One Georgia logo and banner

One Georgia™ Launches Statewide Conversation on the Future of Micro-Enterprises

by Chambers of CommerceEntrepreneurship Service ProvidersMicro-EnterprisesSmall BusinessSolopreneur

The Gwinnett County Black Chamber of Commerce (GCBCC) successfully launched the inaugural One Georgia: Chambers and Micro-Enterprises Collaborating statewide virtual convening on Thursday, May 28, 2026. The session brought together entrepreneurs, chambers of commerce, ecosystem organizations, consultants, nonprofit leaders, economic development professionals, and business support organizations from across Georgia.

Presented by the Georgia Micro Enterprise Network (GMEN) in collaboration with the Gwinnett County Black Chamber of Commerce, the 90-minute virtual session attracted 62 participants representing more than 23 organizations throughout the state. Participants engaged in meaningful discussions surrounding entrepreneurship, chamber collaboration, access to capital, business visibility, technology adoption, community partnerships, and the future of Georgia’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

The convening was created to foster stronger connections between chambers of commerce, entrepreneurs, and the organizations that support small business growth. Throughout the session, attendees shared ideas, resources, challenges, opportunities, and recommendations for strengthening support systems for Georgia’s micro-enterprises and very small businesses.

Several key themes emerged from the conversation. These themes included the need for greater collaboration among ecosystem organizations, stronger capital readiness education, increased business visibility, technology and AI preparedness, and strategic partnerships. Creating innovative approaches to supporting entrepreneurs throughout urban, suburban, rural, and coastal communities emphasized.

Due to the overwhelming response and engagement from participants, One Georgia will continue as an ongoing statewide initiative designed to facilitate collaboration, education, relationship-building, and ecosystem development across Georgia. The next statewide convening is scheduled virtually for Thursday, June 25, 2026, 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. and will focus on:

Why Businesses Get Denied Funding — And How to Get Approved

The Gwinnett County Black Chamber of Commerce invites chambers, entrepreneurs, ecosystem organizations, lenders, consultants, and community stakeholders throughout Georgia to participate in future One Georgia conversations as we work together to strengthen the state’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Funding Opportunities for Entrepreneurs Right Now – Local, State and Federal Grants and Loans

There are many funding opportunities available right now. Just make sure you’re ready to submit an application and get approved.

Download Resources from Inaugural Session on May 28, 2026

To review the outcomes of the inaugural convening, download the following resources:

• One Georgia Inaugural Convening Report
• One Georgia Chat & Networking Connections Report

Together, we build collaboration, revenue, and community.

Questions: Contact Renee at 404.590.4716.

black business owners

Gwinnett County Black Chamber of Commerce (GCBCC) Monthly Meeting

by Gwinnett County Black Chamber of CommerceNetworkingSmall Business

The Gwinnett County Black Chamber of Commerce (GCBCC) Monthly Meeting is every third Wednesday in-person. The meeting is a gathering designed to empower and connect Black entrepreneurs, small business owners, and professionals in Gwinnett County and beyond.

This event is open to the public, offering valuable networking opportunities, business insights, and access to key resources to help you grow and sustain your business.

Who Should Attend?

  • Business owners and entrepreneurs
  • Professionals and executives
  • Nonprofit leaders
  • Aspiring entrepreneurs
  • Community leaders and advocates

Admission: Free

Connect, collaborate, and be inspired at GCBCC’s Monthly Meeting. Don’t miss this opportunity to engage with like-minded professionals and gain insights to elevate your business!

🎟 Reserve your spot today! https://events.humanitix.com/gwinnett-county-black-chamber-of-commerce-gcbcc-monthly-meeting

We look forward to seeing you there!

Georgia Power small business energy savings program image

Small Business Energy Savings Program

by Black BusinessSmall Business

Energy Efficiency Made Simple for Your Business

The Small Business Energy Savings (SBES) program helps eligible small businesses lower energy use by installing high-efficiency equipment. From your initial equipment assessment to contractor coordination and installing high-performance equipment, our program team handles the details so you can focus on running your business.

The program covers up to $50,000 per building per year of eligible project costs, making energy upgrades simple and affordable. From LED lighting and smart thermostats to HVAC maintenance, we help your business run as usual—while using less energy.

Check your eligibility – https://georgiapowersmallbiz.com/.

A Taste of Black Gwinnett Flyer

A Taste of Black Gwinnett: Small Business Month Edition – May 20, 2026

by A Taste of Black GwinnettBlack BusinessBlack CommunityBuy BlackSmall Business

Celebrate Small Business Month with the Gwinnett County Black Chamber of Commerce (GCBCC) at one of the most dynamic, high-energy community experiences in Gwinnett! Happening Wednesday, May 20, 2026 from 6-9 p.m., A Taste of Black Gwinnett: Small Business Edition is more than an event — it’s a movement of culture, connection, and economic power.

This special Small Business Month edition is designed to spotlight and support Black-owned businesses, youth entrepreneurs, creatives, and food vendors while bringing the community together for an unforgettable experience.

