The Augusta Technical College Foundation was recently awarded a $50,000 grant by Bank of America to invest in Accelerate Augusta, a microenterprise center in downtown Augusta.
Accelerate Augusta, situated at 600 Broad St. in Augusta, is poised to be the community’s go-to resource and training center for small businesses, according to a press release from Augusta Tech.
“A partnership between the Downtown Development Authority of Augusta and Augusta Technical College will serve as a business-building partner and a vital link to business space for viable enterprises,” the press release stated.
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The microenterprise center will offer a range of services, including mentorship, financial planning and access to capital, to aid startups and early-stage companies in their growth and success.
Bank of America’s investment in Accelerate Augusta will support small businesses and entrepreneurship programs, in addition to scholarships for eligible businesses.
“Partnering with Augusta Technical College to address important issues like employment is part of our commitment to creating sustainable change in Augusta,” said President Ora Parish of Bank of America Augusta-Aiken.
Small businesses and entrepreneurs will be provided with the necessary resources for training, acquiring finances, and assessing capital to start, operate, grow and maintain a business.
“Investing in Greater Augusta nonprofits demonstrates how Bank of America is taking action to provide the resources and support needed to help build thriving communities long-term,” said Parish.
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Cheryl Ciucevich, vice president of Institutional Advancement at the Augusta Technical College Foundation, said Bank of America was thrilled to assist Accelerate Augusta as it strived to create a pipeline for all small businesses in the CSRA.
“This center represents a confluence between a public college leading the way in workforce development and a municipal agency committed to business development,” she said.
CEO Richard Green of Tech 4 Success, a service-disabled, veteran-owned small business specializing in electronics recycling, said he understands first-hand the need to support Augusta’s small business community with Accelerate Augusta.
“Tech 4 Success faced both challenges and opportunities during the COVID-19 pandemic,” stated a press release from Augusta Tech. “Initially impacted by supply chain disruptions from China, Green moved to a smaller storefront in March 2020 to reduce costs.”
With in-person business limited, Green relied on his eBay store, but continued to struggle financially. However, as demand for computers and repairs surged, Green expanded into computer repair and security camera installations.
Despite early setbacks, his business thrived, which demonstrated the importance of adaptability for downtown Augusta businesses during the pandemic.
Green participated in post-pandemic focus groups that helped launch the incubator Accelerate Augusta that focused on covering topics such as: funding, market research, consumer demand changes and insurance.
Green said he believes that Accelerate Augusta will create a space for people to share experiences, engage in meaningful dialogue and access resources.
“Accelerate Augusta will give small business leaders a better chance to succeed,” Green said.
