Entrepreneurs, business owners, and community leaders gathered for the Gwinnett Chamber Foundation’s latest Grow. Thrive. Repeat. program — an initiative of the Small Business Impact Institute (SBII) designed to help emerging companies prepare for their next stage of growth.
The event brought together scaling small businesses from across Gwinnett and the broader region for a morning of practical insight from accomplished founders and executives who have successfully built, grown, and sustained high-performing organizations.
Featured panelists included Matt Hyatt, Founder & CEO of Rocket IT, and Dave McMullen, President of Media Frenzy Global, who shared firsthand perspectives on navigating growth, strengthening leadership teams, and maintaining momentum as companies expand. Moderating the conversation were Linnea Miller, President & CEO of Long Table, and Dr. Celestine Chukumba, Founder of InterSearchMedia, who guided a discussion focused on the realities of scaling a business while preparing for long-term sustainability.
Panel discussions explored critical milestones that many small businesses face as they move into their next phase of growth, including capital readiness, commercial property acquisition, team development, and exit strategies. Participants also had the opportunity to connect with lenders, real estate professionals, and succession planning experts while building relationships with fellow entrepreneurs during the program’s networking breakfast.
The program reflects the Gwinnett Chamber Foundation’s broader mission to accelerate small businesses that have demonstrated traction and are ready to scale.
“Grow. Thrive. Repeat. is about giving entrepreneurs access to the real stories behind sustainable success,” said Deirdra Cox, Executive Director of the Gwinnett Chamber Foundation. “These are leaders who have built companies, scaled them thoughtfully, and sustained that growth over time. By sharing what worked, what didn’t, and how they continued to evolve, they provide a roadmap for the next generation of business owners who are ready to grow and repeat that success.”
Programs such as Grow. Thrive. Repeat. continue to connect rising entrepreneurs with experienced business leaders who demonstrate that sustainable growth is not a single milestone — but a cycle of leadership, innovation, and disciplined execution.