REGISTER NOW! https://a-taste-of-black-gwinnett-small-business.eventbrite.com

WHY YOU NEED TO BE HERE

This isn’t just another pop-up. This is about:
✔ Circulating dollars in our community
✔ Supporting Black entrepreneurship
✔ Building relationships that lead to real opportunities
✔ Celebrating US — our culture, our excellence, our power

COMMUNITY ADMISSION

Bring your family, your friends, your appetite, and your energy.
General Admission – $5 | Youth 12 and under – FREE (Two youth max with paid adult)
Appetizers: $5-$10 | Beverages: Lemonade ($5), Tea ($3), Water ($1), Beer ($3) and Wine ($5)

VENDOR SPOTS STILL AVAILABLE!

Let’s celebrate, support, and build together.

a taste of black gwinnett flyer

A Taste of Black Gwinnett – Black History Month 2026

by Black BusinessBuy BlackGwinnett County, GASmall Business

Family, let’s come together on Friday, February 27, 2026, for the Gwinnett County Black Chamber of Commerce (GCBCC) “A Taste of Black Gwinnett: Black History Month Edition.” Get your free ticket and support Black businesses in Gwinnett County! Excellent Black diaspora food plus connect and network with the community. This event is open to the public, and family-friendly from 6-10PM in Norcross, GA.

Admission: $5 per person – Youth 12 and under free. REGISTER HERE – https://events.humanitix.com/a-taste-of-black-gwinnett-black-history-2026. Use discount code “freedom” for $5 off admission.

ENTERTAINMENT

Music, Black culture trivia, a spoken word artist, live music performances, a comedian, Spades tournament, giveaways, coloring books for kids.

BLACK BUSINESS OWNERS — BECOME A VENDOR FOR THE EVENT!

Exhibit your products and/or services as a vendor during A Taste of Black Gwinnett. Vendors receive a table, two chairs, and marketing by Gwinnett County Black Chamber of Commerce and Black Gwinnett Magazine.

SPONSORS

Presented by Gwinnett County Black Chamber of Commerce, Urban Mediamakers, Black Gwinnett Magazine and Camrose Creative Services.

Contact Renee with questions at 404.590.4716.

black business power day

Gwinnett Black Business Power Day 2026

by Black BusinessGwinnett County Black Chamber of CommerceSmall BusinessTrainingYouthpreneur

On Saturday, August 15, 2026, from local to global, we’re building the future of Black businesses with a cultural explosion during our celebration of National Black Business Month. The Gwinnett County Black Chamber of Commerce is proud to present the second annual Gwinnett Black Business Power Day is an intensive summit dedicated to leveling up Black entrepreneurs with high-impact sessions. The Gwinnett Black Business Power Day sessions include:

  • Entrepreneurship training for adults
  • Youthpreneurship sessions for the next generation of business owners
  • One-on-one business coaching
  • Financial literacy and funding advice
  • Partnership opportunities with leaders from the USA, Africa, and Brazil
  • Networking with powerful Black-owned brands, professionals, and leaders

Join us for a transformative experience focused on Black economic power, ownership, and global connection.

When: Saturday, August 15, 2026
Where: Norcross Cultural Arts and Community Center, 10 College Street, Norcross, GA 30071
Admission: $35 | Students $15
Register Today:

a-taste-flyer-4-25x6

A Taste of Black Gwinnett – Black Business Month Edition 2025

by A Taste of Black GwinnettBlack BusinessBlack CommunityBlack DiasporaBlack ExcellenceBuy BlackGwinnett County, GASmall Business

Join the Gwinnett County Black Chamber of Commerce (GCBCC) for “A Taste of Black Gwinnett – celebrating National Black Business Month.” Get your ticket and support Black businesses in Gwinnett County! Excellent Black diaspora food plus connect and network with the community in Gwinnett County. This event is open to the public. Family-friendly. Live music, spoken word, culture trivia for prizes, Urban Mediamakers Film Festival ticket giveaways. Activities for youth, as well as giveaways! This event is open to the public. Activities for youth, as well as giveaways!

BEST-OF-THE-BEST GWINNETT BLACK BUSINESSES

Come out and meet the Black business owners of the GCBCC “Best-of-the-Best 2025-26” Inductees. We are so proud of our awardees!

GCBCC BACK-TO-SCHOOL SUPPLIES GIVEAWAY

Calling all students! Join us at A Taste of Black Gwinnett on Friday, August 15, 2025, in Norcross for our free back-to-school supplies giveaway — while supplies last. Youth must be accompanied by a registered adult attendee to receive supplies.

Admission: $5 per person – Youth 12 and under free. REGISTER HERE – https://events.humanitix.com/a-taste-of-black-gwinnett-august-edition-2025.

ENTERTAINMENT

Music, Black culture trivia, a spoken word artist, live music performances, a comedian, Spades tournament, giveaways, coloring books for kids.

VENDORS WANTED!

Exhibit your products and/or services as a vendor during A Taste of Black Gwinnett. Vendors receive a table, two chairs, and marketing by Gwinnett County Black Chamber of Commerce and Black Gwinnett Magazine.

