4th Cocktail Classic Held to Benefit Local Small Businesses

This event raises money for small business grants, scholarships, teacher grants, military events, and more. The Mississippi Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce puts the event on each year to encourage networking and to put funds back into the local economy. The Carter Green Steakhouse puts out tasty food and wine samples to complement the night of fun for a good cause.

Emily Pickering of the Mississippi Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce says, “For the Mississippi Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce, more than 80% of our members are small businesses, so that is a big focus for us. Our small business grant program, we give those out every year in July. Our applications are already available so businesses can apply for those. But yes, supporting small businesses is essential for our economy down here.”

Pickering says previous small business grant recipients have spent the money on advertising, large pieces of equipment, or creative ways to attract business.