VALDOSTA — In commemoration of National Entrepreneurship Week, the Southern Georgia Black Chambers took center stage in fostering the spirit of enterprise within the local community. The week-long activities included entrepreneurial summits held at Valdosta High School and Valdosta State University.

SGBC played a pivotal role at Valdosta High School, conducting enriching sessions that brought together business leaders, community advocates, and 60 aspiring young scholars, the chamber said in a press release. The dialogues aimed to provide students with insights into the world of entrepreneurship, offering practical advice, and sharing personal stories of success.

“Our goal here was to inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs, especially among students who might not have had exposure to such opportunities. That’s very important to our organization,” remarked H. DeWayne Johnson, president/CEO of the Southern Georgia Black Chambers.

The panels covered diverse topics, from the basics of starting a business to navigating challenges unique to minority entrepreneurs. Students actively participated, posing several questions that showcased their curiosity and enthusiasm for the entrepreneurial journey.

The event provided an opportunity for one young entrepreneur, whose business is already flourishing, to share her words of wisdom to her peers. Valdosta High School senior and owner of KB Skin, Kayla Calloway, added, “It does not matter how old you are or where you come from, you can be whatever you want to be. You also just have to be yourself.”

Building on the momentum, SGBC collaborated with Valdosta State University’s Office of Career Opportunities and Volunteer Services to extend the reach of entrepreneurship inspiration and insight. A similar panel discussion was conducted to bridge the gap between academia and practical business knowledge. Experts from various industries shared their experiences and insights with a summit attended by 23 college students, providing a holistic view of the entrepreneurial landscape.

“The biggest takeaway I got from the Blazer Pitch was the power of networking and the constant and continual growth that comes with being an entrepreneur. Putting yourself out there, not being afraid to ask for help and to take advantage of the resources available,” reflected VSU student Adrice Graves.

One quote that echoed and hit home for VSU student Trent Newkirk was, “Don’t just do something to do it, but do it and be the best at it.”

The impact of these activities extended beyond the immediate participants, the SGBC said. Leaders within the education community expressed their appreciation for the initiative, recognizing its role in nurturing the next generation of entrepreneurs and contributing to the economic vibrancy of the community.

Dr. Johnnie Marshall, principal of Valdosta High School, noted, “The SGBC Entrepreneur Panel was an informative and inspirational experience for our VHS scholars. During the interactive sessions, the panelists shared their authentic experiences, provided invaluable lessons, and served as an example of hope and empowerment, showcasing that entrepreneurial dreams can become realities with perseverance, determination, and self-belief. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to leverage our community in learning experiences that inspire our youth to pursue their goals and passions.”

For more information about how to join and support businesses connected with the Southern Georgia Black Chambers, go to www.sgablackchambers.org.