Office of Small Business Affairs to Host First International Summit

Tuesday, February 22nd, 2022

The Office of Small Business Affairs (OSBA) is working to celebrate and encourage our international small businesses. by hosting the first-ever International Summit on Saturday, March 23 beginning at 8:00 a.m. at the Macon City Auditorium.

Registration is free, but everyone must register by the deadline, March 10, 2022. Registration includes a sponsored breakfast and lunch. You can register by clicking here. There are spots available for attendees, speakers, vendors, and sponsors.
 
“Macon should be celebrated for its diversity! We have business owners from all over the world here in our city,” says OSBA Director Charise Stephens. “We want to show our small businesses they can have clients locally and globally, and let new businesses know that we are welcoming to people from all around the world.”
 
The day will feature remarks from Mayor Lester Miller, Community Affairs Executive Director Dr. Henry Ficklin, Industrial Authority Executive Director Stephen Adams, and Georgia International Trade Deputy Commissioner Mary Waters. Panel discussions will begin at 9:00 a.m. and include topics such as resources for local businesses, examples of small businesses and how they can do business internationally, survey distribution, and networking. Macon-Bibb’s Procurement Department will also be there to help attendees learn about how to apply for government contracts.
 
“When people leave the summit, we want them to have a better understanding of what’s available to them, and how they can connect better to other businesses around the world and here in our community,” says Stephens.
 
Partners for the summit include Macon-Bibb County Industrial Authority, The Greater Macon Chamber of Commerce, Middle Georgia Regional Library, International Trade Division of the Georgia Department of Economic Development, and the UGA Small Business Development Center.