Entrepreneurs

B2B Stories

Augusta celebrity launches new cookbook tomorrow

It’s a challenge to say anything about Vera Stewart that hasn’t already been said or written. She’s a chef, a caterer, an author, and a star of the syndicated “VeryVera Show” in 43 markets from Minnesota to Texas and back to her southeastern roots. She’s received numerous accolades for the brand she’s built through almost 40 years of hard work. Vera’s success can be attributed in part to her engaging personality, her love for mentoring kids as a Home Economics teacher, and through the VeryVera Cooking Camp she started 20

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B2B Stories

Latest outlook on small business success

Despite pandemic setbacks, supply chain challenges, inflation, and reports of an impending recession, things seem to be looking up for small business owners in the CSRA. A few key highlights from a Bank of America study on small businesses with a focus on women and minority-owned business owners included: Revenue expectations are at an eight-year high, as 67% of small business owners anticipate revenue growth over the next 12 months. A majority of small business owners are being impacted by inflation (86%) and supply chain issues (68%), causing them to

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B2B Stories

Broad Street location of incubator announced soon

A partnership between Augusta’s Downtown Development Authority (DDA) and Augusta Technical College will create a space for business development. The microenterprise center will serve as an incubator for entrepreneurs and small business start-ups, as well as welcoming existing businesses to use the shared space. In a new blog post on the DDA website, consultant, Tara Wood outlined what will be available in the new center. “Temporary workspaces, meeting rooms, a commercial kitchen, technology equipment, and retail space will all be available to accelerator program participants. In addition, there will be

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B2B Stories

The little kitchen that could…despite health crisis

There are many reasons restaurants or food service businesses face challenges and sometimes fail including lack of experience, not enough capital, or bad food and service. Not one of those applies to Jen Steller, owner of A Steller Kitchen. They’ve been voted as a Top Restaurant in Aiken. “I grew up cooking alongside my mother and grandmother. I wanted to follow my dream and open a restaurant,” Steller said. In 2018, she did just that. It’s a small place at 131 Silver Bluff Road. There are 4 tables for inside

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B2B Stories

CSRA financial planner leaves company to pursue his dreams

Editor’s note: I’m a huge fan of Led Zeppelin. Their original drummer, John Bonham was often described as one of the greatest rock drummers of all time and a “man on fire” because of his mad skills. The same could be said for Kurt Mueller, literally and figuratively. On Friday, September 29, Kurt Mueller announced on social media that he was leaving Apollon Wealth Management. Neither his fellow advisors nor his clients were surprised or left hanging. That is not Mueller’s style. He has worked for Apollon and other financial

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B2B Stories

How to lay a solid foundation for your business

The Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce brought an expert to its Third Thursday Business Builder on September 21. Rebecca Mixson, program coordination for the University of Georgia’s Small Business Development Center (UGA SBDC) in Augusta, focused on strategic planning for businesses. “Rebecca works with both established businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs,” explained Angie Martin, executive vice president of the chamber. “She helps them assess their businesses, their goals, and create those strategic plans. She has a background in retail, and in agribusiness.” Mixon said the Augusta office and the others spread

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B2B Stories

New franchisee serves fastest growing population in the CSRA

Editor’s note: This is the first in a two-part series on aging in the CSRA, the impacts on the workforce, our economy, and the benefits of seniors caring for other seniors. We begin with a new business that addresses the care of seniors and employs members of the senior workforce. Let’s face it. None of us are getting any younger. In fact, older adults will soon outnumber kids for the first time in U.S. history. Fewer babies, coupled with longer life expectancy equals a country that ages faster. With this

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B2B Stories

New CSRA business is in the pink

There is no way you can miss a new boutique at 2569 Central Avenue in Augusta. The building is bright pink and is home to The Pink Boutique. The building, what’s inside, and the owner stand out. The business, which opened three months ago, features ladies’ fashions and modern-style home décor. “We offer a little something for everyone and work with dependable vendors and our own stylists who provide our shop with quality style and merchandise,” said owner, William Harrison. In the pink means a state of good health or

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B2B Stories

Unique food business launches in the CSRA

As someone who grew up in the food and beverage business, Tia Harville dreamed of opening a restaurant. Covid forced her to ditch that plan for another business that also runs in the family. “In 2014, my husband’s aunt and uncle, Cindy and Anthony Mask opened Town Square Olive Oil in Covington, Ga. The concept appealed to us because there is really nothing quite like it here and we thought it would be good for North Augusta,” Harville explained. She is correct. The businesses surrounding Town Square Olive Oil &

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B2B Stories

Is there “Fuse”-ion between the restaurant and a food truck?

ABD reported recently that Fuse in Aiken was closing. When Chef Chris Najmola posted on Facebook that the restaurant couldn’t go on, hundreds of loyal customers and even restaurant competitors weighed in with reactions of support. Then, two days later came this Facebook post from Fuse Mobile food truck owners: “We, Kevin and Tylené Matson, own Fuse Mobile. We will still continue business as usual. Finally, thank you all for your support, and thank you, @fuseaiken, for giving us our roots.” As it turns out, there is no connection between the

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