< The Chamber’s Call to Support Local Business

Guest Blog by Mike Thibodeaux: How a New Generation of Entrepreneurs Is Taking Charge in Forsyth County

---

Forsyth County has always been a place where growth and innovation go hand in hand—and nowhere is that more evident today than along Market Place Boulevard. Once a familiar retail corridor, the area is now experiencing a renewed energy driven by a new generation of entrepreneurs who are reimagining what local business can look like.

At the Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce, we’re proud to support and spotlight the leaders and visionaries who are investing in our community and shaping its future. In this guest blog, Chamber member Mike Thibodeaux of Comcast Business shares his perspective on the exciting transformation taking place on Market Place Boulevard and the entrepreneurial spirit fueling its comeback.

------

Market Place Boulevard Is Making a Comeback in Forsyth County

How a New Generation of Entrepreneurs Is Taking Charge

By Mike Thibodeaux, Vice President of Business Services, Comcast Business, Big South Region

There’s a quiet confidence building across Forsyth County’s small business community.

You can see it in the “coming soon” signs along Market Place Boulevard and downtown Cumming, in the new restaurants, professional services, and retail concepts opening their doors, and in the growing number of entrepreneurs choosing to start or expand businesses right here.

That momentum isn’t accidental. Forsyth County is consistently ranked among the fastest growing counties in the country, fueled by a highly educated workforce, strong schools, and a business friendly environment that attracts both established companies and first time entrepreneurs alike. The Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce and Forward Forsyth continue to play a central role in supporting this growth by connecting businesses, advocating for smart development, and strengthening our local economy.

Small businesses have always been the backbone of Forsyth County’s economy, anchoring growth along corridors like Market Place Boulevard. Today, that foundation is strengthened by national and global companies that have chosen Forsyth County for its workforce, infrastructure, and connectivity. Large employers help fuel investment and opportunity—while small businesses turn that momentum into local jobs, services, and long term community strength.

Nationally, 57% of aspiring entrepreneurs say they plan to launch a business this year, even if economic conditions aren’t perfect (Source: QuickBooks). That same entrepreneurial spirit is clearly alive in Forsyth County, where small and midsize businesses are opening across industries—from hospitality and healthcare to professional services and technology enabled ventures. Many of these businesses are led by first time owners who are willing to innovate, invest locally, and build something lasting in the communities they call home.

This new generation of entrepreneurs is reshaping what Market Place Boulevard looks like. Today’s small businesses are often digital first but locally rooted—serving customers online while still relying on strong community connections. Small businesses have always powered Forsyth County’s economy, and today’s owners are redefining how local ambition translates into long term economic strength.

At the same time, the reality of running a small business has evolved. In 2026, success requires more than a great product or service. Business owners need to be cyber secure, digitally connected, and increasingly comfortable using technology—whether that’s managing inventory, engaging customers, or preparing for AI driven tools that are rapidly becoming part of everyday operations.

“Forsyth County’s growth continues to be driven by entrepreneurs who are choosing to build and invest locally,” said Alex Warner, President and CEO of the Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce. “As our community grows, access to reliable infrastructure, connectivity, and strong partnerships plays a critical role in helping small businesses launch, scale, and compete for the long term.”

For many entrepreneurs, especially those just getting started, this can feel overwhelming. They’re balancing staffing, finances, marketing, and customer experience—often all at once. Technology should be an enabler, not an added burden. When internet connectivity is unreliable or systems aren’t secure, tech can quickly become a growth blocker instead of a growth driver.

The good news is that it doesn’t have to be that way.

With the right technology foundation in place from the start, small business owners can spend more time focused on their customers and their community—and less time worrying about infrastructure. Reliable connectivity, built in security, and scalable solutions help businesses operate smoothly today while staying ready for what comes next. That kind of foundation matters in a high growth county like Forsyth, where opportunity—and competition—continue to accelerate.

During Small Business Month, it’s important to recognize that supporting Forsyth County’s economy means more than celebrating entrepreneurship. It means equipping business owners with tools, guidance, and partnerships that meet them where they are. When technology is aligned with ambition, small businesses gain the confidence to grow, adapt, and compete in an increasingly digital economy.

At Comcast Business, we’re proud to work alongside entrepreneurs and business leaders across Forsyth County and the broader Southeastern region. As both a business partner and a member of the Forsyth County Chamber community, I see firsthand how strong infrastructure, collaboration, and local investment help businesses plant deep roots and thrive.

When the foundation is right, bold ideas have room to grow—and Forsyth County is proving just how powerful that combination can be.

---