First annual Northeast Georgia Black Business Expo hosted at Georgia Square Mall | City News
The Northeast Georgia Black Chamber of Commerce hosted the first annual Northeast Georgia Black Business Expo on Saturday, Nov. 15, at the Georgia Square Mall, highlighting and empowering Black-owned businesses across 13 different counties.
A variety of vendors advertised their businesses selling natural skincare, accounting and consulting services, posters, books and more.
Businesses lined up in the east lower-level concourse, presenting their products and services. The event also included financial literacy and business ownership workshops, a documentary screening followed by a community discussion and several live performances.
Outside the mall, bounce houses, a trackless train and a food truck were set up for additional entertainment. A kids’ zone was also provided for children.
During the expo, the Northeast Georgia Black Chamber of Commerce was presented with a grant of $145,000 to aid Black-owned businesses across Northeast Georgia.
Shane Blackwell, the founder and president of the Northeast Georgia Black Chamber of Commerce, said he has wanted to do an exposition highlighting Black-owned businesses since he started the chamber. . The Northeast Georgia Black Chamber of Commerce, under the umbrella pf the Northeast Black Georgia Business Alliance, was founded in 2021. After three years, his vision finally came true.
“My goal was to get [Black businesses] out here together, be able to lock arms and say, ‘Hey, let’s support you,’” Blackwell said.
Kathleen Baker is one of the 22 vendors who signed up to attend the exposition. Baker owns and operates the Baker Bag Company, a small boutique in downtown Newnan, Georgia.
“I wanted to do something where women were involved and serve the community at the same time,” Baker said.
Baker primarily sells fashion accessories such as bags and pocketbooks that she buys at wholesale prices from various parts of the country. When shopping for bags, she chooses those that resemble popular designer brands.
Baker hopes that the exposition will bring more awareness to her business and increase her online presence.
“I want all of Georgia to know that I exist,” Baker said.
Clarence Thomas III, a brand ambassador, represented Reign Premium Sanitary Napkins during the expo. The company aims to provide women with dryer, chemical-free sanitary napkins, transforming women’s experience during their menstrual cycles.
“Bottom line, we’re going to keep our customers comfortable and dry,” Thomas said.
Through the expo, Thomas wants to share the Reign “experience” with potential customers and offer a product that “ministers health and help.”
Blackwell plans to continue the exposition next August to mark the beginning of Black Philanthropy Month and Black Business Month, followed by a golf tournament at the end of the month.
“It’s going to be bigger and better,” Blackwell said.
