The Sumter County Chamber of Commerce hosted its “State of Small Business” Breakfast at South Georgia Technical College in Americus recently titled “Workforce & Small Business Resources” to kick off National Small Business Week and highlight resources for entrepreneurs in rural, suburban and urban American communities.
“Thank you for joining us for our annual State of Small Business Breakfast,” said Chamber President and Chief Executive Officer Amber Batchelor as she kicked off the event that featured presentations from South Georgia Technical College, Georgia Southwestern State University, Ignite Career Academy and the University of Georgia’s Small Development Center in Albany and Valdosta.
Lisa Love, Entrepreneur Outreach Specialist from the University of Georgia’s Small Development Centers in Albany and Valdosta, was the featured Small Business Resource Presenter at the event. She explained that “we’re here for Georgia’s businesses. Whether it is an established company or a beginning enterprise, the SBDC (Small Business Development Center) can help you gain an advantage in building your business.”
Love also discussed some of the different services that are available to small businesses and entrepreneurs from the Small Business Development Center that serves every county in Georgia. They also offer confidential and customized business consulting at no direct cost.
South Georgia Technical College Director of Career Services Cynthia Carter shared with individuals about SGTC’s 99% job placement rate for its graduates and how the college works with business and industry to provide a trained workforce for the seven counties in this area and throughout the state of Georgia.
Dr. Judy Orton Grissett, Director of Experiential Learning, made the presentation for Georgia Southwestern State University and explained how GSW is working to provide internship opportunities for students and local businesses. Dr. Don Gilman, CEO of the Ignite College & Career Academy, shared with individuals about the Work-Based Learning Program implemented at Ignite.
South Georgia Technical College President Dr. John Watford welcomed the Chamber group to the campus and thanked them for what they mean to small businesses in this area. He also shared that many of South Georgia Tech’s graduates are entrepreneurs and small business owners and operators. He expressed his appreciation to the chamber and the businesses who support SGTC and its graduates.
The Chamber “State of Small Business” breakfast began with registration, networking opportunities, breakfast and presentation tables from the SBDC, South Georgia Technical College, Georgia Southwestern State University, and Ignite College & Career Academy. Jimmy Whaley of Whaley Realty, Inc. was the Small Business Sponsor and he introduced Lisa Love from the UGA SBDC.