Hungry Club Forum to tackle barriers facing Savannah’s black-owned businesses

by Shakuria Smith

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - As Savannah continues to grow, community leaders are inviting residents to join an important conversation about ensuring that growth creates opportunities for everyone.

The Hungry Club Forum of Savannah will host its monthly “Issues and Solutions Forum” on Saturday, Aug. 1, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the May Street YMCA, 1110 May St.

The event is free and open to the public.

This month’s discussion, “Beyond the Overlay: How Policies, Permits, and Economic Barriers Affect Savannah’s Black-Owned Businesses,” will examine how zoning regulations, permitting processes, access to capital, government policies and other economic challenges affect Black entrepreneurs throughout Savannah. Organizers say the conversation will also focus on practical solutions that can help strengthen minority-owned businesses and create more equitable economic opportunities.

Featured panelists include:

Alderwoman Alicia Miller Blakely
Alderwoman Bernetta Lanier
Small business owner Roshida Edwards

The panel will discuss current city policies, community concerns and opportunities for collaboration between elected officials, business owners and residents to help build a stronger local economy.

“The Hungry Club Forum has always been committed to creating meaningful conversations that lead to action,” said Dr. Robert G. Bryant, president of The Hungry Club Forum of Savannah. “This conversation is about ensuring that Black-owned businesses have equitable access to opportunity and that public policy supports entrepreneurship, neighborhood investment, and long-term economic prosperity for all of Savannah.”

For nearly 20 years, the Hungry Club Forum has brought together residents, elected officials, educators, clergy, business leaders and advocates to discuss issues affecting the Savannah community through its monthly Issues and Solutions Forums.