Issue link: http://savannah.uberflip.com/i/1202658
74 Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce 2020 Economic Trends 24 Infrastructure: Small Business Investment & Development Savannah's thriving small business community accounts for a substantial share of total private employment in the Savannah- Hinesville-Statesboro CSA. The Georgia Department of Labor reported a total of 5,841 establishments employing between five and 500 employees in the first quarter of 2019. An additional 6,244 firms employed fewer than five employees. Firms with fewer than 500 employees are responsible for the employment of 170,155 people, or approximately 77% of the workforce. The remaining 34 firms with more than 500 employees provided employment for 50,779 people, or approximately 23% of the workforce. Source: Georgia Department of Labor, Georgia Labor Market Explorer, Area Labor Profile, Accessed 10/19/2019. Several state and local agencies work to strengthen the viability of small businesses, providing assistance that may range from free consulting to training, networking, loans and other essential small business tools. They promote Savannah's healthy small business climate with doors always open to assist the region's innovators and entrepreneurs. University of Georgia Small Business Development Center: The Savannah SBDC office provides low-cost training and free consulting services in business plan development, market analysis and marketing strategies, financial analysis, compliance and legal issues. Its business consultants help prepare loan submissions for entrepreneurs and individuals expanding their business. https://www.georgiasbdc.org Small Business Assistance Corporation: SBAC is a nonprofit business development organization licensed by the U.S. Small Business Administration and supported by the City of Savannah and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. SBAC promotes economic growth by offering a number of loan programs and technical assistance for new and existing businesses. For more information, visit www.sbacsav.com. The Creative Coast: Creative Coast provides mentoring and other support to help build and develop the creative economy within the city of Savannah. Through networking and promoting innovation, Creative Coast connects local government, businesses, and individuals to strengthen the economic environment and positively impact the entrepreneurial community. www.thecreativecoast.org Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce: The Chamber's Small Business Council works to meet the needs and interests of small businesses and make sure they are recognized for their impact on the community. By offering programs that bring these businesses together with the larger Savannah community, including the Power Hour Lunch Series and Annual Awards Banquet and Business Expo, the Chamber's Small Business Council continues to provide small business owners with resources to help their businesses grow. For more information, visit www.savannahchamber.com.