Savannah Launches Small Business Week to Boost Local Economy

News Summary

Savannah commenced its Small Business Week on May 6, 2025, with a press conference led by city officials. The initiative aims to support the local economy and promote small businesses through a series of events, including networking opportunities and a GRIT Pitch Competition. ‘Shop Small Business Days’ encourages community participation from May 8-9, reinforcing the importance of local enterprises in Savannah’s economic health.

Savannah kicked off its Small Business Week on May 6, 2025, with a press conference led by Mayor Van Johnson and Bert Brantley, the CEO of the Savannah Chamber of Commerce. This week is dedicated to supporting the local economy and promoting the importance of small businesses in the community.

The press conference marked the official start of a series of events aimed at encouraging residents and visitors to engage with local businesses. Following the conference, a Small Business Mixer was organized at The Park at Eastern Wharf, providing a platform for local entrepreneurs to connect and network with one another. This event is a vital opportunity for business owners to share experiences, ideas, and resources that can help foster their growth.

The highlight of the week occurred on May 7, 2025, during the Mayor’s Small Business Conference & State of Small Business Address held at Enmarket Arena. This event was sold out, reflecting the high interest and support for local enterprises. Business leaders participated in discussions about the future of Savannah’s small business landscape, sharing valuable insights and strategies for overcoming challenges. Lou Phelps, the publisher of the Savannah Business Journal, contributed to the dialogue by discussing her experiences in establishing a media company in the city.

To further encourage community support for local merchants, the City organized “Shop Small Business Days” from May 8-9, 2025. During these days, residents and visitors are urged to shop at local businesses, restaurants, and service providers, reinforcing the vital role small businesses play in Savannah’s economy. The initiative is designed not only to boost sales during the designated days but also to instill a long-term habit of supporting local enterprises.

As part of Small Business Week, a GRIT Pitch Competition was held on May 8, allowing emerging entrepreneurs to showcase their business ideas for a chance to win funding. The winner of the competition received a $5,000 prize from Startup Savannah, further incentivizing innovation and entrepreneurial spirit within the local community.

Bert Brantley highlighted the significance of supporting small businesses, noting the particular challenges these enterprises have faced due to the pandemic and potential economic downturns. This week serves as a reminder of the resilience of local businesses and the necessity for the community to unite in support of their growth and sustainability.

The Small Business Week celebrations aim to emphasize the importance of small businesses beyond just the events of the week. The activities and promotions are designed to create lasting awareness and inspire residents to consider the impacts of their purchasing decisions on the local economy. As the weekend approaches, Savannah is positioned to benefit from increased engagement with its local businesses, signaling a collective commitment to fostering a robust and vibrant small business community.

In summary, Savannah’s Small Business Week, starting with a press conference and followed by networking events and conferences, is a significant initiative focused on uplifting local economies. The combination of events encourages community collaboration while reinforcing the critical role of small businesses in the city’s economic health.

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Additional Resources

• Savannah Business Journal: Events This Week
• WTOC: Events Happening During Small Business Week
• People: LeBron James and Savannah at Met Gala
• WTOC Video: Small Business Week Highlights
• People: Savannah James at the Met Gala