URGENT UPDATE: The Southern Georgia Black Chambers (SGBC) has unveiled its full lineup for the highly anticipated 2025 Small Business Summit & Expo taking place this weekend in Valdosta, Georgia. Running from November 6-9, 2025, this premier regional event is set to attract attendees from as far as Atlanta, Tifton, and Albany, marking it as a critical hub for business innovation.
The main Summit & Expo, scheduled for Saturday, November 8, from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., is FREE and open to the public, promising an electrifying atmosphere with live music from DJ AP of Star 105.3 FM. Participants who register online will automatically enter for a chance to win valuable door prizes, including professional business consultations.
“This is not just a local expo; it is a regional economic engine,” stated H. DeWayne Johnson, President/CEO of the SGBC. He emphasized that the influx of attendees from major cities highlights South Georgia’s importance in business development. “Our mission is to connect our entrepreneurs with high-level resources they need to scale, and this Summit is the platform to make that happen.”
The weekend kicks off with a series of events designed to maximize networking and learning opportunities:
– **Thursday, November 6 (6 p.m.):** The Chamber Night Networking Mixer at the Rainwater Veranda, featuring DJ Freeze. This mixer is complimentary for SGBC members and registered exhibitors.
– **Friday, November 7 (6 p.m.):** Attendees can join a Sound Bath Experience led by Ashley Rhys, focusing on entrepreneurial wellness to help participants recharge ahead of the main event.
– **Saturday, November 8 (11:30 a.m.):** The main Summit & Expo, featuring a diverse array of speakers, food trucks, and exhibitors, including non-profits and start-ups.
– **Sunday, November 9 (11:30 a.m.):** A Business Brunch Meet-up at Big Nick’s Juke Joint, offering a generous 30% discount for attendees showing their official Summit registration.
Expert speakers will cover pressing business topics, including:
– Jalen Uboh (Uboh Companies): “The Blueprint to Multi-Million Dollar Scaling”
– Nazarene Dorsey-Bell (BCA Culture): “Using AI to Scale and Profit”
– Marvin Terrell (Terrell Advisory Group): “Financial Mastery & Understanding”
– Stephanie Johnson (The Downtown Business Collective): “Activating an AI Business Strategy”
– David DiSalvo (Rainwater Conference Center): “Tourism’s Economic Impact for South Georgia”
The Summit will welcome vendors like The Royal Taste and Granddaddy Bishop’s food trucks at the entrance. This event is made possible thanks to dedicated sponsors, including Langdale Hyundai of South Georgia as the presenting sponsor, alongside ACE South Georgia, Georgia Black Doula Network, and others.
Public attendance is free, but online registration is essential for eligibility for door prizes and brunch discounts. On-site registration will also be available during the expo. Limited exhibitor tables and food truck spots remain available until Sunday for businesses eager to connect with a regional audience.
For more information, to register for free attendance, secure an exhibitor booth, or explore sponsorship opportunities, visit: www.sgablackchambers.org/expo. Don’t miss out on this transformative weekend that promises to elevate South Georgia’s entrepreneurial landscape!
