If you are an entrepreneur just starting a business or if you already have a small business, the City of Augusta Business Equity Fund (CABE Fund), administered by the Greater Augusta Black Chamber Foundation, may be able to help you. The GABC is hosting an orientation session this week.
It provides funding for small businesses and social enterprises in the Greater Augusta Area that are seeking economic relief due to the lingering impacts of the Covid-19 Pandemic. Specifically, this program assists small businesses with less than 10 employees by providing technical assistance, capacity building, and funding support through guaranteed grants and loans.
Last year, the Augusta Commission approved an allocation of $425,000 to the Greater Augusta Black Chamber of Commerce. The funds provided by the City of Augusta will be dispersed in accordance with the final ruling of the American Rescue Plan Act to assist local small businesses that have been negatively impacted by the recent economic downturn. In return for the use of public funds, small businesses are encouraged to create job opportunities as a benefit to the local community.
The CABE program is offered in the CSRA area as a comprehensive and innovative approach to assist both new and existing entrepreneurs. This program provides four weeks of training and an additional six weeks of coaching and mentorship for new and existing minority-owned business owners and entrepreneurs.
To learn more about the qualifications and eligibility, you can attend one of the orientation sessions on Thursday, June 22 at 6:30 p.m. Register here.
