Southern Georgia Black Chambers Hosts Small Business Academy

News Summary

The Southern Georgia Black Chambers conducted a Small Business Academy session at Valdosta State University. Local entrepreneurs learned about procurement processes and opportunities for engagement with the university. The event highlighted the collaboration between SGBC and VSU to promote local economic development and support minority-owned businesses. Attendees received insights on the Georgia Procurement Registry and upcoming workshops, including one on Artificial Intelligence for Small Businesses.

Valdosta — On September 9, 2025, the Southern Georgia Black Chambers (SGBC) held a Small Business Academy session geared towards helping local entrepreneurs navigate the procurement process at Valdosta State University (VSU). The event took place at the McMullen Southside Library, a central hub for community engagement in the area.

Heather Craft, VSU’s Procurement Manager, provided attendees with essential insights into the university’s procurement procedures. The session was part of SGBC’s broader initiative to connect small businesses with valuable resources and growth opportunities tailored to their needs. This initiative highlights the ongoing collaboration between SGBC and VSU, reinforcing the importance of fostering local economic development.

During the event, Craft discussed critical elements of the state’s procurement system, including details on how entrepreneurs can register on the Georgia Procurement Registry, understand insurance requirements, and the significance of purchase orders in the procurement process. Craft articulated VSU’s commitment to supporting local enterprises, emphasizing that keeping dollars within the community benefits everyone involved.

Supporting the efforts at the session, VSU Financial Services Director Antolina Pilgrim was also present, facilitating the participation of attendees by ensuring they were added to a list for future opportunities. This proactive measure allows local businesses direct access to information about upcoming contracts and collaborations with the university.

Business owners from various sectors, including event planning, data consulting, and catering, attended the Q&A session. They left with actionable information on how to position themselves as VSU vendors. The event equipped entrepreneurs with the necessary steps to engage with the university effectively, promoting local business involvement in university operations.

In addition to the procurement-focused session, SGBC announced an upcoming workshop on Artificial Intelligence for Small Businesses, scheduled for September 16, 2025, at 5:30 PM, also at the McMullen Southside Library. This workshop is intended for SGBC members alongside any small business proprietors or entrepreneurial individuals interested in integrating AI into their business strategies.

The Southern Georgia Black Chambers is dedicated to the economic empowerment of minority-owned businesses throughout the region. Its mission focuses on advocacy, education, and the establishment of strategic partnerships aimed at creating opportunities for growth and prosperity within the community. The collaboration with VSU illustrates the ongoing efforts to enhance local business opportunities and support minority entrepreneurs in their endeavors.

Community engagement initiatives like the Small Business Academy play an essential role in connecting local entrepreneurs with significant resources. The engagement between VSU and SGBC reflects a shared commitment to stimulating economic growth and innovation in Valdosta and Southern Georgia as a whole.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

• Valdosta Today
• Wikipedia: Procurement
• Valdosta Daily Times
• Google Search: Georgia small business resources
• WTXL
• Google Scholar: small business economic development
• Douglas Now
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Small Business
• Forbes
• Google News: Valdosta State University business