News Summary
From May 4 to May 9, Savannah will recognize the importance of local businesses through a series of events, including a press conference led by the Mayor, networking mixers, and the Mayor’s Small Business Conference. The week promotes community support for small enterprises with initiatives like ‘Shop Small Business Days’ and a GRIT Pitch Competition for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Savannah is set to celebrate Small Business Week from May 4 to May 9, featuring a series of events aimed at recognizing the vital role small businesses play in the local economy. The festivities will kick off with a press conference on May 6 at The Park at Eastern Wharf, where Mayor Van Johnson and Bert Brantley, CEO of the Savannah Chamber of Commerce, will highlight the significance of supporting local enterprises.
Immediately following the press conference, attendees will have the opportunity to network and connect during a Small Business Mixer, an informal gathering open to all interested parties. This event aims to foster a sense of community among local business owners and their supporters.
On May 7, a highlight of the week will be the Mayor’s Small Business Conference & State of Small Business event at Enmarket Arena. This event has already sold out, indicating strong interest in discussions surrounding the future landscape for small businesses in the area. Mayor Johnson, along with other notable business leaders, will share insights and updates on challenges and opportunities facing Savannah’s small businesses.
The Savannah Business Journal will partner in the event as the media sponsor, with its publisher set to offer her experiences in building a successful media company in the local market. This participation underscores the importance of collaboration and shared learning among Savannah’s business community.
Residents and visitors alike will be encouraged to take part in “Shop Small Business Days” on May 8 and 9. These days are dedicated to fostering support for local merchants, eateries, and service providers. The initiative aims to inspire the public to choose small businesses over larger chains, emphasizing the unique offerings and personal service that local establishments provide.
On May 8, Startup Savannah will host the GRIT Pitch Competition, where aspiring entrepreneurs will have the chance to win a $5,000 prize to support their ventures. This competition aims to encourage innovative small business ideas and help budding entrepreneurs in the community gain the necessary resources for their growth.
Small businesses are a cornerstone of the local economy in the Savannah-Hinesville-Statesboro Combined Statistical Area (CSA), which is home to 6,774 businesses employing between five and 500 workers. These businesses account for approximately 78% of the local workforce. Additionally, there are about 10,208 businesses in the area employing fewer than five workers, further contributing to the economic landscape in Savannah.
The series of events planned from May 4 to May 9 not only seeks to recognize the contributions of small businesses but also to promote ongoing community support throughout the year. The overarching goal is to create a robust environment for local entrepreneurs to thrive and, as a result, boost the economic stability of the region.
In conclusion, Savannah’s Small Business Week is set to shine a spotlight on the importance of local commerce, encouraging both residents and visitors to engage with and support the vibrant small business community. Through networking opportunities, educational events, and direct shopping initiatives, the week aims to foster a culture of sustainability and growth for Savannah’s economy.
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Additional Resources
- Savannah Business Journal
- WTOC
- Savannah Now
- Index Journal
- WSAV
- Wikipedia: Small Business
- Google Search: Savannah small businesses
- Google Scholar: Small Business Support
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Small Business
- Google News: Savannah business events
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.
