Rising costs, generating revenue as top concerns for Savannah small businesses

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - The Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce’s survey findings found that the majority of members who responded said rising costs and generating revenue are their top concerns.

Bert Brantley, President & CEO of the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce, wrote in part that it stemmed from a sustained period of high inflation.

“This tightens margins, creates ongoing concerns around cash flow and fuels uncertainty for both owners and customers,” he said.

The first-ever small business survey was released after Savannah Small Business Week to provide new insight into the needs, challenges, and priorities of local companies.

“The survey was launched as part of a weeklong series of events designed to raise awareness of the impact small businesses have on Savannah’s workforce, economy, and overall quality of life,” they wrote.

The majority of Chamber members who responded to the survey have been in business for more than 15 years and employ fewer than 10 people.

“Small businesses make up more than 85% of our membership, so it is critical that we shine a light on the meaningful role they play in both employment and economic growth,” said Bert Brantley, President & CEO of the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce.

The full study can be found HERE.

The survey also pointed to opportunities for the Chamber to help small businesses better leverage technology.

“Many owners recognize that tools such as artificial intelligence can help streamline operations, improve efficiency and support growth, but they also reported a need for more resources, training and guidance on how to apply those innovations in practical ways,” they wrote.

The survey was championed by the Chamber’s Chair of Small Business Programs, Connor Buchanan, a Financial Planner and Retirement Plan Advisor with Jacobs Coolidge & Company.

“The best way for us to know if our programs are beneficial to our members is to ask them,” Buchanan said. “We hope this survey becomes an annual tradition that we can benchmark against to see how we are doing with our programming and how our small business community navigates regional and national economic trends.”

“We are so appreciative that our members took the time to provide us feedback, and we will turn these results into action as we plan for the rest of this year and into 2027,” said Tina Mock, the Chamber’s Vice President of Member Services.