Construction begins tomorrow for what is hoped to be a cornerstone for small business development in Downtown Augusta. The groundbreaking will bring the region’s newest small business incubator and microenterprise called Accelerate Augusta.
Housed in the former headquarters for Augusta Metro Chamber in the renovated I. M. Pei Building located at 600 Broad Street, the center will offer essential resources, mentorship, and opportunities for growth.
With a partnership between Augusta Technical College (ATC) and Augusta’s Downtown Development Authority (DDA), funding for the $2.3 million project was allocated through congressional funding.
When the project was announced in December, ATC President, Dr. Jermaine Whirl told ABD that one of the main rooms of the building would be used for business owners to pitch their businesses, similar to the television show, “Shark Tank.” Another floor would be utilized for four to five startups with mentoring, coaching, and teaching classes available as well as space for existing businesses.
Margaret Woodard, Executive Director of the DDA, said in addition to nurturing new businesses, activity at the building can help to redevelop that area of Broad Street.
ABD will have more about the groundbreaking of Accelerate Augusta this week.
Editor’s Note:
Mitzi Oxford is a veteran broadcaster and features writer who also worked at the same television station in Columbus, Georgia as Augusta’s Brad Means! If you have a South Carolina story idea for Mitzi, please email her at mitzioxfordcreative@gmail.com.
