Montgomery Comes Together to Celebrate Small Business Week at Business After Hours

Montgomery Comes Together to Celebrate Small Business Week at Business After Hours

Last night’s Business After Hours was more than just a gathering—it was a celebration of the heart and soul of Montgomery’s economy: small businesses. Hosted at the local boutique, Vivian O’Nay, and sponsored by ForMotion Clinic, the evening highlighted Small Business Week with style, spirit, and strong community energy.

The atmosphere was lively and inviting, with business leaders, entrepreneurs, and community members coming together to connect, collaborate, and celebrate. Many guests took the opportunity to shop for last-minute Mother’s Day gifts while exploring Vivian O’Nay’s boutique, filled with unique fashion and gift items. 

With the sponsorship of ForMotion Clinic, this event highlighted the collaborative energy that fuels Montgomery’s business community. Food was generously provided by HomeSouth Roofing, LLC, Curt Ford Bartending kept beverages flowing, and additional support was provided by Fairway Independent Mortgage, helping make the evening a true showcase of local partnership and pride.

Beyond the great food, friendly faces, and great venue, the evening carried a deeper meaning—one rooted in appreciation and recognition. Small Business Week is a national celebration of the contributions small businesses make to our communities. These enterprises are often run by neighbors, friends, and family members. They fuel job creation, drive innovation, and give our neighborhoods character and charm.

“Small businesses are the heart of our community,” said Greg Godwin from the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce. “They are the driving force behind a thriving local economy.”

By hosting Business After Hours at a locally owned business like Vivian O’Nay, the Montgomery Chamber reinforces its commitment to supporting and promoting small businesses. It’s a tangible way to spotlight the creativity, resilience, and impact of our local entrepreneurs—people who not only power our economy but also enrich our community life.

Alexandra Smith, a loan officer at Fairway Independent Mortgage, echoed that sentiment. “We want our local economy to be as healthy as possible,” she said. “We want our schools to get better, want great restaurants, tourism, and at the end of the day, if we’re not pouring back into the small businesses that make our community different, then we’re not going to be able to have those good school systems, tourism, restaurants.”

With the support of ForMotion Clinic and other generous partners, the event embodied the collaborative spirit that defines Montgomery’s business community. As we celebrate Small Business Week, we’re reminded that support goes beyond a single event—it’s about building lasting relationships, shopping local, and being intentional about where we invest our time and resources. Events like last night’s Business After Hours create opportunities to do just that—while also promoting the kind of connections that lead to new partnerships and possibilities.

A heartfelt thank-you goes to all who joined us last night, and to the small businesses that continue to make Montgomery thrive. Your success is our success, and we’re proud to stand with you.

Browse photos from the event here: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCdwfh
Watch segment with WSFA here: https://www.wsfa.com/2025/05/09/montgomery-area-chamber-commerce-holds-after-hours-event-small-business-week/