NEWS
The Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce joined forces with The City of Savannah, the Greater Savannah Black Chamber of Commerce, the Metropolitan Savannah Area Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, the Savannah Downtown Business Association, and Savannah’s Master Calendar to present Small Business Week 2025. From May 5–10, attendees enjoyed insightful workshops, community service projects, networking receptions, and a spirited Shop Small Weekend—all designed to equip, recognize, and uplift Savannah’s small-business community.
The week began on Monday, May 5 with an Owner’s Council Luncheon, giving business owners the opportunity to engage directly with local legislators for an in-depth discussion on recent policy developments affecting small enterprises.
Mayor Van Johnson, Chamber President and CEO Bert Brantley, and representatives and leaders from each partner organization officially launched the week’s events with a press conference on Tuesday May 6. During the Small Business Mixer Tuesday evening, over 300 attendees gathered at Eastern Wharf, to connect, share insights, and forge new partnerships in a relaxed atmosphere. Guests enjoyed live music, cocktails provided by Southern Crown Partners, and an array of offerings from Savannah’s favorite food trucks.
The Mayor’s Small Business Conference was held Wednesday at the Savannah Civic Center. This full day event featured workshops, the 12th Annual State of Small Business report, the Reverse Trade Show, and a Keynote address by Mr. Jay Bailey, CEO/President of the R.I.C.E. Center.
Thursday provided an opportunity for small businesses to give back to the Savannah community with Broughton Street Clean Up, presented by the Savannah Downtown Business Association. Volunteers rallied at 8am to beautify the heart of our historic district.
Thursday evening Startup Savannah held their GRIT pitch competition at the Clyde. Emerging entrepreneurs pitched their ventures to a panel of seasoned investors and community leaders in a high-energy competition.
The week culminated with Shop Small Weekend on May 9–10. Chamber leaders—alongside Alderman Nick Palumbo, Mia Mance Executive Director of the Downtown Business Association, and Kewan Drayton of the Greater Savannah Black Chamber—visited City Market shops to highlight the impact of “shop local” on our economy. This grassroots initiative, spearheaded by the Downtown Business Association, encouraged residents and visitors to support local merchants citywide.
Small Business Week 2025 underscored Savannah’s commitment to nurturing entrepreneurship through collaboration, education, and community engagement. We extend our gratitude to every sponsor, volunteer, presenter, and attendee who helped make the week a resounding success, and we look forward to building on this momentum in the years ahead.