"No community wants to have a revolving door of businesses. We want to see them thrive once they've made their investment. The CREATE program offered a lot of tools to help us make that a reality."
Kent Sanford, Greater Gilmer Joint Development Authority
Program Overview
The CREATE (Cultivating Resilient Entrepreneurs and Transforming Economies) program is designed to help community leaders like you implement entrepreneurship and small business growth plans.
Join us at CREATE 2025 to:
- Understand and communicate to stakeholders the importance of a healthy entrepreneurial/small business support system to your local and regional economy. Learn how these types of businesses can support long-term community and economic development goals (e.g., vibrant downtown, talent retention/attraction).
- Engage with resources that help identify the assets and gaps of your community’s entrepreneurial/small business support system, including potential areas for investment.
- Network with statewide partners, resources, and funding sources to support your project implementation or growth.
- Learn best practices related to entrepreneurial/small business support systems in other Georgia communities from leaders doing the work in their region.
- Hear from successful small business owners on what they need from their communities in order to thrive and grow.
Following the program, you will leave with clear next steps on how to start or grow an entrepreneurship ecosystem for your community.
2025 CREATE Program Dates and Events
- Wednesday, August 13, 2025, 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
- Robert F. Hatcher, Sr. Conference Center at Middle Georgia State University, 100 University Pkwy, Macon, GA 31206-5100
Program materials and lunch will be provided. Space is limited so RSVP early to save your seat for the summit.
RSVP today!
Questions?
Questions about CREATE or the application can be submitted to Scott Purvis (mspurvis@southernco.com) and Vanessa Wagner (vmwagner@southernco.com).
