VALDOSTA — Vendor slots for the South Georgia North Florida Small Business Expo are still available.

The business expo is for small business owners to showcase their products or provide information about their services to the community, said Erica Hill, event organizer.

The expo will be a kick-off event for the National Small Business Week.

New businesses may be reluctant to come out because there is not an immediate return on investment, but it is a great opportunity for businesses to network and interact with potential customers, she said.

“One of the most important aspects when you have a business is to draw customers in,” Hill said. “It’s not about making money, it’s about networking and getting your name out there.”

Hill is encouraging all of her vendors bring fliers, business cards or any sort of informational material to hand out to potential customers and other businesses.

“Someone may take your flier home and visit your business,” she said.

As the name implies, the expo is not for local businesses only.

Hill currently has vendors from Tallahassee, Fla., Thomasville, Lakeland, Madison, Fla., Lake City, Fla., Savannah and Valdosta.

The expo is open to all small businesses and currently has vendors in the painting, bridal, culinary, clothing and fashion, hair and beauty products, jewelry, entertainment and health and wellness sectors.

Hill also encourages “kidpreneurs” to come out and participate in the expo. She currently has one kidpreneur signed up for the expo.

The cost to register as a vendor is $25 for a 501C3 non-profit, $40 for vendors and $100 for food vendors selling food at the event. However, if a food vendor is not selling food, but is giving it out free samples, the price is $40.

There is no charge to attend the expo.

The expo will be 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, April 29. National Small Business Week is April 30 through May 6.

The expo will be held at the Lowndes County Civic Center.

Contact Erica Hill at (22) 630-1190 or ericavhill@gmail.com to register for the expo.

 

Jason Smith is a reporter at The Valdosta Daily Times. He can be contacted at 229-244-3400 ext.1256.