Economic Development Director
Click to view profile for Holly Wharton
Wharton, Holly Holly Wharton
Economic Development Director
808 Carroll Street
Perry, GA 31069
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O: (478) 988-2755
holly.wharton@perry-ga.gov
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Downtown Manager
Click to view profile for Alicia Hartley
Hartley, Alicia Alicia Hartley
Downtown Manager
1211 Washington Street
Perry, GA 31069
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O: (478) 988-2730
alicia.hartley@perry-ga.gov
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Perry Startup Summit 2026

Perry Startup Summit is a FREE, 1.5-day conference designed to support entrepreneurs, small business owners, and aspiring founders at every stage of their journey.

Whether attendees are interested in turning a business idea into reality or scaling an existing business, the Summit will bring together experienced business leaders, local and regional experts, and trusted resource partners to share practical guidance on starting, funding, and growing a successful business in Perry and throughout Georgia.

Through engaging workshops, panel discussions, and networking opportunities, attendees will gain practical knowledge, make meaningful connections, and leave with a clear path forward to turn ideas into action.

Startup Summit Details

February 19-20, 2026

8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Perry Events Center

Register

Perry Startup Summit Schedule

Location
Perry Events Center (1121 Macon Road)
8:00 AM Registration & Breakfast
Check-in and networking.
8:30 AM Keynote Kickoff
Dr. Joseph Richardson
9:15 AM Business Bootstrapping: How Funding Actually Works
Donny Pearson
10:15 AM AI as Your First (or Next) Hire
Tabitha Clark, APR
11:00 AM Concurrent Sessions
Real Estate Ready & Advanced Digital Marketing
12:00 PM Lunch & Table Topics
Talks and discussions.
1:30 PM Learn from the Local Pros
More session details to be announced.
2:30 PM Concurrent Sessions
ACE Funding & How to Scale to the Next Level
3:30 PM ESO Fair and Table Topics
Resource fair + table conversations.
5:00 PM Conclusion
Closing remarks.