In the quest to bolster small business ownership in DeKalb, entrepreneurs and key community figures convened at the Emory Conference Center Hotel for a summit that’s fast becoming a tradition. The event, now in its fifth iteration, was hosted by DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson, in her first term as CEO and spearheaded by the Decide DeKalb Development Authority along with the DeKalb County Chamber of Commerce. The summit, themed “Navigating Small Businesses During Uncertain Economic Times,” seeks to prop up the economic landscape by arming small businesses with necessary tools and networks, according to the DeKalb County.
Addressing the assembly, CEO Cochran-Johnson was quoted in a statement obtained by DeKalb County news: “Small businesses are the backbone of DeKalb’s economy. My administration is committed to ensuring that entrepreneurs have the resources, training, and access to opportunities they need to grow and thrive.” Cochran-Johnson’s sentiments resonate with the broader aspirations of the summit, which was praised by one participant for its structure and tangible networking opportunities.
Key sessions at the summit, detailed by DeKalb County news, encompassed a range of topics pertinent to today’s small business climate. Panel discussions bred dialogues on starting a business amid financial uncertainty, sourcing funds and grants, and survival strategies for business growth and sustainability. Attendees engaged with county officials on how to engage in procurement processes, underscoring the summit’s practical approach to support local entrepreneurs.
Noteworthy figures such as James “Jay” Bailey, delivering the keynote address, and an array of panel experts, shed light on the various facets of small business management. A swift intervention by WorkSource DeKalb on rapid response was showcased, further broadening the resource base offered at the summit. The event capped with a fireside chat, incorporating voices like those of Terri Denison and Stacey Key, infusing the summit with a diverse range of insights and experiences.
The summit could not have launched without the endorsement of several sponsors, with DeKalb County itself taking up the mantle of Presenting Sponsor. From the Gold Sponsor, Decide DeKalb Development Authority, to the assorted contributions from Bronze Sponsors like C.D. Moody Construction Co., Inc., their sponsorship was pivotal. All this, according to DeKalb County news, underpins CEO Cochran-Johnson’s mission to nurture the growth of small businesses and attract investments. As the leader orchestrates her economic development agenda, events like the DeKalb County Small Business Summit are seminal in creating a support system for local upstarts aspiring to carve their niche into DeKalb County’s economic tapestry.