SPONSORS

Presented by Gwinnett County Black Chamber of Commerce, Urban Mediamakers, Black Gwinnett Magazine and Camrose Creative Services.

Contact Renee with questions at 404.590.4716.

black-business-titans

Calling the Black Business Titans to Come Bless Us for Gwinnett Black Business Power Weekend

by A Taste of Black GwinnettBlack BusinessBlack CommunityBlack ExcellenceSmall Business

You’ve built brilliance.
You’ve broken barriers.
You’ve shown us what’s possible.

Now we’re inviting you to bring that brilliance to Gwinnett County, Georgia during our Gwinnett Black Business Power Weekend 2025 — August 15–16 in Norcross, GA — as we celebrate Black culture and build legacy wealth together. https://events.humanitix.com/gwinnett-black-business-power-weekend-2025

Let’s unite vision with action — from Atlanta to Africa, the block to the boardroom. Our Black businesses need your voice. Our youth need your example. Our future needs your leadership.

Will you stand with us?

— The Black Entrepreneurs and Families of Gwinnett County
Presented by the Gwinnett County Black Chamber of Commerce
📅 August 15–16, 2025 | #BlackBusinessPower2025 https://events.humanitix.com/gwinnett-black-business-power-weekend-2025

ai

Social Media Marketing and Using AI To Your Business Advantage to Thrive!

by MarketingSmall BusinessTraining

An online training series for entrepreneurs.

Social media marketing is an essential element in having a thriving business! Having a monthly marketing calendar will increase revenue and grow the customer base. Today it doesn’t take days and weeks to create a social media marketing strategy. With the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in your tools of marketing, AI offers powerful tools that can revolutionize your marketing efforts. In this training session, we will explore the development of social marketing marketing campaigns for your brand using AI. You will leave the session with something valuable for your brand – a social media marketing calendar.

This training series is presented by the Gwinnett County Black Chamber of Commerce (GCBCC).

Virtual Training Dates

Register at https://social-marketing-ai-training.eventbrite.com.

Sunday, January 5, 2025 – 1:00 p.m.
Sunday, February 2, 2025 – 1:00 p.m.
Sunday, March 2, 2025 – 1:00 p.m.
Sunday, April 6, 2025 – 1:00 p.m.
Sunday, May 4, 2025 – 1:00 p.m.
Sunday, June 1, 2025 – 1:00 p.m.
Sunday, July 6, 2025 – 1:00 p.m.
Sunday, August 3, 2025 – 1:00 p.m.
Sunday, September 7, 2025 – 1:00 p.m.
Sunday, October 5, 2025 – 1:00 p.m.
Sunday, November 2, 2025 – 1:00 p.m.
Sunday, December 7, 2025 – 1:00 p.m.


best of the best

GCBCC Launches “Best of the Best” Gwinnett Black-Owned Businesses Awards – Nominations Now Open!

by Best-of-the-Best AwardsBlack BusinessBlack ExcellenceSmall Business

The Gwinnett County Black Chamber of Commerce (GCBCC) is excited to announce the launch of the “Best of the Best” Gwinnett Black-Owned Businesses awards, recognizing the excellence, innovation, and impact of Black-owned businesses throughout the county. Nominations are now open, and the public is encouraged to submit their favorite Black-owned businesses by April 2, 2025.

This annual initiative highlights and celebrates outstanding entrepreneurs, creators, and service providers across various industries who contribute to Gwinnett’s economic growth and community development. From restaurants and retailers to tech innovators and creatives, the “Best of the Best” awards will honor those who go above and beyond in their fields.

“Black-owned businesses are vital to our local economy, and this is an opportunity to showcase their contributions,” said Corliss Royal, a vice president of the Gwinnett County Black Chamber of Commerce. “We encourage the community to support their favorite businesses by nominating them for recognition.”

How to Nominate:

Finalists will be determined based on community nominations, and a public voting period will follow to decide the Best of the Best winners.

Winners to Be Announced at the Gwinnett Black Business Awards!

Winners of the “Best of the Best” Gwinnett Black-Owned Businesses awards will be revealed during the Gwinnett Black Business Awards on Friday, April 18, 2025, as part of “A Taste of Black Gwinnett” in Norcross, Georgia. This highly anticipated event will bring together business leaders, entrepreneurs, and community members to celebrate Black excellence in business while enjoying some of the best Black-owned cuisine in the area.

For more information about the “Best of the Best” Gwinnett Black-Owned Businesses awards visit https://events.humanitix.com/first-monday-business-strategy-vision. Follow #BestOfGwinnettBlackBiz on social media.

About the Gwinnett County Black Chamber of Commerce

The Gwinnett County Black Chamber of Commerce (GCBCC) is dedicated to empowering Black entrepreneurs and business owners by providing resources, advocacy, and networking opportunities. Through initiatives like the “Best of the Best” awards, GCBCC continues to build a thriving Black-business ecosystem in Gwinnett County, Georgia.