News Summary
Savannah’s LAUNCH business accelerator program is set to celebrate the graduation of its second cohort, focused on supporting small and minority entrepreneurs. With a 12-week curriculum, the program has provided vital resources to participants. This year’s cohort includes diverse businesses, showcasing the importance of mentorship and community support for local entrepreneurs. The initiative has received scholarships to further aid participants, emphasizing the city’s commitment to economic equity and development for minority-owned enterprises.
Savannah will soon celebrate the graduation of its second cohort from the LAUNCH Savannah business accelerator program, dedicated to supporting small and minority entrepreneurs. This program, which has been instrumental in fostering local entrepreneurial talent, operates on a 12-week intensive curriculum and offers essential resources to up to 15 participants each session.
LAUNCH Savannah has been designed to cater to local business owners seeking to develop early-stage enterprises. The program is not exclusively for minority-owned businesses, but it aims primarily to uplift these ventures, particularly in a city where approximately 10% of businesses are minority-owned. The initiative stems from a recommendation established by the City’s Racial Equity and Leadership Task Force in 2020, focusing on bridging the resource gap faced by minority entrepreneurs.
MarRonde Lotson, Senior Director of Economic Development for the City of Savannah, highlights that access to capital remains the foremost challenge for entrepreneurs in the area. To help overcome this hurdle, the LAUNCH Savannah program employs principles from the Kauffman Fast Track curriculum, covering essential topics such as pricing research, financial planning, marketing strategies, and identification of funding sources.
This year’s cohort features a diverse array of businesses including a learning center, a landscaping service, and a custom embroidery company. One notable participant is Zelonia Williams, who operates Patches Custom Embroidery Works. Williams, who has been running her business for three years, specializes in creating custom low-cost iron-on patches and buttons. Recognizing the need for mentorship, she applied to LAUNCH Savannah shortly after her business launch.
Initially apprehensive about balancing the coursework with her responsibilities as a single parent and business owner, Williams has found the program beneficial in targeting new markets and connecting with crucial resources. Her business faced setbacks when a nearby shooting incident occurred at the Oglethorpe Mall on July 7th, impacting her operations. Nevertheless, the knowledge and connections gained from LAUNCH Savannah have proved invaluable in navigating these challenges.
Another participant from the first cohort, Jennifer Gogo, operates Just Safety Training, and has credited the networking opportunities provided by LAUNCH Savannah with helping her business grow. Gogo emphasizes the significance of building connections within the local entrepreneurial community to foster sustainable business development.
In line with its mission to enhance accessibility for participants, LAUNCH Savannah provides a scholarship package totaling $50,000 for various services including accounting, legal advice, and marketing support. This initiative is a direct response to findings from a 2025 Goldman Sachs report, which indicates that 81% of new entrepreneurs struggle to secure affordable capital.
Beyond the completion of the formal program, LAUNCH Savannah is dedicated to supporting entrepreneurs as they continue their business journeys. The program not only prepares participants with critical skills but also fosters a sense of community among local business owners, ensuring that they have the resources and connections needed to thrive in an evolving economic landscape.
As Savannah prepares for the graduation ceremony next month, the impact of the LAUNCH Savannah business accelerator program continues to highlight the importance of supporting minority entrepreneurs and promoting economic equity within the community.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
SPARK Savannah Celebrates First Cohort Graduation
Additional Resources
- Savannah Now: Entrepreneurs Gain Business Skills
- Savannah Now: New Cohort for City’s Business Accelerator
- Savannah Business Journal: Military Spouses Career Accelerator
- TechCrunch: Savannah Returns to Fuel Innovation
- WTOC: Applications for Business Incubator Program
- Wikipedia: Entrepreneurship
- Google Search: Savannah business accelerator
- Google Scholar: Minority Entrepreneurs
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Entrepreneur
- Google News: Savannah business news
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.
