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.
