The City of Savannah has announced the selection of 14 local entrepreneurs for the second cohort of Launch Savannah, a business accelerator program. The initiative is run by the Economic Development Department in partnership with Start Up Savannah and the Small Business Assistance Corporation.
Launch Savannah is a 12-week, in-person program aimed at increasing business knowledge and providing advanced education to participants. It was created following a recommendation from the City’s Racial Equity and Leadership (REAL) Task Force to support local, small, and minority businesses. Last year, the first cohort saw 15 graduates complete the program.
Applications for this year’s cohort opened during the Mayor’s Small Business Conference in May. The city received more than 95 applications. As part of the process, applicants were required to submit a pitch video outlining their business or concept for review.
The selected members of this year’s cohort are Maebelle Alolong (The Narra Tree/Silk Route Restaurant and Lounge), Rhonda Ancrum (First Class Seating Transport Services, LLC.), Mikal-Anthony Banks (EcoXchange), Kathryn Belle (Bell’s Boutique Hotel), Carolyn Guilford (Health Restoration Consulting), Glorius Mason (Elementary Educational Supplies), Deborah McIncrow (PillowSak), Quinlin Moore (Moore Learning Center), Larry Morris (Big Larry’s Art), Jomo Simmons (Qi Tree Of Life Holistic Health Services), Ninoska Smith (Ninoska’s Favorites), Stavros Tasaklas (Everplate, LLC), Calvin Wallace (Wallace Landscaping, LLC) and Zelonia Williams (Patches Custom Embroidery Works).
