SBAC honors entrepreneurs and partners at annual holiday luncheon

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - The Small Business Assistance Corporation held its annual holiday awards luncheon Tuesday at the Savannah Golf Club, according to a press release.

The organization reported delivering 79 small business loans totaling $17.7 million in 2025, supporting 214 projects with area lenders and banks. SBAC also secured $8.8 million in new grant funding and awarded 46 business scholarships totaling $98,705.44.

Award recipients

SBAC recognized the following recipients during the luncheon:

• T. McCoy Cornerstone Award: Amber Cook, HR Administrator, Seimitsu
• Lender of the Year: Steven Jensen, VP, Sr. Business Banker, Ameris Bank
• Micro Business of the Year: Mover Dan Savannah
• Michael Bunn, Sr. Memorial Rising Star Award: Big Bon Bodega
• Tony O’Reilly SBAC Advocate of the Year: Carol Brooks, Sr. Vice President, Ameris Bank

The event also commemorated SBAC’s 35th anniversary with a video reflecting on the organization’s history.

Each year, our Annual Holiday Awards Luncheon reminds us why this mission matters.

It’s an opportunity to honor entrepreneurs who strengthen our neighborhoods, recognize the partners who walk alongside us, and celebrate the team whose commitment drives our success.

Victoria Saxton, SBAC president

SBAC is a Community Development Financial Institution certified by the U.S. Department of the Treasury and a Certified Development Company licensed by the U.S. Small Business Administration.

The organization serves businesses in Savannah, Southeast Georgia, and the South Carolina Lowcountry.