2026-2027 Business Buddies Program
Business Buddies is a literacy initiative created in partnership with the Glynn County School System that connects Chamber Members with first-grade students who need additional encouragement and support in developing their reading skills. Throughout the school year, volunteers spend time reading one-on-one with students, helping them build confidence, strengthen literacy skills, and develop a lifelong love of reading.
The program focuses on approximately 100 first-grade students who have been identified as being most at risk of falling behind in reading. While improving literacy is the primary goal, Business Buddies is about much more than books. It is about creating meaningful relationships, providing positive role models, and showing young learners that their community believes in their potential.
Research consistently shows that children who are reading proficiently by the end of third grade are significantly more likely to graduate from high school and pursue successful futures. By investing in students early, Business Buddies helps lay the foundation for stronger educational outcomes, a more prepared future workforce, and a healthier, more prosperous community.
At the Brunswick-Golden Isles Chamber of Commerce, we believe that strengthening our community begins with investing in its youngest learners. When local businesses, educators, and volunteers come together with a shared purpose, they help write a brighter future, one child, one book, and one story at a time.
Background Checks for New Business Buddies
Begin Tuesday, August 11, 2026
Location: Golden Isles College & Career Academy (GICCA)
4404 Glynco Parkway, Brunswick, GA 31525
Background checks will be available every Tuesday and Thursday from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. through the start of this year’s Business Buddies program.
Business Buddies Kickoff
Thursday, September 24, 2026
End-of-Year Celebration
Date: TBD
Please Note, All Business Buddies dates, events, and schedules are subject to change based on the Glynn County School System academic calendar.
If you are interested in being a Business Buddy for the 2026-2027 School Year, reach out to Riley Wilkes, Director of Membership, at rwilkes@bgicoc.com to learn more about becoming a Business Buddy.
All new Business Buddies are required to successfully complete a background check before participating in the program. Background checks are provided free of charge at Golden Isles College & Career Academy (GICCA) beginning Tuesday, August 11, 2026, and will be available every Tuesday and Thursday from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. through the Business Buddies Kickoff on September 24, 2026.
Please Note, Background checks are valid for five (5) years. If you are a returning Business Buddy, please contact GICCA to verify that your background check is still valid before participating in this year’s program.
If you would like to support the Business Buddies program, financial contributions are always appreciated. Donations help provide meaningful experiences and opportunities for students while supporting the continued success of the program.
Checks may be made payable to the Brunswick Golden Isles Chamber Foundation and mailed to:
Brunswick Golden Isles Chamber of Commerce
1505 Richmond Street
Brunswick, GA 31520
Thank you for investing in the future of our students and our community.