SparkMacon

It’s Innovation Wednesday!

Join us this morning at 8:30 AM for the Central Georgia Coalition of Black Businesses weekly zoom call featuring Lewis Williams as he discusses the power of storytelling and building a brand people trust.

Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88212103160

Then join us tonight at 6:00 PM for Entrepreneur’s Night at The Macon Melody. Come connect with fellow entrepreneurs and learn about the business behind one of Macon’s local newspapers.

Event: https://www.facebook.com/share/1E4mn5U4HD/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Two opportunities to learn, connect, and grow!

A huge thank you to everyone who joined us for last week’s Small Business Readiness session," Food Businesses 101: What the Health Department Requires".

We are especially grateful to County Manager of Environmental Health, Shondreka Webster-Reese of the Macon-Bibb County Health Department for sharing her expertise and answering entrepreneurs’ questions about permits, inspections, requirements, and the process of legally launching a food-based business. Sessions like these are exactly why Innovation Wednesday exists, to connect entrepreneurs directly with the people, resources, and organizations that can help them move forward.

This week, we’re excited to continue the conversation at Entrepreneur’s Night at The Macon Melody. Join us as we explore the entrepreneurial side of local media. How do you launch a newspaper in 2024? How do you build an audience, create sustainable revenue, tell meaningful stories, and serve your community at the same time?

We’ll talk about the business behind the headlines, the role local media plays in supporting small businesses, and how entrepreneurs can use media to better share their own stories!

Event Link: https://www.facebook.com/share/1Cvg5ZWa8d/

Have a business idea you’ve been dreaming about? The Habersham Downtown Dreams Initiative is a great opportunity to gain the training, mentorship, and support needed to turn that dream into a reality.

Applications are open through June 21. And when it’s time to pitch, SparkMacon would love to help you prepare! We’ve had the privilege of coaching multiple entrepreneurs to winning pitch presentations, and we’d be happy to help you, refine your presentation, and bring home the win!

It’s Innovation Wednesday!

Join the Central Georgia Coalition of Black Businesses Weekly Economic Roundtable this morning at 8:30 AM featuring Sillia Savage of Fifth Third Bank as she discusses financial empowerment and business growth.

Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88212103160

Then join us tonight at 6:00 PM for Food Businesses 101: What the Health Department Requires with Shondreka Webster-Reese, MPH of the Macon-Bibb County Health Department.

Thinking about starting a food truck, catering business, bakery, or restaurant? This session is for you.

478 Incubator at Macon Mall
(Enter near the food court)

Event Link: https://www.facebook.com/share/18jcq5jpiF/

Start Here. Grow Everywhere.

Thinking about starting a food business, food truck, catering company, bakery, meal prep service, or restaurant?

Before you invest time and money into your idea, join us tomorrow for Food Businesses 101: What the Health Department Requires with Shondreka Webster-Reese of the Macon-Bibb Health Department.

This is an opportunity to learn directly from the Health Department, ask questions, and better understand what it takes to legally launch and operate a food business in Macon-Bibb.

Join us at 6:00 PM at the 478 Incubator at Macon Mall. Please enter through the mall entrance near the food court.

Event Link:
https://www.facebook.com/share/18jcq5jpiF/

If a food business is in your future, this is a session you don’t want to miss.

It’s Innovation Wednesday!

Start your morning with the Central Georgia Coalition of Black Businesses Weekly Economic Roundtable featuring Lauren Marshall of NewTown Macon. She’ll be sharing information about the Downtown Dream Initiative (DDI), an eight-week entrepreneurial development program that provides training, mentorship, networking opportunities, and the chance to compete for one of three $2,500 business investment awards.

8:30 AM via Zoom
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88212103160

Then join us this evening for So, You Want to Start a Small Business? presented by SCORE Mentors.

6:00 PM at the Booker T Washington Community Center, 401 Monroe Street, Macon, GA 31201.

Event Link:
https://facebook.com/events/s/so-you-want-to-start-a-small-b/3390452394460285/

Every Wednesday, SparkMacon connects entrepreneurs with the people, programs, and resources that help businesses start, grow, and thrive. We hope to see you today!

A huge thank you to Kelsey Mahone of MidSouth Community Federal Credit Union and everyone who joined us for last week’s Financial Literacy session, “What Your Credit Report Isn’t Telling You.”

Kelsey did an outstanding job sharing practical resources and helping attendees better understand their credit, financial readiness, and the role both play in future entrepreneurial success. Starting a business is a major decision, and taking the time to understand your financial foundation can make all the difference.

Innovation Wednesday continues this week with “So, You Want to Start a Business? “, facilitated by SCORE Mentors. If you’re considering entrepreneurship or looking for guidance on your next steps, this is a great opportunity to connect with experienced business mentors and learn more about the startup journey.

Event link: https://facebook.com/events/s/so-you-want-to-start-a-small-b/3390452394460285/

We look forward to seeing you Wednesday at the Booker T Washington Community Center!

Looking for something to do this weekend? Be sure to support two of our creative community partners and the incredible work they are doing in Macon.

Casie Trace owner of Artspace Macon’s art showcase, “What We Grow Through”, opens Friday evening at The Rose Room Macon. This collection explores womanhood, growth, and the experiences that shape us, with an artist talk beginning at 5:30 PM.

You can also visit Macon Markets at Startup Studios on Saturday and Sunday, where you’ll find talented makers, artists, and small businesses from across our community. It’s a great opportunity to shop local, meet creatives, and support entrepreneurship in action.

We love seeing our local artists, makers, and entrepreneurs creating opportunities to share their work with the community. If you’re out this weekend, consider stopping by and showing your support!

It’s Innovation Wednesday!

Start your morning at 8:30 AM with the Central Georgia Coalition of Black Businesses Weekly Economic Roundtable featuring Chelsea McClain, President & CEO of Shaome Cooperative.

Join Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88212103160

Then join us at 6:00 PM at the Booker T Washington Community for “What Your Credit Report Isn’t Telling You” with Kelsey Mahone of MidSouth Community Federal Credit Union.

Whether you’re starting a business, seeking funding, or planning for growth, understanding your credit matters.

Every Wednesday, SparkMacon connects entrepreneurs with the people, resources, and information they need to move forward. We look forward to seeing you today!

Innovation Wednesday is back for another month of entrepreneurial education, networking, and community connection!

Whether you're exploring a business idea, preparing to launch, or growing an existing business, there is something for you this June.

June 3
What Your Credit Report Isn't Telling You
Facilitated by Kelsey Mahone, MidSouth Community Federal Credit Union
https://www.facebook.com/share/1GzBbs4Bc6/

June 10
So You Want to Start a Business?
Facilitated by SCORE Mentors
https://www.facebook.com/share/1BEvWs9bLa/

June 17
Food Businesses 101: What the Health Department Requires
Facilitated by Shondreka Webster-Reese of the Macon-Bibb County Health Department
https://www.facebook.com/share/18jcq5jpiF/

June 24
Entrepreneur's Night at The Macon Melody
Learn how local media can help entrepreneurs tell their stories and connect with the community.
https://www.facebook.com/share/1CskQzepsK/

At SparkMacon, we are committed to making entrepreneurship more accessible by connecting entrepreneurs directly with the people, organizations, and resources that can help them move forward.

Summer is here. Invest in yourself, build your network, and take the next step in your entrepreneurial journey with SparkMacon!