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Southern Georgia Black Chamber reports outcomes from CDBG-funded Small Business Academy
Summary
Dwayne Johnson of the Southern Georgia Black Chamber reported that a $7,500 CDBG award supported an intensive Small Business Academy; staff and partners led 33 hours of instruction across 11 weeks, averaged 37 owners per session, and graduated 25 entrepreneurs who met an 80% attendance threshold and built SAM.gov profiles.
Dwayne Johnson, president and CEO of the Southern Georgia Black Chamber, delivered a report during citizens to be heard on the organization’s CDBG-funded 2026 Small Business Academy. Johnson said the $7,500 award supported an intensive technical residency in partnership with Valdosta State University's Langdale College of Business and corporate partners such as Georgia Power and ACE South Georgia, resulting in direct technical assistance, access-to-capital training, and practical outcomes like SAM.gov registrations.
Johnson described program metrics: "Across 11 weeks and 33 total hours... we averaged 37 business owners per session. 25 dedicated entrepreneurs achieved our strict 80% attendance threshold and graduated with their seal of execution credentials." He asked graduates to stand for recognition and thanked council for the CDBG support; the mayor and council congratulated the participants.
