DeKalb County, GA — DeKalb County Commissioner Lorraine Cochran-Johnson, who represents district seven, will hold the second annual DeKalb County Business Owner Summit virtually on Wednesday, Sept. 1, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. for all DeKalb residents.

DeKalb County is home to a variety of entrepreneurs and small business owners who are integral to the economic landscape of its communities and Cochran-Johnson hopes to ensure that they have access to county resources, are set up to succeed in business and can maximize their potential for growth, according to a press release from DeKalb County.

“This year, I’m excited to hold a virtual summit that provides a next-level technology experience equipped with chat rooms, real-time panel discussions, exhibitors and videos,” Cochran-Johnson said in a press release. “Many businesses in DeKalb remain vulnerable as COVID-19 continues and many businesses owners struggle to move forward. To assist them, I have created the most robust one-stop-shop business resource platform in DeKalb. It is my goal to create an environment that allows DeKalb businesses to grow and thrive.”

The conference is free and virtual. It will provide participants with pertinent information on navigating a business through COVID-19, public safety, infrastructure, tax allocation districts, loan products, overlay districts and opportunity and empowerment zones. The event will also provide attendees information on what these programs, tools and incentives offer and how they can impact a growing or expanding business.

“I’m confident business owners will gain a wealth of knowledge at the summit and we’re excited to offer information on small business incentives, including abatements and loan products available throughout the county,” Cochran-Johnson said in a press release. “Simply put, my goal is to ensure our small business owners have the resources they need to progressively move forward in DeKalb.”

Representatives from various DeKalb County departments and community agencies will be in attendance, including Roads and Drainage Director Peggy Allen,  Planning and Sustainability Director Andrew Baker, Purchasing and Contracting Procurement Operations Manager ShaTausa Edwards, Community Development Director Allen Mitchell, Police Department Captain Nicole Rutland and SPLOST Program Management Coordinator Ernest Slaughter.

Additionally, representatives from the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce, Great American Franchise Expo, Decide DeKalb, the U.S. Small Business Administration, My Path Act, Tucker-Northlake CID, AMVETS National Headquarters, Sen. Raphael Warnock’s office, Atlanta Legal Aid Society and Operation HOPE will be in attendance.

Individuals and business owners interested in participating can register here.

Cochran-Johnson represents super district seven which is made up of over 380,000 residents of Doraville, Tucker, Decatur (unincorporated DeKalb), Lithonia and Stonecrest.

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