New mentorship opportunities and other support will soon be available for companies in the Sweet Auburn District, a historical neighborhood known for its plethora of Black-owned businesses and property developments.
U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff announced at a press conference in the Odd Fellows Atrium that he has received support from Congress to offer an investment of $500,000 to Sweet Auburn Works’ SPARK Innovation Lab, which offers tailored business training, mentorship and assistance to local small businesses.
Ossoff was joined by local business owners, including the owners of the Auburn Vinyl Store, Sweet Auburn Bread Company and the Weave Outlet.
The Atlanta-based politician says that he believes that providing resources to help small businesses within the area will assist in helping them to thrive and participate in the economic development and economic growth happening throughout the city.
“The small business owners and entrepreneurs who are rooted right here in the Sweet Auburn community deserve a seat at the table as the city continues to grow,” said Ossoff.
“With this investment, you will have businesses that are currently here, like many of our retailers, being able to access that funding so that they can ensure they have the appropriate systems, people in places, platforms in place to thrive,” said Sweet Auburn business operator Kimberly Alexander.
Alexander, whose family owns The Odd Fellows Building, an auditorium turned office complex, believes this funding is a great start but that legacy companies will probably need more– like help with paying for deferred maintenance.
“Our conversation today is about the first step … but there will be many conversations about how we can continue investment in the sweet Auburn quarter so that it is a national treasure,” said Alexander.
Residents and business owners within the area, such as Windsor Jones of The Sweet Auburn Bakery, are excited about further investments from Georgia lawmakers into the community.
“We’ve been putting our voice out there for a long time. So for [Ossoff] to take the time to show up, it lets us know [there’s] progress,” said Jones.
Jones, whose mother Sonya Jones is the owner of the popular neighborhood bakery, says that he and his family already have plans for what they hope to do with the newly acquired funding.
“Right now…we’re going to redo and rebrand…so we can have a new look. And then we can focus on marketing and try to bring more tourists down here,” said Jones. “Come check us out.”
