Monthly Newsletter - October 2025

IN THIS ISSUE
Launch Savannah - Cohort 2 Graduation | ACTion Grant and Community Gardens | Small Business Spotlight | Savannah Entrepreneurial Center October Class Schedule

Launch Savannah - Cohort 2 graduation

Business founders and participants of the Launch Savannah program were celebrated in a graduation ceremony held on October 1, 2025. The event capped the second cohort of Launch Savannah, a 12-week business accelerator program facilitated by the City’s Economic Development Department in partnership with Startup Savannah and the Small Business Assistance Corporation.

In addition to the wealth of educational resources the graduates received during the intensive program, Launch participants also received new laptops courtesy of Comcast, a $2,000 voucher to be used for business support services, such as legal and financial advisement, and one year memberships for both the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Savannah Black Chamber of Commerce.

Graduates of Launch Savannah Cohort 2:

Maebelle Alolong, The Narra Tree & Silk Route Restaurant and Lounge
Rhonda Ancrum, First Class Seating Transport Service, LLC.
Mikal-Anthony Banks, EcoXchange
Dr. Kathryn S. Belle, Belle’s Boutique Hotel
Carolyn Guilford, Health Restoration Consulting
Glorious Mason, Be Glorious Learning Center
Quinlin Moore, Moore Learning Center
Larry Morris, Big Larry’s Art
Jomo Simmons, Qi Tree of Life Holistic Health Services
Ninoska Smith, Ninoska’s Favorites
Stavros Tsaklas, Stav's Souvlaki
Calvin Wallace, Wallace Landscaping, LLC
Zelonia Williams, Patches Custom Embroidery Works

Launch Savannah was developed in response to a recommendation from the City’s Racial Equity and Leadership (REAL) Task Force.

Economic Development Department Senior Director, MarRonde Lumpkin-Lotson, addressing Launch Cohort 2 graduates before they presented their business pitches.

Awards and certificates that were presented to graduates

Awards and certificates presented to graduates.

Group picture of the graduates from Launch Savannah Cohort 2.

Carver Village resident tending to the community garden

ACtion grant and Community gardens

The City of Savannah was awarded a multi-year “Addressing Conditions to Improve Population Health” (“ACTion”) grant from the CDC. The ACTion grant’s specific purpose is to increase healthy outcomes for neighborhoods near and surrounding the Water Works building, in Savannah's Westside communities.

The ACTion grant implementation team, made up of city staff, Westside community leaders, and nonprofit partners, has been working directly with residents in our Westside communities to start and support gardens at the community centers.

If you are interested in learning more about the ACTion grant, the ACTion implementation team or starting a community garden, please visit https://savannahga.gov/actionproject .

Small Business Spotlight

Every month we shine a light on a small business that makes our Savannah community thrive.

October Spotlight: Geechee Girl Apothecary

Geechee Girl Apothecary is a modern herbal apothecary shop with a coffee & tea bar, for the community to discover the healing power of plants.

Specializing in handcrafted medicinal tea blends and all-natural skincare, Geechee Girl blends ancestral herbal recipes with a contemporary, welcoming vibe.

The apothecary sources herbs sustainably and locally whenever possible, with a commitment to ethical practices and transparency.

In addition to the apothecarial element, the in-store coffee and tea bar menu features customers’ favorites like Brown Butter Brookies, Sweet Potato Pie Lattes, Shrimp Salad, and unique matcha combos.

Highlights of Geechee Girl Apothecary include:

•Vast selection of high quality dried herbs and teas: sold by the ounce or can be added to a custom blend in-store.

•Curated medicinal tea blends: expertly formulated to support digestion, immunity, sleep, stress and more.

• Tea bar experience: sip on signature herbal lattes, cafe au laits, and seasonal wellness blends while you relax in a plant-filled sanctuary.

• Clean Skincare: Small-batch soaps, butters, oils and toner to naturally improve the integrity, texture and tone of your skin.

“I created this space as a love letter to my heritage and community" says Marrisa Rawls, certified herbalist and founder of Geechee Girl Apothecary. “Everything we offer—from our teas and lattes to our infused oils and soaps are made with intention, integrity, an outpouring of love, and deep respect for the plants we work with."

Geechee Girl Apothecary is located at 2109 W Bay Street, Unit C, Savannah GA 31415.

Photo credit: @CarlDaCreator and @dreamweaverphotos

If you would like to highlight one of your favorite small businesses in Savannah, please send us your recommendations! Email us at EconomicDevelopment@Savannahga.gov with the subject line "Small Business Spotlight."

Geechee Girl Apothecary business owner, Marrisa Rawls, preparing a tea beverage.

Large selection of high quality herbs, spices and teas that can be sold as-is or in a custom blend.

One of the many unique tea blends available at Geechee Girl Apothecary.

October Business Class Schedule

Are you interested in starting or growing your business? Or perhaps you're interested in homeownership and taking control of your financial future?

We've got you covered at the Savannah Entrepreneurial Center! Take a look at our class calendar below and join us for any of our FREE educational offerings.

Visit our online class calendar to learn more about each class!

The Savannah Entrepreneurial Center is located at 801 E. Gwinnett Street.

October Business Education Class Schedule First Page

October Business Education Class Schedule Second Page

Contact us

If you're an entrepreneur and need assistance with elements of your business, including financial management, business planning or pricing structures -- look no further!

The Savannah Entrepreneurial Center offers FREE technical assistance for entrepreneurs. If you're struggling to figure out a problem related to ownership or operation of your business, don't hesitate to reach out to us. We are available to help you!

Phone - 912-652-3582
Email - EconomicDevelopment@Savannahga.gov
Walk-in appointment - 801 E. Gwinnett Street, Savannah GA 31401