During a recent stop in Savannah, former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms underscored the significance of small businesses as part of her campaign for governor, while articulating her vision for Georgia.

As part of her “Standing up for Georgia” tour, Bottoms is traveling around the state this summer and fall, gathering insights from Georgians and detailing her plans for state leadership.

“It’s crucial for the state to be a more effective partner and leader,” Bottoms stated. “By directly engaging with individuals like Mayor Van Johnson and the small business owners we met today, we can determine how best to support your ventures and sustain you through uncertain economic periods.”

Accompanied by Savannah Mayor Van Johnson, Bottoms visited the Diaspora Marketplace, an African goods store, and Kim’s Café. She emphasized that small businesses employ almost half of Georgia’s workforce.

“Business owners consistently express struggles in securing capital and attaining the necessary resources and support for expanding and enduring during challenging times,” Bottoms remarked.

Voters at those small businesses got to shake hands with the candidate on her visit.

“She’s very approachable,” April Williams noted. “She’s kind and caring. A leader’s character and commitment to helping small businesses thrive and succeed make a huge difference.”

Bottoms also touched on other priorities like federal cuts in local schools and Medicaid. She said she is ready to deliver that support.

“Leading in Atlanta in the midst of a historic economic downturn, still leaving the city with over $180 million in the bank, expanding affordable housing, workforce training job programs, creating the child savings account for our kids,” she said. “Those are things that can be scaled statewide.”

“She’s been a mayor,” Johnson said. “She’s been the mayor of our capital city.  That provides some context of understanding what cities go through, what city’s needs are.”

He continued, “Whoever the gubernatorial victor is, they need to be able to understand the challenges their cities face.”

She said Georgians will continue to hear from her on how she plans to bring more stability to the state.

Bottoms later hosted a meet and greet at Temple of Glory Community Church for the community.