ABA Board: Planning Session February 3 at 6pm(Virtual). Email to RSVP> Join us at the Member Kickoff & Economic Development Summit!
Economic Development Sponsorship. Brand Recognition. Networking.
Invest in Austell’s small business ecosystem—and put your brand in front of local decision-makers and active business leaders.
Event Snapshot (quick bullets):
-
Date: Tuesday, March 3, 2026 (Tentative)
-
Time: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
-
Lunch Break: 2:00 PM
Audience: ABA Members + SCBA + Cobb Chamber & other invited economic development partners (Member RSVP/Guest Donation ticketing)
Featuring invited partners: SBDC speakers, funders, business strategists, City of Austell economic development + DCA, Fire Department, Police Department, and invited state/county/local leadership including Cobb County's own Economic Development Director Sabrina Wright and relevant commissioners/representatives.
R.S.V.P.
The Member Kickoff & Economic Development Summit is free of charge to ABA Members no more than 60 days delinquent on membership dues. If you are not a member, speaker, vendor, or sponsor we welcome you to join us as well. To support the cost of food and programming, however, we do ask that you consider providing the lowest "community support" sponsorship tier to help cover the cost as capacity is limited and preference will be given to members and paid attendees.
Member Kickoff & Economic Development Summit 2026
The ABA Member Kickoff & Economic Development Summit convenes Austell’s active business community and the public partners that shape economic growth—funders, resource providers, and local leadership. Sponsorship supports high-quality programming while giving your business meaningful visibility with decision-makers, entrepreneurs, and community stakeholders.
-
Brand exposure to engaged business owners and civic partners
-
Visibility before, during, and after the event (digital + on-site)
-
Direct alignment with small business success and local economic development
-
Opportunity to build relationships with resource providers and leadership
-
Demonstrate community investment in Austell
Event Program Highlights (Tentative Agenda Preview)
12:00 PM-2:00 PM
Welcome + State of the ABA
Economic Development Briefing + Partner Introductions + SBDC + Funding & Capital Pathways Panel
2:00 PM
Lunch Break (Caterer & Sponsor Showcase + Networking hour)
2:40-4:00 pm
City & County Resource Spotlight (ED, DCA, Fire, Police, County ED) + Member Opportunity Brief: Partnerships, Procurement, & Growth + Closing + Next Steps
Sponsorship Opportunities
Choose a level that fits your goals. All sponsors help keep ABA programming strong and member-centered.
Kickoff & Summit Community Sponsor
50$Recognition in ABA post-event thank you + site sponsor section recognition- Small Business Community Supporter
Kickoff & Summit Table Sponsor
150$Recognition during lunch break Sponsor slide loop placement Sponsor Signage Table Placement- Table Sponsor
- Preferred Choice
Kickoff & Summit Showcase Sponsor
250$Large logo on event page + sponsor signage Recognition during program Sponsor slide loop placement Option to provide giveaway item/materials- Showcase Sponsor
Kickoff & Summit Presenting Sponsor
1,000$Includes: “Presented by” naming on event page + email announcements Recognition during opening + closing Option to include one branded item in attendee materials- Presenting Sponsor
- Only 2 Slots Available
- 3–5 minute welcome remarks (or video)
- Premium placement on sponsor slide loop
- Logo on main event signage and check-in area
Food & Beverage Sponsors
SHOWCASE YOUR FOOD AT THE SUMMIT!
We are inviting select caterers/restaurants to sponsor food service and gain direct exposure to ABA members and partners.
Compliance note:
Food & Beverage, particularly alcohol vendor participation must comply with venue policies and applicable licensing/permits. Final approval required.
F.A.Q.'s
01
Is this event open to the public?
Yes, but because this is an ABA Member event with invited partners we do ask that guests consider the lowest community sponsorship tier to support as it is only fair to active ABA Members.
02
When does registration open?
Registration is open to guests, vendors, and sponsors. Final speaker panel available once confirmed.
03
Can a sponsor attend?
Sponsors may attend but confirmation requested asap for RSVP capacity adjustments as needed. Limited spots available.
04
How do food sponsors work?
Selected vendors will coordinate menu, service style, dietary labeling, and setup details with ABA.