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Savannah Celebrates Small Business Week

Community members networking and supporting local businesses during Savannah's Small Business Week.

News Summary

Savannah is gearing up for Small Business Week, emphasizing the critical role of local businesses in the community. Events will kick off with a press conference, followed by a conference headlined by Mayor Johnson. Small Business Days will follow to encourage shopping locally, culminating in a pitch competition for aspiring entrepreneurs. The initiatives aim to support local businesses and reinforce their importance to the economy.

Savannah is gearing up to celebrate Small Business Week, showcasing the vital role local businesses play in the community and economy. The week-long event will officially commence on Tuesday, May 6, with a press conference at 3 p.m. at the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce, followed by a Small Business Mixer at The Park at Eastern Wharf for networking opportunities.

On Wednesday, the festivities will continue with the Mayor’s Small Business Conference and State of Small Business event at Enmarket Arena, which has already sold out. During this event, Mayor Johnson is set to give an address, alongside fellow business leaders who will discuss the future and challenges faced by Savannah’s small business landscape. The Savannah Business Journal will sponsor this important gathering, featuring insights from the publisher of the journal on the success and relevance of local media companies in supporting the community.

Subsequent to the conference, the focus will shift to the community during the “Shop Small Business Days” on Thursday and Friday, May 8–9. This campaign encourages locals and visitors alike to support local merchants, restaurants, and service providers, reinforcing the importance of small businesses in maintaining a vibrant local economy.

Additionally, on May 8, aspiring entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to compete in the GRIT Pitch Competition. This event aims to support and uplift emerging businesses, with a prize of $5,000 awarded to the winner. This competition exemplifies the commitment to fostering new ideas and innovation within the local business community.

Bert Brantley, CEO of the Savannah Chamber of Commerce, has emphasized the importance of supporting local businesses, especially in the aftermath of the pandemic. The events planned for Small Business Week are not only designed to recognize the contributions small businesses make but also to address ongoing concerns regarding economic challenges and potential recession impacts.

Small businesses have long been recognized as the backbone of Savannah’s economy, providing jobs and a sense of community. The events during Small Business Week aim to highlight the vital role they play in the city’s overall health and prosperity. The outreach effort also serves as a reminder for residents to continue their support for local businesses long after the week of celebration ends.

Overall, Small Business Week in Savannah presents a unique opportunity for community engagement, networking, and education regarding the local economy. As the city celebrates its entrepreneurs and small business owners, efforts will stress the importance of collaboration among local businesses and patrons, ensuring a thriving economic environment for all. Residents are encouraged to participate in the events and carry forward the spirit of supporting local throughout the year.