NEWS

Small businesses are the backbone of our community, driving innovation, creating jobs, and fostering economic growth. In recognition of their invaluable contributions, the City of Savannah proudly announces the upcoming 2024 Mayor’s Small Business Conference and Savannah Small Business Week, set to take place from April 29 to May 3.

The Savannah Area Chamber will kick off the week with the Chamber Small Business Forum, scheduled for Monday, April 29, at the Enmarket Arena from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. This dynamic event will feature engaging panels, informative workshops, and valuable networking opportunities tailored to empower small business owners and entrepreneurs. Admission is free and open to the public.

Following the Forum, the Chamber will host the Small Business Job Fair at the Enmarket Arena from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Designed to connect job seekers with small businesses eager to expand their teams, this fair promises to be a platform for meaningful connections and fruitful collaborations.

To register for the April 29th Chamber Small Business Forum and Job Fair, please click HERE.

Throughout the week, attendees can enjoy additional programming from the City of Savannah, including keynote addresses from Mayor Van Johnson, further underscoring the city’s commitment to fostering a supportive environment for small businesses to thrive. You can find the full agenda for the Mayor’s Small Business Conference information HERE or at www.CityofSavannah.gov.

What attendees can expect on Monday, April 29 at the Enmarket Arena:

Navigating Health Benefits: The Georgia Chamber SMART Plan for Small Businesses
10:30 – 11:30 a.m.

Join us for a session explicitly crafted for small businesses grappling with the rising costs and intricacies of health benefits. Learn from insurance broker representatives how Georgia Chamber’s SMART Plan can help small business owners find affordable solutions. This comprehensive health program is exclusively available to small businesses that are members of the Georgia Chamber or members of a participating local chamber within the Georgia Chamber Federation. Administered through Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, the plans are tailored to help small businesses lower costs, streamline healthcare processes, and foster healthier employees and communities. Speakers: Tiffany Holmes, Georgia Chamber of Commerce and David Righter with Anthem

Break & Networking
11:40 a.m.
Sponsored by Innovative Health and Benefit Solutions

Empowering Entrepreneurs Through Alumni Success Stories Luncheon
Noon- 1 p.m.

The Chamber and WTOC invite you to an exclusive luncheon celebrating the entrepreneurial spirit of Savannah’s small businesses. Join us for an inspiring afternoon featuring guest speakers who are local SCAD alumni turned successful entrepreneurs and moderated by WTOC. SPACE IS LIMITED. RSVPs are required in advance. Speakers: Michael Mack, owner of Michael Grey Sandals; Cari Clark Phelps, Sea-E-O of Salacia Salts and Elizabeth Seeger, Owner of Satchel

SCAD’s Economic Impact
1 p.m.
Darrell Naylor Johnson, Vice-President, SCAD

Break & Networking
1:15 p.m.
Sponsored by: Savannah Ghost Pirates

Mastering Marketing for Small Businesses Concurrent Breakout Sessions A, B & C.
1:30 – 3 p.m.
EnMarket Arena

Session A

Unlocking Opportunities: Small Businesses Doing Business with Big Corporations

UGA’s Small Business Development Center (SBDC) will lead a discussion exploring strategies and insights for small businesses to collaborate and do business with big corporations effectively. In today’s dynamic business landscape, forming partnerships with larger companies can open doors to new opportunities and growth potential for small businesses. Still, there are essential considerations to consider before even those initial conversations. Speakers: Becky Brownlee and Chase Cowart, UGA Small Business Development Center

Session B

Cracking the Code: Content Marketing for Small Business Owners

Let’s embark on a journey into the world of content marketing tailored specifically for small business owners like you. We’ll be breaking down the basics of content marketing in a way that’s easy to understand. You’ll learn how to create content that grabs attention and keeps your audience returning for more. We’ll touch on the importance of email marketing, social media, website basics, etc.

Key Takeaways:

• Understanding the fundamentals of content marketing and its importance for small businesses.
• Learning how to create engaging content that resonates with your target audience.
• Discovering practical tips and tricks for getting started with content marketing today.
• Embracing your unique voice and standing out in a crowded marketplace.

Speaker: Pamela Knowles, Visit Savannah

Session C

Google, AI & The World Of Digital Marketing:  Has Your Future Success Already Passed You By?

Sponsored by Rook Digital, this session will demystify the technology and show you how to understand the tools to help your business grow and succeed. Speaker: Paul Gonzales, co-founder of Rook Digital

The Power of Story: Creating Content That Connects

Sponsored by Rook Digital, this session will give you the blueprint to create content that connects with your audience and builds alignment through shared values. Speaker Rich Henrich, co-founder of Rook Digital