2026 Small Business Week

Small Business Week Kick-Off Ribbon Cutting

The City of Savannah, Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Business Association, Greater Savannah Black Chamber of Commerce, the Small Business Development Center, Savannah’s Waterfront, StartUp Savannah, Buy Local, Savannah Master Calendar, and the Metropolitan Savannah Hispanic Chamber of Commerce are celebrating the heartbeat of our community, Savannah’s small businesses.

Join us Monday, May 4th, at 10:00 AM in Johnson Square for a special Ribbon Cutting Ceremony to officially kick off Small Business Week in Savannah! This is a celebration of the entrepreneurs, shop owners, and local dreamers who make our city one of a kind.

Come show your support, meet your neighbors, and make a commitment to Shop Small in Savannah all week long. Because when you shop small, you’re not just making a purchase, you’re investing in the people and places that make Savannah home.

Date: Monday, May 4, 2026
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Location: Johnson Square

SBDC: 2026 Business Summit at Savannah Convention Center

The 2026 Savannah Business Summit kicks off with a red-carpet welcome followed by a full day of connection, learning, and inspiration. Dive into sessions on leadership, financial analysis, recruiting and retention, digital marketing, and the habits that fuel resilience — all while building meaningful relationships with community leaders and professionals. At the Summit, success isn’t a solo journey – it’s a collective movement.

This year’s summit features powerful Keynote Sessions alongside a series of dynamic breakout workshops. Participants may choose from focused tracks in Finance, Marketing, or Human Resources, ensuring a tailored learning experience that meets their goals. Throughout the day, enjoy networking opportunities designed to help you build meaningful connections with fellow business owners, other career professionals, community leaders, and industry experts.

Whether you’re building a business or building your career, the Savannah Business Summit offers the strategies and connections that help you grow.

Date: Tuesday, May 5, 2026
Time: 8:15 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Location: Savannah Convention Center |1 International Dr., Savannah, GA 31421
Registration: Savannah Business Summit Registration

Small Business Week Mixer at Eastern Wharf

Celebrate Small Business Week at Savannah’s largest collaborative networking event. The Small Business Week Mixer brings together entrepreneurs, business owners, and community leaders for an evening of connection and conversation.

Hosted by the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce, the Greater Savannah Black Chamber of Commerce, the Downtown Business Association, the Hispanic Chamber, and Savannah’s Waterfront, this mixer reflects the strength and diversity of our local business community. Join us for open networking, new connections, and a shared celebration of the small businesses that drive Savannah’s economy.

Thank you to our Sponsors! Eastern Wharf, Greater Savannah Black Chamber of Commerce, Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Business Association, The Metropolitan Savannah Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and Savannah’s Waterfront!

Date: Tuesday, May 5, 2026
Time: 4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Location: The Park at Eastern Wharf | 101 Port St., Savannah, GA 31401
Registration: Savannah Business Mixer Registration

City of Savannah 2026 Mayor’s Small Business Conference

The Mayor’s Small Business Conference (MSBC) is a one‑day signature event hosted by the City of Savannah’s Economic Development Department in partnership with Mayor Van R. Johnson, II. This annual event brings together our community’s best local business leaders, innovative entrepreneurs, and advocates for a full day of informative workshops, presentations and networking — all designed to promote small business sustainability and growth opportunities in Savannah!

The conference also features a Reverse Trade Show, connecting small businesses directly with government agencies, corporations, and organizations seeking local vendors and partners.

MSBC is the signature event of the 2026 Savannah Small Business Week, which runs from May 4th through 8th.

Date: Wednesday, May 6, 2026
Time: 8:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.| Reverse trade show 2:00 – 5:00 pm
Location: MLK Civic Center |301 W Oglethorpe Ave., Savannah, GA 31401
Registration: https://www.savannahga.gov/3481/Mayors-Small-Business-Conference

City of Savannah Purchasing: Business Opportunity Breakfast

City of Savannah Purchasing Opportunity Breakfast (same link is used to register for all 3 city sponsored events)

This event, featuring breakfast at 8:30 a.m. and a 9 a.m. presentation, connects local, small, and minority businesses with city procurement opportunities, including networking and insights into upcoming projects.

Date: Thursday, May 7, 2026
Time: 8:30 a.m.
Location: MLK Civic Center |301 W Oglethorpe Ave., Savannah, GA 31401
Registration: https://www.savannahga.gov/3481/Mayors-Small-Business-Conference

Start-Up Savannah: GRIT Pitch Event @ Clyde Venue

15 entrepreneurs. 3 minutes each. $5000 total cash prizes.

You don’t want to miss out on the chance to witness these game-changing ideas pitched live on stage! Join Startup Savannah during Small Business Week 2026 on May 7th at The Clyde venue, to see the action for yourself! You’ll even get the chance to vote on the Audience Selection Prize, worth $500.

Date: Thursday, May 7, 2026
Time: 5:30 – 8:00 pm.
Location: The Clyde Venue | 223 Martin Luther King Blvd., Savannah, GA 31401
More Info: Purchase Tickets | Apply to participate

DBA Downtown Clean Up: Meet @ Chive

Join the Savannah Small Business Week Downtown Clean Up Friday May 8th from 8:30am-10am by meeting at Chive, 4 West Broughton Street as we block by block clean up our downtown business community. All equipment will be provided on site including gloves, safety vest, and bags. Show your love for our downtown community by cleaning it up together.

Date: Friday, May 8, 2026
Time: 8:30 – 10:00 a.m.
Location: Meet outside Chive | 4 West Broughton St., Savannah, GA 31401
More Info: Downtown Clean Up

Small Business Job Fair

The Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce’s Small Business Job Fair connects local employers with job seekers who are ready to grow their careers right here in our region. Designed to support workforce development and strengthen Savannah’s small business community, this event brings together Chamber member businesses from a wide range of industries looking to hire, network, and build meaningful connections.

Employers will have the opportunity to showcase their company culture, promote open positions, and engage directly with candidates in a welcoming, approachable setting. Job seekers will benefit from face to face conversations with local businesses, learning about career opportunities, hiring needs, and pathways for professional growth.

Whether you’re a small business looking to expand your team or a job seeker eager to connect with local employers, the Small Business Job Fair offers a valuable opportunity to make connections that lead to long term success for both individuals and our business community.

Date: Wednesday, May 13, 2026
Time: 3:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Location: Savannah Civic Center | 301 W. Oglethorpe Ave., Savannah, GA 31401
Parking Info: Parking lot on site
Contact: Email Sam Wilkins sw******@*************er.com or call 912-644-6459
Cost: Complimentary | Link: https://uk.eventsforce.net/savannah/212/register