The City of Augusta and Augusta University’s Hull College of Business hosted an event highlighting the city’s ‘Local Small Business Opportunity Program’ (LSBOP), something local leaders hope will help small business owners connect with resources they need.
In the atrium of Allgood Hall on the Summerville campus Aug. 11, owners of local small businesses took the time to interact with one another and members of the city departments over light refreshments.
Augusta’s Local Small Business Opportunity Program (LSBOP) was described in the event as encouraging equal access for the allowing small businesses in the area to grow. Takiyah Douse, interim administrator for the city of Augusta, invited local business owners to share their experience working for the city.
Rick Franza, dean of Augusta University’s Hull College of Business, said the goal is to support local business owners by providing educational resources they need.
“We are invested in this community,” he said. “Our job as a business school is to help promote business in this community and to provide the education and training necessary to ensure we have a good workforce and the economic growth of our city.”
Franza said the college has programs that aim to be flexible and convenient for business owners to receive educational instruction with concentrations in a variety of areas. Franza said the college’s new focus is on the growing field of project management, with certification opportunities this upcoming semester.
“We hope to do our part in promoting project management,” he said. “It’s an area we definitely stand behind.”
Augusta’s public information manager Danielle Harris said by providing a platform for the city to strengthen relationships with small businesses in the area, they plan to encourage more connections.
“They are a driving force within our community,” she said.
Commissioner and mayor pro-tem Bobby Williams said events like these have the support of the city government and hopes it will continue.
More information about the program can be found here:
https://www.augustaga.gov/DocumentCenter/View/3158/Chapter-10B-6-15-11?bidId
Rakiyah Lenon is a correspondent with The Augusta Press.
