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Savannah Prepares for Small Business Week 2025

Community members come together during Savannah's Small Business Week 2025.

News Summary

Savannah will celebrate Small Business Week from May 4 to May 9, 2025, with events organized by the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce. The festivities aim to highlight the crucial role small businesses play in the local economy and encourage community support. Expect pleasant weather as entrepreneurs gather for mixers, conferences, and competitions, reinforcing the importance of small enterprises to the area’s economic landscape.

Savannah is gearing up to celebrate Small Business Week with a series of events scheduled from May 4 to May 9, 2025. The events, organized by the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce, aim to highlight the significant impact of small enterprises on the local economy and encourage community members to support these vital businesses.

During this week, residents and visitors alike can look forward to pleasant weather, with temperate and sunny days predicted throughout. As spring blossoms in Savannah, the community will rally around local entrepreneurs, emphasizing the importance of small businesses in sustaining the local economy, especially in the wake of challenges posed by the recent pandemic.

According to the Savannah 2025 Economic Trends report, small businesses—defined as those with fewer than 500 employees—account for approximately 196,000 jobs, making up 78% of the total local workforce. In the Savannah-Hinesville-Statesboro Combined Statistical Area (CSA), there are 6,774 small businesses employing between five and 500 individuals, alongside another 10,208 businesses that employ fewer than five workers. Larger companies, which consist of 36 entities with over 500 employees, contribute approximately 56,000 jobs, representing 22% of the local workforce.

The week’s events will kick off with an official press conference scheduled for Tuesday, May 7, at 3 p.m. This will be followed by a small business mixer at the Park at Easter Wharf, providing an opportunity for networking and collaboration. On Wednesday, May 8, the Savannah Civic Center will host the all-day Mayor’s Small Business Conference, where business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs can participate in workshops and gain insights into scaling and managing their enterprises. Registration for the conference will remain open until April 30 or until full capacity is reached.

On Thursday, May 9, enthusiastic entrepreneurs can compete in the GRIT Pitch Competition, vying for a legal tender prize of $5,000. This event aims to encourage innovation and recognize the talent within the community.

Bert Brantley, CEO of the Savannah Chamber of Commerce, noted the essential role small businesses play in the local economic landscape, reinforcing their significance for future growth and stability. In response to ongoing economic challenges, the city is increasing its efforts in tourism and business marketing to bolster local enterprises.

Residents are encouraged to participate in Shop Small Business days occurring on Friday and Saturday, which will further stimulate the local economy and promote community engagement with small businesses.

The series of events scheduled for Small Business Week is designed not only to celebrate local entrepreneurs but also to foster an environment of cooperation and support within the Savannah community. With small businesses being a cornerstone of the local economy, leaders in the area are committed to promoting their success and highlighting their importance as the city moves forward.