Learn How to Grow Your Business in Germantown

The City’s Economic Development Commission will host its inaugural Germantown Business Owner’s Summit on October 29 from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at The Great Hall & Conference Center, 1900 S. Germantown Road. This special event is designed to empower both existing and prospective business owners by offering a clear guide to doing business in the city.

Attendees will hear directly from city department leaders and successful local business owners, providing insights into how to best collaborate with the City of Germantown. The summit aims to foster growth by simplifying the process of establishing and operating a business in Germantown, while highlighting key resources and support systems available.

The summit will feature three informative panel discussions covering important topics related to planning, engineering, beautification, code compliance, and design review. Representatives from these city departments will offer practical advice and answers to common questions. Local business owners, including Kenneth Schweighofer of Congregation Coffee, Melissa Kimbrough of Southern Avenue Company and Marjorie Reynolds of Marj and Lizzie, will share their personal experiences and strategies for success.

“This summit is a unique opportunity for business owners to gain valuable insights and build connections that will help them thrive in Germantown,” said Vice Mayor Mary Anne Gibson. “This event is all about ensuring that business owners have the information they need to succeed.”

Networking opportunities will be available during breakfast and throughout the event, providing a chance to connect with fellow business owners and city officials.

The cost to attend is $10, and the event includes breakfast and lunch. Space is limited, and those interested in attending are encouraged to register early.

Summit Schedule

October 29, 2024
The Great Hall & Conference Center
8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

8:30 to 9 a.m. Registration & Networking Breakfast

• Attendees arrive and enjoy a light breakfast while networking with local business owners, city officials, and other attendees.

9 to 9:15 a.m. Welcome and Opening Remarks

• Vice Mayor Mary Anne Gibson, Economic Development Commission 

• Overview of the summit and its purpose: a guide to working with the City of Germantown for business success.

9:15 to 9:45 a.m. Panel 1: Navigating City Departments

• Representatives from Engineering, Beautification Commission and Code Compliance

• Discussion on how to streamline processes and collaborate effectively with these departments for business growth

9:45  to 10 a.m. Audience Q&A

10 to 10:30 a.m. Panel 2: Navigating City Departments

• Representatives from Germantown Fire Department, Planning and Design Review Commission

• Discussion on how to streamline processes and collaborate effectively with these departments for business growth

10:30 to 10:45 a.m. - Audience Q&A

10:45 to 11 a.m. - Break

11 to 11:30 a.m. - Public Safety with Germantown Police Department

11:30 to 11:45 a.m. - Audience Q&A

11:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Panel 3: Success Stories from Local Business Owners

• Kenneth Schweighofer (Congregation Coffee), Melissa Kimbrough (Southern Avenue Company), Marjorie Reynolds (Marj and Lizzie)

• Business owners share their experiences and tips on successfully navigating Germantown’s business environment

12:15 – 12:30 p.m. Audience Q&A

• Enjoy lunch while continuing to network with city officials, panelists and other business owners.

12:30 to 1 p.m. Closing Remarks