URGENT UPDATE: The Southern Georgia Black Chambers (SGBC) has just unveiled its full lineup for the highly anticipated 2025 Small Business Summit & Expo, taking place from November 6-9 at the Rainwater Conference Center in Valdosta. This premier event, themed “Pride & Prosperity,” is attracting registered attendees from as far as Atlanta, Tifton, and Albany, signaling its significance as a regional economic catalyst.
The main Summit & Expo on Saturday, November 8, from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., is free and open to the public. Attendees can enjoy a day filled with dynamic speakers, networking opportunities, and live entertainment from DJ AP of Star 105.3 FM. All registered participants will automatically enter to win valuable door prizes, including professional business consultations.
“
We are not just hosting a local expo; we are creating a regional economic engine,”
stated H. DeWayne Johnson, President/CEO of SGBC. He emphasized that the influx of attendees from major cities illustrates South Georgia’s vital role in business innovation.
The Summit offers a diverse lineup of events designed to maximize networking and learning opportunities throughout the weekend:
– **Thursday, November 6 (6 p.m.)**: The Chamber Night Networking Mixer kicks off the weekend at the Rainwater Veranda, featuring DJ Freeze. This event is complimentary for SGBC members and registered exhibitors.
– **Friday, November 7 (6 p.m.)**: A Sound Bath Experience for entrepreneurial wellness, led by Ashley Rhys, MS, LMFT, EMDR-C, will help attendees recharge before the main event.
– **Saturday, November 8 (11:30 a.m.)**: The main Summit & Expo features a vibrant speaker lineup, food trucks, and an exhibition hall showcasing regional businesses and non-profits.
– **Sunday, November 9 (11:30 a.m.)**: A Business Brunch Meet-up at Big Nick’s Juke Joint, where attendees can enjoy a 30% discount on brunch with their official online registration.
The Summit’s speaker lineup includes industry experts discussing crucial business topics:
– Jalen Uboh (Uboh Companies): The Blueprint to Multi-Million Dollar Scaling.
– Nazarene Dorsey-Bell (BCA Culture): Using AI to Scale and Profit.
– Marvin Terrell (Terrell Advisory Group): Financial Mastery & Understanding.
– Stephanie Johnson (The Downtown Business Collective): Activating an AI Business Strategy.
– Stephanie Bullard (Etiquette & Grace Academy): The Professional Etiquette Edge.
– David DiSalvo (Rainwater Conference Center): Tourism’s Economic Impact for South Georgia.
Food trucks, including The Royal Taste and Granddaddy Bishop’s, will greet attendees at the entrance, adding to the festive atmosphere.
Public attendance is free, but online registration is required to gain eligibility for door prizes and brunch promotions. On-site registration will also be available during the expo. Limited exhibitor tables and food truck spots remain open until Sunday for businesses eager to connect with a regional audience.
To register for free attendance, secure an exhibitor booth, or explore sponsorship opportunities, visit www.sgablackchambers.org/expo. This Summit promises to be a game-changer for entrepreneurs and small business owners in the region—don’t miss out on this essential event!
