News Summary
Savannah is gearing up for its annual Small Business Week, featuring events to support local entrepreneurs. Kicking off on May 6, the week includes a press conference, networking mixer, a sold-out Mayor’s Small Business Conference, Shop Small Business Days, and a GRIT Pitch Competition for aspiring entrepreneurs. Community leaders highlight the importance of supporting local businesses for economic recovery.
Savannah is gearing up to celebrate its annual Small Business Week with a series of events designed to support and uplift local entrepreneurs. The week kicks off on Tuesday, May 6, with a press conference led by Mayor Van Johnson and Bert Brantley, CEO of the Savannah Chamber of Commerce, at 3 p.m. at the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce, located at 101 E. Bay St.
Immediately following the press conference, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in a Small Business Mixer at The Park at Eastern Wharf. This event will provide a platform for networking and fellowship among local business owners, fostering connections within the community.
The highlight of the week will be the Mayor’s Small Business Conference and State of Small Business Address, scheduled for Wednesday, May 7, at Enmarket Arena. This event has already achieved a sold-out status, indicating strong interest from the community. During the conference, Mayor Johnson, along with various business leaders, will discuss the future outlook for Savannah’s small business landscape, addressing key challenges and opportunities.
Among the sponsors supporting the Small Business Week is the Savannah Business Journal, whose publisher will share insights on her journey to launching the media company within the local arena. This underscores an essential theme of the week: the resilience and innovation of small businesses in Savannah.
Commencing on Thursday and Friday, May 8-9, residents and visitors will be encouraged to embrace Shop Small Business Days, prompting community members to support local merchants, restaurants, and service providers. This initiative aims to highlight the ongoing significance of small businesses to the local economy and reinforce community ties.
An exciting addition to this year’s celebrations is the GRIT Pitch Competition, scheduled for May 8, hosted by Startup Savannah. Emerging entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to showcase their business ideas for a chance to win a $5,000 prize. This competition is designed to foster innovation and entrepreneurship within the local business community.
The importance of supporting small businesses has gained renewed focus, particularly in the wake of the pandemic and the potential for an economic recession. The influx of customer patronage is deemed essential for the recovery of the local economy. Community leaders are urging residents to prioritize shopping local and emphasize the positive ripple effects this can have on overall community well-being.
Small Business Week in Savannah not only celebrates local businesses but also aims to cultivate a spirit of collaboration and growth among entrepreneurs. The plethora of events planned provides opportunities for networking, learning, and community engagement, reinforcing the notion that when local businesses thrive, the entire community benefits.
As Small Business Week unfolds, the initiatives and excitement surrounding the event highlight Savannah’s commitment to fostering a vibrant and resilient small business ecosystem. Local residents and visitors alike are reminded of the crucial role they play in supporting their community’s business landscape.
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Additional Resources
- Savannah Business Journal: Top Events This Week
- Connect Savannah: Book Launch Event
- WTOC: Events Happening for Small Business Week
- Savannah Now: Editor’s Picks for Weekend Events
- Connect Savannah: Putt for Pack Event
- Wikipedia: Savannah, Georgia
- Google Search: Savannah Small Business
- Google Scholar: Small Business Support
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Small Business
- Google News: Savannah
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.
