high-impact regional conference aimed at fostering growth within the black business community in South Georgia. Scheduled for November 6 – 9, 2025, the event will be held at the Rainwater Conference Center in Valdosta and is themed “Pride & Prosperity.” The main day of summit activities will occur on Saturday, November 8th, and will be free and open to the public.
The Small Business Summit & Expo will focus on crucial topics such as Artificial Intelligence, economic growth, and entrepreneurship. SGBC’s president/CEO has emphasized that the event is essential for addressing the specific needs and future of local businesses, with a particular emphasis on financial resilience and the adoption of technology solutions such as AI.
During the multi-day event, attendees will benefit from insights provided by various regional experts who will share actionable strategies for small business growth. Notable speakers include:
- David DiSalvo from The Rainwater Center, who will discuss tourism’s economic impact.
- Lori Hennesy from the Georgia Department of Economic Development, detailing tourism opportunities.
- Nazarene Dorsey-Bell from BCA Culture, focusing on technology and growth.
- Marvin Terrell from Terrell Advisory Group, LLC, covering financial strategy for profitability and cash flow.
- Stephanie Bullard from Elegance & Grace Academy, on business etiquette for networking.
- Representatives from Moody Air Force Base discussing federal procurement processes.
The schedule of events kicks off on Thursday, November 6, with an exclusive reception mixer on the Rainwater Veranda. The main summit day on Saturday, November 8, will feature multiple speakers and a “Food Truck Row.” Finally, the summit will conclude with the Official Summit Business Brunch on Sunday, November 9, at Big Nick’s.
For businesses interested in participating, several sponsorship opportunities are available, ranging from $250 (Bronze Tier) to $1,000 (Presenting Tier), each offering various benefits. Additionally, public attendees can register for free, which includes entry into a giveaway that features professional consulting packages, signed books, and tech tools.
Businesses are also encouraged to register as exhibitors or food vendors. The official website for registrations and more information is www.sgablackchambers.org/expo.
The 2025 Small Business Summit & Expo represents an important opportunity for networking and learning in the small business landscape of South Georgia, aligning with SGBC’s mission to enhance the capacity and success of black-owned businesses in the region.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Valdosta Today: SGBC Announces 2025 Small Business Summit & Expo
- Wikipedia: Small Business
- Valdosta Today: Local News Archive
- Google Search: Small Business Summit
- Valdosta Today: Valdosta Graduate Receives Academic Excellence Award
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Entrepreneurship
- Valdosta Today: City of Valdosta Promotes Small Business Saturday
- Google News: Small Business Growth
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