Chamber News

The Southern Georgia Black Chambers (SGBC) announces its 2025 Small Business Summit & Expo featuring major speakers on Artificial Intelligence, economic growth, and entrepreneurship.  The Chamber is transforming its annual gathering into a high-impact regional conference dedicated to fostering small business empowerment, innovation, and economic prosperity, according to a press release from the organization.

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The Southern Georgia Black Chambers (SGBC) successfully hosted its annual golf tournament on Thursday, Sept. 25, at the Kinderlou Forest Golf Club, bringing together a diverse field of business leaders, community advocates, and golf enthusiasts for a day of competition and networking. The event raised vital funds to support the SGBC’s mission of providing small business development and grants to empower entrepreneurs across the region.

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The Southern Georgia Black Chambers (SGBC) equipped local entrepreneurs with cutting-edge technology skills at its Small Business Academy session, “Leveling the Playing Field: AI for Small Businesses”.

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Signature Consulting Business & Coaching Services, a dynamic business consulting firm, celebrated its grand opening recently with a ribbon-cutting ceremony hosted by the Southern Georgia Black Chambers (SGBC) at Augie’s Cafe. 

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The Southern Georgia Black Chambers (SGBC) hosted a Small Business Academy session last Tuesday evening, providing local entrepreneurs with a direct roadmap on how to do business with Valdosta State University. The event, held at the McMullen Southside Library, featured VSU Procurement Manager Heather Craft, who demystified the university’s procurement process for area business owners.

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Much of Valdosta’s Black history began on the South Side. Once home to prominent Black educators, doctors, and entrepreneurs who built thriving businesses, this historic district now serves as the marching grounds for the city’s first Black History Parade.

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The Southern Georgia Black Chambers, in partnership with the City of Valdosta, will present the city’s inaugural Black History Month Parade, a milestone event celebrating the rich tapestry of Black history and culture in the community. The parade will take place on Saturday, Feb. 22, at noon. 

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Community Disaster Recovery Resources Fair at the VLPRA Administrative Office brought residents, business owners, and community leaders together to connect with vital recovery resources following the recent natural disasters.   Sponsored by the Southern Georgia Black Chambers, the event focused on helping individuals and organizations recover. Speakers offered valuable insights into financial assistance, credit management, and other important avenues of support.​

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The Southern Georgia Black Chambers (SGBC) hosted its highly anticipated 2024 Annual Black Business Gala on Saturday, December 14th, at The Patterson in downtown Valdosta. Presented by Access to Capital for Entrepreneurs (ACE) South Georgia, the event brought together community leaders, entrepreneurs, and supporters to celebrate Black excellence and empower future generations.

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August is National Black Business Month, an annual celebration recognizing Black entrepreneurs and their contributions to America’s economy. Across the South Georgia region, the Southern Georgia Black Chamber has maintained a membership of over 80 Black businesses, nonprofits and employers - connecting them to resources on the state and federal level. 

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In a groundbreaking collaboration, the Southern Georgia Black Chambers (SGBC), Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs (RICE), and Georgia AIM Project 3 are joining forces to equip Black-owned businesses with the knowledge and skills to thrive. The 2024 Black Economic Expo, scheduled for Aug. 31, will serve as a platform for this innovative partnership, offering a unique opportunity for businesses to explore the transformative potential of AI and to hear from a powerhouse line up of speakers. Link to story

More than 75 leaders from Black chamber across the country — including the Southern Georgia Black Chambers — attended as the White House welcomed the U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. for a pivotal “State of Black Business” briefing. Held July 19, the briefing was a highlight of the USBC National Conference and 15th Anniversary Celebration. Link to story

Representatives from the Georgia Coalition of Black Chambers (GCBC), a coalition of Black Commerce Associations and black business leaders across the Southeastern US, recently participated in a successful fly-in to Washington D.C. The trip focused on advocating for policies and initiatives that promote economic empowerment and growth within the Black business community. Link to story

The City of Thomasville recently hosted the City of Valdosta and the Southern Georgia Black Chambers, Inc. for collaboration, discussion, and tours. The focus of the visit was building a stronger community through plans, partnerships, and projects, providing examples that have been created in Thomasville that could provide a visual to be implemented in Valdosta, which ultimately strengthens the southwest Georgia region. Link to story

The Southern Georgia Black Chambers orchestrated the ribbon-cutting ceremony for Fin & Feathers Restaurant, with the help of general manager Anthony Tong, at the Valdosta Mall on Saturday, February 3. The event marked the continuation of the culinary journey crafted by husband and wife owners Damon Johnson and Ayanna Johnson. Link to story