2026 STATE OF SMALL BUSINESS IN THE SAVANNAH AREA TO BE PRESENTED MAY 6TH AT THE MAYOR’S SMALL BUSINESS CONFERENCE
(SAVANNAH, GA) Savannah’s small business community will gain critical, real-time insights into the region’s economic landscape during the 2026 State of Small Business in the Savannah Area, a featured presentation at the Mayor’s Small Business Conference on Wednesday, May 6, at the Savannah Civic Center, 301 W. Oglethorpe Ave.
This year marks the 13th year the State of Small Business presentation has been offered, providing a trusted snapshot of trends, opportunities and challenges facing local entrepreneurs. By presenting fast-paced, sector-specific insights, the session helps business owners identify opportunities, anticipate challenges and remain competitive in Savannah’s dynamic economy.
Carver State Bank is the title sponsor of The State of Small Business in the Savannah Area.
The presentation will take place from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., with each expert delivering a three-minute briefing on what is happening in their sector and what it means for small businesses across the region.
The State of Small Business session is just one of the many highlights of the Mayor’s Small Business Conference, which brings together Savannah’s entrepreneurs, business leaders and resource partners for a full day of workshops, presentations and networking designed to promote small business growth and sustainability.
The Savannah Business Journal serves as the media sponsor for this year’s conference. Brittany Curry, owner of InkyBrittany, will provide live graphic recording, visually capturing key insights and trends shared throughout the presentation.
The session will be moderated by Victoria Baylor, founder of Victoria Baylor Leadership & OD Solutions, Joe Marchese, founder of Marchese Construction and Marjorie Young, founder of Carriage Trade Public Relations® Inc.
Featured Speakers and Topics:
Moncello Stewart, President, Greater Savannah Black Chamber of Commerce
Topic: Black Business Ownership
Clara Fishel, Broker, Level Commercial Real Estate
Topic: Commercial Real Estate Trends
Charles “Bo” Bowen, Corporate and Entertainment Attorney, Founder of The Bowen Firm
Topic: Film Industry in Savannah
Alfonso Ribot, President, Metropolitan Savannah Area Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Topic: Hispanic Business Growth
Victoria Saxton, President and CEO, Small Business Assistance Corporation
Topic: Small Business Access to Capital in the Savannah Region
Bill Lucas, Founder, Bill Lucas Insurance
Topic: Health Insurance, Employee Benefits & Small Business
Armand Turner, Executive Director, Healthy Savannah
Topic: Healthy Workplaces
Jesse Dillon, Chief Operating Officer, Savannah Economic Development Authority (SEDA)
Topic: Growth in the Savannah Area
Dr. Scott C. Scheidt, Chief security officer, Seimitsu IT Services and High-Speed Broadband Fiber
Topic: CyberSecurity
Catalina Garcia-Quick, Business Development, Pratt Industries
Topic: Local Strides in Sustainability
Dr. Michael Toma, Fuller E. Callaway Professor of Economics, Georgia Southern University
Topic: Small Business Statistical Overview
Phillip Scroggin, Sol Insights
Topic: Data-Driven Growth & Small Business Confidence Index
The Mayor’s Small Business Conference is the signature event of Savannah Small Business Week, taking place May 4–8, 2026. In addition to the State of Small Business session, conference highlights include a business networking mixer, reverse trade show, and procurement breakfast, all designed to expand opportunities for Savannah’s small business community.
Registration for the 2026 Mayor’s Small Business Conference remains open through April 24, or until capacity is reached. Early registration is encouraged as space for some events is limited. The event is free and open to the public. To register savannahga.gov/msbc.