The number of new small businesses in the U.S. continues to climb at a record rate — an indication that many people who are quitting their jobs have begun to work for themselves.
But for small business owners from all backgrounds to grow and thrive, access to resources is critical.
The Small Business Administration began a national bus tour this week in the Atlanta neighborhood of Vine City. That’s where Isabella Casillas Guzman, head of the SBA, chatted with city officials and small business owners.
Guzman says the majority of the nearly 5.5 million new small businesses started last year across the country were launched by women and people of color, a feat, she says, that isn’t always easy.
“Those are the entrepreneurs that also face historic barriers and challenges in trying to start their businesses and grow and sustain them,” said Guzman. “And if we don’t achieve narrowing that opportunity gap that they face to create jobs and create revenues, then our economy suffers.”
The bus tour, marking National Small Business Week, is meant to raise awareness for small businesses owners about funding help and opportunities to win government contracts.
“This is the week to really get out there and support small businesses — and also support those new entrepreneurs who want to jump in and start their business and make sure they’re connected to the resources,” said Guzman.
The City of Atlanta, which is offering Resurgence Grants of up to $40,000 to help small businesses and non-profit organizations recover costs associated with the pandemic, announced the deadline to apply has been extended to May 27.
Entrepreneur and philanthropist John Hope Bryant announced that the SBA would be helping to promote Operation Hope’s 1 Million Black Businesses initiative, which, through a partnership with Shopify, is awarding $130 million dollars in funds over the next decade to Black-owned businesses.
“I can’t get my people to understand that this resource is here,” said Bryant. “So when we went to the SBA and asked them to partner with us and help us amplify ‘1MBB’, and the administrator and her team just said ‘yes’, it’s like a dream come true.”
