The Greater Augusta Black Chamber of Commerce (GABCC) and Foundation completed their second co-hort of the Intensive Entrepreneurship Training Program. This program, powered by a $125,000 grant from Bank of America provided entrepreneurs and small business owners of color with training and capital to be successful in an ever-changing business world.

Formed in 2017, GABCC is a historically Black chamber of commerce in the Greater Augusta area that supports minority-owned, women-owned, disadvantaged, and black-owned businesses throughout the Central Savannah River area. GABCC has a growing partnership with Bank of America, which will provide further assistance to business owners in the CSRA area during unprecedented times.

“The partnership with Bank of America helped carry out GABCC foundation’s mission to enhance the CSRA community through innovative, effective, and equitable programming,” said Ronic West, President, Greater Augusta Black Chamber of Commerce. “Our continued mission is to foster economic stability for businesses in the CSRA through advocacy, education, networking, discovery, and these strategic partnerships.”

Grant Recipients awarded $3,000 each, totaling $75,000.
R&R Movers
From Phoenix
Brionna Barnes Properties
Reddish Home Health Agency
Pedal Pub Augusta
Beverly’s Body Butter
Alaeri Events & CO
Cyber Inspired Learning
Jodie Tresor & Company
Storm Cloud, LLC
The GD Mama/Bon Voyage GD, LLC
Above and Beyond Learning
Adnyl, LLC
Melissa Ronell Boutique
Arete Health and Wellness
Release Enterprises
LocNwRach, LLC
iThrive Therapy
OnlywayisupElevation
Roshunda Dent Real Estate
Tupper Financial Solutions
StylesbyShay
Valarie S. Thomas Social Media Consulting
Hollow Point Mafia, LLC

“I am incredibly grateful to have been chosen for this program. As a licensed therapist, we don’t spend time learning how to run a successful business,” said Dr. Radisha Brown, iThrive Therapy. “During this program, I learned about business structure, insurance and financial tracking that will enable me to expand my business in the next year. This program was key to helping to position iThrive Therapy to expand to now include a Girl, Get off the Couch live event. This program was introduced me to the endless possibilities of expanding my business.”

“I had an amazing experience as a member of this cohort. I have been a business owner for years and I was shocked at how much I still didn’t know. I’ve learned how to better protect my business, how to grow my business, how to deal with the ups and downs of entrepreneurship by working on my mindset, and so much more,” said Valerie Thomas, Valerie S. Thomas Social Media Consulting. “Receiving the grant was icing on the cake because now I can use the funds to increase my local marketing and bring on another social media manager to help with client tasks. This whole experience has renewed my spirit as a business owner and I am grateful for the opportunity to expand my agency.”

The training components included: Introduction to Entrepreneurship, Business Planning Basics, Business Structure 101, Bookkeeping & Recordkeeping, Business Insurance 101, Business Marketing/Branding 101, Growing Your Business and Obtaining Your First Customer, Credit Essentials, Reporting and Tracking cash flow, and Running a successful Business.

“The Greater Augusta Black Chamber has been instrumental in supporting the success of Black-owned small businesses and entrepreneurs in our community,” said Ora Parish, President, Bank of America Augusta / Aiken. “Our partnership will further expand on Bank of America’s ongoing work to support jobs and small businesses in Augusta.”

In Augusta, access to capital/credit and entrepreneurial training are major barriers to success for minority owned small-business owners, and they cannot afford training and coaching that is needed to maximize their odds for success. Additionally, since the pandemic has intensified issues facing the Augusta Black community. African American entrepreneurs have had to close their doors at more than twice the rate of their White counterparts.

Additional examples of GABCC programming include business educational workshops, an annual pitch competition, providing technical assistance to business owners and much more. Since GABCC inception, it has held over 300 workshops, meetings, and events. GABCC efforts grew during the pandemic as it quickly transitioned all events online and begin to become one of the leading advocates to obtain capital to assist entrepreneurs and business owners with programs, such as the Intensive Entrepreneurship Training Program.