Augusta, GA

Accelerate Augusta aims to help downtown business owners

Published

2 years ago

August 14, 2024

Accelerate Augusta aims to help downtown business owners

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – In six months, a building in the middle of Broad Street in downtown Augusta will become the region’s newest small business incubator and micro-enterprise center.

It’s called Accelerate Augusta.

It’s in partnership with Augusta Tech and the Downtown Development Authority.

Two years ago, Senator Raphael Warnock sent over $2 million in funding for the project.

This new resource is meant for everyone in the community.

600 Broad Street is getting a new facelift aimed at setting entrepreneurs up for success while expanding downtown Augusta all at the same time.

“This is beyond exciting,” said Dr. Jermaine Whirl, president of Augusta Tech.

It’s a project years in the making and a big boost right in the heart of downtown.

“We have so many small businesses that have been wanting and needing these resources, and so to have this construction get started today. It’s a big, big opportunity for us to really assist those companies,” said Whirl.

When the doors open in early 2025, Accelerate Augusta will have resources Whirl says hit three markets needed in the Garden City.

Brad Kyzer honored in naming of sports complex

“We have micro sprints, which might be a one-day class, eight hours. You come in in the morning, you’re done by five, and you get everything that you need,” said Whirl. Other individuals, might need two, or three month’s worth of training because they have a concept. So, they’ll spend several weeks with us from start to finish, to really grow out their business plan.”

And you don’t need a student ID to use it.

“If you want to build your business out, this is a place that you can do that from start to finish,” said Whirl.

Leaders say the plan is to continue the successful halo effect they’re already seeing downtown.

Margaret Woodard with the Downtown Development Authority said: “This block looks a lot different than it did when we got here last November. Buildings have sold. That building across the street will be the future home of 33 market-rate apartments, which we’re very excited about. Jake, who owns Sole Augusta, is opening a barbecue restaurant one block on Fifth Street.”

With phase one under construction, leaders tell me they have their eyes set on phase two, which is an incubator that will help entrepreneurs fine-tune their business models and then connect them with an actual location to open on Broad Street.

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Augusta, GA

Protestors in downtown Augusta speak out after strikes on Iran

Published

1 hour ago

March 1, 2026

Press Room

Protestors in downtown Augusta speak out after strikes on Iran

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Local protestors made their voices heard after Israel and the U.S. announced strikes on Iran Saturday, ones that killed Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, reports say.

Protesters lined 13th Street in Downtown Augusta and walked across the river to North Augusta to make sure as many people as possible heard them.

50501 CSRA already had a march planned for Saturday, but in light of the strikes on Iran, decided to expand its focus.

Local leaders spoke about their concerns for the strikes, and roughly 60 people showed up to share theirs as well.

One of the event organizers said to make your voice heard your voice heard.

“Just call your people, call your representatives, if you don’t like that Iran was bombed, I don’t either. But call people and let them know, email them. Let it be relentless. Congress did not approve this. They have a say in this,” Zee Cook said.

The strike is being called “Operation Epic Fury,” with Iran responding with multiple missile and drone strikes across the Middle East.

In a social media post, President Trump said the bombing of the country will continue “as long as necessary.”

People across the world began lining the streets as well in support and against the decision.

Leaders across the world reacted to the news, including those in Georgia and South Carolina.

There’s a protest planned in Charleston and other regional cities this week.

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Augusta, GA

Lock and Dam Park closing to public for a month in Augusta

Published

13 hours ago

February 28, 2026

Press Room

Lock and Dam Park closing to public for a month in Augusta

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The city of Augusta announced a temporary closure of New Savannah Bluff Lock and Dam Park.

Closure of the park at 2105 Lock and Dam Road will allow the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to repair the lock and dam structure.

The park will be closed from March 4 to April 7.

All areas of the park will be closed.

However, the Baurle Boat Ramp will remain open and accessible to the public for fishing and boating activities.

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Augusta, GA

Augusta 911 call center earns statewide honor

Published

1 day ago

February 28, 2026

Press Room

Augusta 911 call center earns statewide honor

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The Augusta 911 center has been named 2025 Communications Center of the Year at the Georgia Emergency Communications Conference in Athens.

The award recognizes excellence in public safety communications, innovation, leadership and service.

The award recognizes a center that demonstrates strong performance in emergency response coordination, training, technology and community engagement.

The Augusta center was selected among agencies statewide for its consistent service, professional standards and coordination with public safety partners.

“This recognition reflects the work our team does every single day,” said Daniel R. Dunlap, 911 director. “Our communications officers are the first point of contact during some of the most difficult moments in a person’s life. They provide reassurance, direction and critical coordination until help arrives. I am incredibly proud of the dedication and strength they show.”

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