Issue link: http://savannah.uberflip.com/i/1531156
53 29 Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce 2025 Economic Trends 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 6,774 establishments employing between 5 and 500 employees in the second quarter of 2024. An additional 10,208 firms employed less than 5 employees. Firms with less than 500 workers employ 196,053 people, or approximately 78% of the workforce. The remaining 36 firms with more than 500 employees employed 55,964 people, or approximately 22% of the workforce. Source: Georgia Department of Labor, Georgia Labor Market Explorer, Area Labor Profile, Accessed 12/11/2024. Several state and local agencies work to strengthen the viability of small businesses, providing assistance that may range from free consulting to training, networking to 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 UGA SBDC's mission is to enhance the economic well- being of Georgians by providing a wide range of educational services for aspiring entrepreneurs. They provide tools, training and resources to help small businesses grow and succeed. The SBDC has 18 offices ranging from Rome to Valdosta to serve the needs of Georgia's business community. For more information, visit https://www.georgiasbdc.org Small Business Assistance Corporation: SBAC is a Community Development Financial Institution licensed by the U.S. Small Business Administration, contracted by Georgia's Department of Community Affairs, and supported by the City of Savannah. SBAC promotes small business development through financing, technical, and loan assistance programs for new and existing businesses. For more information, visit www.sbacsav.com. The Creative Coast: Creative Coast provides mentoring and support to help build the creative economy of the Savannah region. Through education and social programs that connect local innovation in both large and small companies, Creative Coast fosters the creative technology and entrepreneurial ecosystem. They strive to make an economic impact on the region through the creation of high-wage, high-tech and creative job s. For more information visit www.thecreativecoast.org Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce: The Chamber's Small Business Council was created to provide small businesses with resources they can utilize to help their businesses grow. The Chamber strives to provide a voice and venue for those members through the Small Business Council. The Council holds events to allow networking and optimum exposure for small businesses on a monthly basis. For more information, visit www.savannahchamber.com. Savannah Economic Development Authority: SEDA leads the Business Retention Action Team, who work with existing businesses on issues from management and human resources, to training, exporting and operations. SEDA offers customized services to help business development, providing the resources needed including workforce training programs, infrastructure, available properties, incentives, tax abatements, utilities, permitting and more. For more information, visit www.seda.org.