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Monthly Newsletter - November 2025

IN THIS ISSUE
Marketing Unleashed | Important Update - Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program | Small Business Spotlight | Savannah Entrepreneurial Center November Class Schedule
Instructor leading class for Marketing Unleashed

Marketing unleashed 

Classes have wrapped up for Marketing Unleashed! 

This series, taught in partnership with Start Up Savannah, aims to educate Savannah business owners and communication specialists on marketing fundamentals to grow their business engagement and customer base. 

The 15 participants for this engaging, in-person class series were selected via an application process last month. Businesses represented in this cohort reflect our vibrant business community here in Savannah -- including start ups, established businesses, and everything in between.

Participants learned how to identify their target audiences, develop marketing plans, build social media strategies and much more!
important information

Important Update - Disadvantaged business enterprise (DBE) prograM

Considering recent updates, we have received numerous inquires regarding the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program - Interim Final Rule (IFR) posted by the US Secretary of Transportation on September 30, 2025.

The City of Savannah will continue to operate and manage our own Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprise (M/WBE) Certification Program. Businesses that meet established eligibility criteria may qualify for Savannah's certification as an M/WBE firm.

All Savannah-based small local businesses may register as a Local Small Business Enterprise (L/SBE) firm. These small businesses are also encouraged to explore opportunities under the Savannah First Initiative, which focuses on supporting local companies through smaller, non-construction bidding opportunities -- keeping local dollars within our community. 

If your firm currently holds certification with GDOT, please contact us to receive the M/WBE Short Form Application for certification consideration with the City's M/WBE Program.

For additional information or assistance, please contact the Economic Development Department to learn more about available programs and opportunities. 

We want to do business with you!

Contact EconomicDevelopment@Savannahga.gov for assistance.
A Seat At The Table Cafe logo

Small Business Spotlight 

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


November Spotlight: A Seat At The Table Cafe


A Seat At The Table is an all-in-one, full scale Southern soul food cafe, professional catering service and non-profit culinary training program for local youth. 

Founder and Executive Director, Chef Jack Jackson, brings over 27 years of restaurant and entrepreneurial experience to the table. In 2023, Chef Jack established a non-profit organization and an apprenticeship program that provides culinary, business, customer service training skills for at-risk Savannah youth. His experience in ministry and mentorship allows Chef Jack to not only provide practical skills for youth, but a positive alternative as well. 

You can currently find Chef Jack at locations around Savannah serving up food for the community and providing a home-cooked Southern meal for folks on their lunch break. In addition to local pop-ups, A Seat At The Table also provides a variety of catering options.

With the holiday season fast approaching, what better way to support a small business than to bring some catering to your next event! The menu can be found below. 

If you'd like to support A Seat At The Table's mission through donations, please visit aseatatthetablecafe.org.

If you're interested in youth apprenticeship, seeking employment in a restaurant setting or would like to place an order for catering, please contact Chef Jack at aseatatthetable@gmail.com. 

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."
Teens participating in the A Seat At the Table program prepping food
Teens participating in the A Seat At The Table program learning from Chef Jack
Teens participating in the A Seat At The Table program learning kitchen skills
Catering Menu for A Seat At the Table Cafe

November Business Class Schedule

Are you interested in starting or growing your business? 

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. 
November Business Class Schedule Page 1
November Business Class Schedule Page 2

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
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