The City of Savannah celebrated the graduation of Launch Savannah’s second cohort on Wednesday, Oct. 1. Launch Savannah, a minority business accelerator program facilitated by the City’s Economic Development Department, works in partnership with Startup Savannah and the Small Business Assistance Corporation. 
 
During the 12-week program, participants received educational resources, mentorship, and tools to grow their businesses. Graduates were also received new laptops provided by Comcast and $2,000 vouchers for business support services, including legal and financial advisement. 
 
Graduates of the second Launch Savannah cohort include: 

• Maebelle Alolong, The Narra Tree & Silk Route Restaurant and Lounge 

• Rhonda Ancrum, First Class Seating Transport Service, LLC 

• Mikal-Anthony Banks, EcoXchange 

• Dr. Kathryn S. Belle, Belle’s Boutique Hotel 

• Carolyn Guilford, Health Restoration Consulting 

• Glorious Mason, Be Glorious Learning Center 

• 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 Tsaklas, Stav's Souvlaki 

• Calvin Wallace, Wallace Landscaping, LLC 

• Zelonia Williams, Patches Custom Embroidery Works 

Launch Savannah was created in response to recommendations from the City’s Racial Equity and Leadership (REAL) Task Force. The program aims to support minority entrepreneurs in building sustainable businesses that contribute to Savannah’s economic growth.