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On September 4, 2025, hundreds of entrepreneurs and small business leaders gathered at the Emory Conference Center Hotel for the DeKalb County Small Business Summit hosted by CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson. Co-hosted by Decide DeKalb Development Authority and the DeKalb County Chamber of Commerce, the summit centered on the theme “Navigating Small Businesses During Uncertain Economic Times.”
CEO Cochran-Johnson emphasized her administration’s commitment to making DeKalb a hub for innovation and growth. “Small businesses are the backbone of DeKalb’s economy,” she said. “We are committed to ensuring entrepreneurs have the resources and opportunities they need to thrive.”
Throughout the day, sessions explored launching businesses in uncertain times, securing grants and funding, building resilient teams, and navigating the process of doing business with DeKalb County. Highlights included a keynote from James “Jay” Bailey of the Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs, a fireside chat on resilience and partnerships with regional business leaders, and a rapid response presentation by WorkSource DeKalb.
The summit was praised for its organization and impact, offering valuable networking opportunities and practical insights. With the support of sponsors including DeKalb County, Advance Engineering and Construction, Atlanta Black Expo, C.D. Moody Construction Co., JACOBS, Pond, RB Communications, and The Collaborative Firm, the event underscored DeKalb’s commitment to small business development.
CEO Cochran-Johnson affirmed this is just the beginning: “The blueprint for small business success in DeKalb is only getting started.”
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