About Us
South DeKalb Business Association (SDBA) Building Stronger Businesses, Strengthening Communities
The South DeKalb Business Association's (SDBA) mission is to promote commercial prosperity and enhance the quality of life within the South DeKalb community. The SDBA acts as a united advocate for positive change and development and provides a forum for addressing business and community issues.
The South DeKalb Business Association (SDBA) began in the mid-1970s and has over 30+ plus years of operating experience. The Association has actively been involved in encouraging and supporting economic development in the South DeKalb Community. The group had its beginnings as The South DeKalb Mall Merchant Association (SDMMA). In the 1980s, the organization became the Candler Area Business Assocation (CABA). In 1991, the organization broadended its reach from Candler Road to cover the growing South DeKalb Business area and changed its name to the South DeKalb Business Association (SDBA).
SDBA was a catalyst for the creation of the South DeKalb Business Incubator (SDBI). SDBI assisted numerous small businesses over the course of a decade. Youth VIBE, an Organization for Youth Entrepreneurship Training, was also created under SDBA.
SDBA plans more creative efforts in the future.
The Association was formed to improve operating conditions and the environment within South DeKalb County and surrounding metropolitan Atlanta by providing forums to promote business exposure, disseminate information as it pertains to expansion and growth, advocate on behalf of business community, provide a forum for effective networking and opportunities, protections and general welfare of businesses and others doing business in DeKalb County.
South Dekalb Businesses including Constituents who live outside of DeKalb with businesses inside of DeKalb County
The group had its beginnings as the South DeKalb Mall Merchant Association. In the 1980's the organization became the Candler Area Business Association.
In 1991, the Association broadened
tis reach from Candler Road to cover
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
●2011-SDBA Accomplishments
• SDBA received Proclamation from the Georgia Senate for our contribution to small businesses development in the community.
• Fundraiser Gala Supporting Book Scholarships given to Perimeter College Business Students.
●2012- SDBA Accomplishments
• Presentation by candidates for DeKalb CEO, Representative to Congress, Board of Commissioners, Judges, and others.
• Presentations at monthly meetings on topics such as Obtaining Finance for Your Business and Using Social Media to Market Your Business, 2012 Economic Development Business Forecast given by Director Whatley SDBA 5K Walk/Run for Literacy in Support of DeKalb County Libraries
• Members and business organization came together in support raising funds to fight literacy.
●2013 SDBA Accomplishments
SDBA Economic Development Bus Tour- Commissioners Johnson, May, Watson, co sponsors
• Participants on the tour visited existing businesses in South DeKalb including Stone Crest Mall
• A luncheon panel Discussion on economic development issues with presentations from Georgia Power and DeKalb Economic Development Department
Georgia State University SBDC Grow Smart (formerly Fast Track) - Business Development Program.
• Presentation at general membership meeting by director of SBDC.
• Offered two SDBA members scholarships SBDC /Grow Smart Program SDBA Membership Breakfast, Honoring Members, Supported by TGIF for our Leadership in the Community
• Discussion on Issues Impacting Small Businesses in South DeKalb.
SDBA 5K Walk/Run for Literacy in Support of DeKalb County Librarie
●2014 SDBA Accomplishments
SDBA 2014 Annual Scholarship/Appreciation Breakfast (Note: This was SDBA's final Program for 2013 but had to be placed in 2014 due to the Holidays)