News Summary
Macon is witnessing a rise in small business ventures, significantly contributing to the local economy. Families are starting their businesses, with support from the Greater Macon Chamber of Commerce. One such example is Mystic Grove Farm, which has grown from a hobby to a thriving enterprise. Upcoming events like the ‘Choose Macon Biz Bazaar’ will further aid local entrepreneurs, showcasing their offerings to the community, fostering a supportive atmosphere for economic growth in Central Georgia.
Macon is experiencing a notable rise in small businesses, which is significantly contributing to the local economy. More families are taking the initiative to start their own ventures, highlighting a positive trend for economic growth within the community. The Greater Macon Chamber of Commerce has underscored the importance of locally owned businesses in retaining both money and talent within Central Georgia.
One such successful local venture is Mystic Grove Farm, operated by Ashley Lester and her family. Initially a weekend hobby focused on fresh flowers—sparked by Lester’s mother’s dream of owning a flower farm—the business has expanded to include chickens, providing fresh eggs and baked goods alongside its floral offerings. Mystic Grove Farm serves as an illustration of how local businesses can evolve and thrive.
The Greater Macon Chamber of Commerce plays a pivotal role in fostering this growth by offering guidance and resources to new business owners. This includes connecting them with local organizations such as NewTown Macon and the University of Georgia’s Small Business Development Center to enhance their visibility and market reach. Chamber representatives have noted that community support is crucial for business success, creating a vibrant environment that stimulates local economy.
Macon-Bibb County is home to approximately 157,000 residents, and according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were around 100,300 nonfarm jobs in the area as of July 2025. This diverse job market emphasizes the importance of community engagement and support for businesses that rely on foot traffic and sales. The Chamber is committed to sustaining this supportive atmosphere, evidenced by their upcoming event, the inaugural “Choose Macon Biz Bazaar,” scheduled for November 7th. The event aims to provide a platform for local businesses and entrepreneurs to showcase their products and services directly to the community.
In a broader context, Georgia has been recognized as the No. 1 state for business for the twelfth consecutive year by Area Development Magazine. This status reflects a positive environment for entrepreneurship throughout the state, and Macon-Bibb County’s efforts to strengthen its local business landscape align with this distinction. To further support entrepreneurs, a small business roundtable was recently hosted in collaboration with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), allowing local business owners to gain insight into available resources.
Terri Denison, district director of the SBA, emphasized the need for education and awareness among business owners regarding the multitude of resources accessible to them. Despite facing challenges such as economic uncertainty, inflation, and rising costs—which have slightly dampened small business owners’ confidence in profit growth—data from a recent NEXT Insurance survey reveals that 49% of business owners still expect profit growth, albeit down from 55% in 2024.
The survey also highlighted a shift in business owner sentiment, citing an increase in those with extra income to reinvest in their businesses compared to the previous year. Hiring plans appear to be on the rise as businesses get ready for the crucial holiday sales quarter, with employers indicating they are encountering fewer difficulties in finding employees than in the past year.
In conclusion, Macon is carving a path forward for small businesses, making strides to enhance the local economy through community support and proactive business development programs. With rising entrepreneurial spirit and community engagement, the future appears promising for small business growth in this vibrant Central Georgia city.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- 13WMAZ: Macon Economic Growth
- 41NBC: SBA Small Business Roundtable
- Macon Telegraph: Local Business News
- Dignity Memorial: Obituaries in Macon
- Wikipedia: Small Business
- Google Search: Macon Economic Growth
Author: STAFF HERE SAVANNAH WRITER
SAVANNAH STAFF WRITER The SAVANNAH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESavannah.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Savannah, Chatham County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Savannah Music Festival, St. Patrick's Day Parade, and Savannah Jazz Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Coastal Empire, plus leading businesses in aerospace, education, and logistics that power the local economy such as Gulfstream Aerospace, Savannah College of Art and Design, and Colonial Group. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HEREAugusta.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.