Monthly Newsletter - January 2026

IN THIS ISSUE
SEC Open House | ACTion Grant Partnerships | Small Business Spotlight | Savannah Entrepreneurial Center January Class Schedule

SAVANNAH ENTREPRENEURIAL CENTER - oPEN HOUSE

On January 13th, the Savannah Entrepreneurial Center will be hosting its annual Open House!

The Open House will bring together key community partners who support small business growth in Savannah. Local entrepreneurs are invited to network with these business partners and explore opportunities for innovation, collaboration and investment.

Last year's partners included Small Business Assistance Corporation, Loman Creative Services, WorkSource Coastal -- and many others.

The City of Savannah's Economic Development team will be available to answer questions regarding entrepreneurship, MWBE certification and the registration process to become a City vendor.

This year's Open House will be held on Tuesday, January 13th from 4PM-6PM at the Savannah Entrepreneurial Center located at 801 E. Gwinnett Street. This is a free event and ALL are welcome to attend!

ACTion grant partnershipS

The ACTion Grant, now in Year 3, is continuing its positive impact in Savannah's Westside communities. In 2026, the ACTion Implementation Team will be kicking off a variety of classes focused on healthy cooking and gardening.

On Saturday, January 10th, ACTion is partnering with the Quincy and Rose Pullin Foundation to bring you a Healthy Holiday Cooking Class! Attendees will experience hands-on cooking demonstrations while also tasting some of the delicious food being prepared. They can also take home recipe cards and best practices to continue healthy eating and cooking in their daily routines. The class will be held at the Moses Jackson Advancement Center on January 10th from 11:30AM - 1:30PM. The class is FREE to attend and interested attendees can scan the QR code on the flyer below to reserve a spot.

The ACTion Implementation Team has developed an exciting partnership with GROW Initiative. GROW Initative is a community-focused organization dedicated to growing resilient communities through education, health and nutrition initiatives and meaningful community engagement. Beginning in February, GROW Initiative will be hosting culturally relevant and inclusive health and nutrition classes in Savannah's Westside communities. Classes will be free to attend and all ages and abilities are welcome!

Dates and locations to be announced soon -- keep an eye out for an update in our next newsletter and on the City of Savannah's website and social media outlets!

The Entrepreneur's academy

Is your New Year's resolution to start that business you've been dreaming of?

Well, good news -- we're here to help!

On Thursday, January 8th, the Savannah Entrepreneurial Center will be kicking off The Entrepreneur's Academy, a 10-part class series designed for individuals who have recently started or are preparing to start a small business.

Each session focuses on a key area of business practice, covering topics such as the fundamentals of entrepreneurship, financial reporting, and creating a comprehensive business plan. Participants will gain the knowledge and tools needed to successfully launch and manage their business. While attending all 10 sessions is recommended for maximum benefit, the course is flexible and allows participants to join or drop in at any point. Classes are from 6:30PM to 8:30PM and are held in-person, as well as online.

Here is the full schedule for The Entrepreneur's Academy - Winter 2026 edition:

Class 1: Essential Steps to Launch Your Business - Jan. 8th
Class 2: Business Legal Structures - Jan. 15th
Class 3: Understanding Capital Needs - Jan. 22nd
Class 4: Cost Analysis & Pricing - Jan. 29th
Class 5: Understanding Financial Statements, Analysis & Projections - Feb. 5th
Class 6: Accounting Principles for the Entrepreneur - Feb. 12th
Class 7: Business Operations - Feb. 19th
Class 8: Taxes: Business and Personal - Feb. 26th
Class 9: Marketing, Advertising & Promotion - Mar. 5th
Class 10: How to Write a Business Plan - Mar. 12th

SMALL BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

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

January Spotlight: Savannah on Wheels

Are you looking for a new way to explore Savannah or interested in picking up a new hobby? Either way, Savannah on Wheels has a solution for you!

Savannah on Wheels is more than just a bicycle shop -- it is a local, small business that offers historical bike tours around the city, bike rentals for a day (or more) and even packages for bachelorette or corporate groups.

There are a variety of bikes to choose from whether you're looking to rent or buy. The shop stocks both new and used bikes as well as e-bikes, tandem bikes and tricycles. If you've already got a well-loved bike but it needs a little extra TLC, you can bring it in for tune ups, brake or gear adjustments or tire replacements.

Savannah on Wheels also gives back to the community through their "Pedal with Purpose" initiative. Every third Sunday of the month at 5:30PM, you can join their 5-7 mile community bike ride. The ride starts at the bike shop and ends at a rotating local restaurant. Riders can purchase food and drink and a portion of the proceeds go to support the featured non-profit for that month. It's free to join the ride, all you need to do is register at the link provided here - https://www.savannahonwheels.com/pedal-with-purpose

Owners, Mike and Melissa Austin, aim to provide their customers with a memorable experience beyond just the typical bike tour. Stop in to their shop next time you're in the neighborhood!

Savannah on Wheels is located at 405 W Hall Street, Savannah GA 31401 and is open every day.

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."

Historic Savannah bike tour group

Photo of the inside of the Savannah on Wheels bike shop

Inside the Savannah on Wheels bike shop

January 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 and register for any of our online classes.

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