Supplier Diversity Summit Bridges Opportunities for Minority-Owned Businesses in Macon
On October 3, 2024, the Greater Macon Chamber of Commerce (GMCoC) hosted its highly anticipated Supplier Diversity Summit at Middle Georgia State University. The event brought together over 80 business owners, representing a wide range of industries, to foster connections, explore local resources, and discuss how minority-, women-, and veteran-owned businesses can access opportunities with larger corporations such as Atrium Health Navicent and Georgia Power.
The summit provided a platform for small businesses, including sole proprietors and companies with over $1 million in revenue, to network and gain valuable insights into the certification process, securing capital for expansion, and identifying opportunities to become suppliers for major corporations. The event was especially beneficial for businesses in various stages of the certification process, from those seeking their first certification to those who had already attained it and were ready to engage in contract opportunities.
Representatives from major corporations, including Atrium Health Navicent and Georgia Power, participated in the summit, offering advice and sharing information on how smaller businesses could become suppliers. In addition, several organizations supporting entrepreneurship and minority businesses were present, including the Georgia Minority Supplier Development Council (GMSDC), the UGA Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Multicultural Business Division, and NewTown Macon. Local government support was also strong, with representatives from the Macon-Bibb County Office of Small Business Affairs and other local chambers such as the Macon-Middle Georgia Black Pages and the Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce in attendance.
The keynote speaker for the event was Verónica Maldonado-Torres, the president of the Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Her powerful speech focused on the importance of business inclusion and the significant economic impact Hispanic and Latino-owned businesses have in Georgia. Following the keynote, an important partnership was announced between the Greater Macon Chamber of Commerce and the Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. The two organizations signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU), creating a formal alliance that will enhance business development efforts, programming, and membership benefits for businesses within both Chambers.
“This is some of the most important work we do as a Chamber,” said Jessica Walden, President of the Greater Macon Chamber of Commerce. “The connections we made today are filling business pipelines, building partnerships, and emphasizing the importance of a diverse and inclusive economy that strengthens our economic vitality.”
In addition to networking opportunities, the Summit featured a local resource panel and breakout sessions designed to cater to businesses at every stage of growth. New entrepreneurs and businesses still in the pre-certification process were able to receive tailored advice, while certified businesses had the chance to engage in more direct conversations with industry leaders from Southern Company and Atrium Health Navicent.
This event marked the second Supplier Diversity Summit hosted by the Greater Macon Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber has made Supplier Diversity a core part of its workforce initiatives, focusing on talent attraction and retention while advancing local workforce development opportunities. As part of its strategic goals, the Chamber regularly hosts programming that connects businesses with its growing network of nearly 800 investors, all committed to making Macon a premier destination for business.
