Savannah Black Chamber of Commerce Awarded $136,700 Small Business Revitalization Grant

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L-R: Richard & Kertina Johnson, Frank Woode, Teia Acker, Moncello Stewart, Kenetra Saintilaire, Donna Kelly-Reed, and MiQuan Green

At its Annual Black Business Excellence Gala on Thursday, December 11th at 7:00 PM at the Armstrong Center, the Greater Savannah Black Chamber of Commerce (GSBCC) was formally awarded a $136,700 Small Business Revitalization Grant from the Georgia Coalition of Black Chambers (GCBC). This funding represents a vital investment in local black owned small businesses that were negatively impacted by the effects of COVID and are working to rebuild and grow.

“This grant allows us to provide meaningful and tangible support to our small business owners who fuel our regional economy and ensure they have the tools and resources to thrive,” says Moncello Stewart, President of GSBCC. “The Greater Savannah Black Chamber of Commerce is honored to receive this recognition and is deeply committed to deploying it to uplift our business community.”

Grant Purpose & Eligibility: The grant is specifically dedicated to the recovery and stabilization of black owned, for-profit small businesses in Georgia, particularly those that meet the following criteria:

L-R: Theresa Omanovic, Charise Stevens-Meriweather, Moncello Stewart and Hayden Singleton

Located in Georgia; For-profit business; Fewer than 500 employees; Operating as of March 3, 2020; Experienced a negative economic impact from COVID-19; and Completed the Money Smart Business Program.

Eligible businesses must be located within the GSBCC service area, including the counties of Bryan, Bulloch, Camden, Chatham, Effingham,

Glynn, Liberty, Long, McIntosh, and Screven. They must also demonstrate need, growth potential, or recovery objectives within the GSBCC service area. Businesses interested in applying can sign up here at the GBCCC website or contact info@gsbcc.org for more information.

About the Gala: The Annual Black Business Excellence Gala is GSBCC’s signature fundraising and recognition event, celebrating Black entrepreneurship and community leadership. The evening featured the grant presentation, awards, a red carpet reception, dinner, entertainment, and networking opportunities.

Gala Award Recipients:
• Member of the Year: Frank
Woode (Anansi Clothier)
• People’s Choice Award:
Miquan Green (MGreen
Productions)
• Best New Business:
Kenetra Saintilaire (Fleurish
Creative Studio)
• Best Women-Owned
Business: Teia Acker (RESILIENT Magazine)
• Best Non-Profit:
Donna Kelly-Reed (One
Spirit Dance Academy)
• Best Business of the Year:
Richard and Kertina Johnson (Johnson’s Florist &
Balloons)