15 Savannah entrepreneurs graduate from Launch Savannah program

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - Fifteen local entrepreneurs celebrated completing the City of Savannah’s 12-week Launch Savannah business accelerator during a ceremony Tuesday.

The program, facilitated by the city’s Economic Development Department, helps small and minority business owners build skills in financial management, marketing and branding, government contracting readiness and pitch development.

Mayor Van R. Johnson II congratulated the graduates, saying the program helps entrepreneurs strengthen their businesses and build relationships. The city said Launch Savannah has supported 45 small and minority businesses in the Savannah area since it was developed in response to recommendations from the 2020 Racial Equity and Leadership Task Force.

Graduates receive a certificate and award from the city, a business services scholarship, a one-year membership with the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Savannah Black Chamber of Commerce, and a laptop donated by Comcast.

The graduates are:

• Valarie Grimes, Radiant Again Thrift Shop
• Dolores Smith, Polly’s Thriftique
• Chef Jack Jackson, A Seat at the Table Café
• TeArra Dunham, House of BeauTe & Suites
• Kendalynn Thomas, The Gathering Room
• Jordan Riles, Joy Enterprises
• Alexis Crawford, On the Go Solutions
• Laureen Monica Boles, E4Progress Planning and Engineering
• Michael Wilson, The Monarch
• Wanda Avant, Avant Learning Consultants
• Gloria Johnson, Broadway Training & Events
• Cynthia Perkins, Cynper Enterprises
• Annissa Roland, Stone Collective Consulting
• Monica Daughtry, MPloy Network
• Alexa Frame, Low Country Grit