Accelerate Augusta launches to drive local economic growth

AUGUSTA, Ga (WJBF)- Augusta has a new non-profit to help small businesses get off the ground. They cut the ribbon Friday morning for Accelerate Augusta.

Accelerate Augusta is a new program aimed at improving economic growth and innovation.
It’s a major resource for small business owners in the area.

“I’m proud. I’m ecstatic. We have a great crowd. We work with entrepreneurs. This means so much for the city of Augusta. And I’m just so proud to be here,” said Shaun Andrews, the recently announced Executive Director of Accelerate Augusta.

The idea for the organization came 4 years ago, when so many small businesses struggled to stay open during the pandemic. Dr. Jermaine Whirl, former president of Augusta Tech, and Margaret Woodard, the Executive Director of the Augusta Downtown Development Authority got together with other partners to discuss ways to help local entrepreneurs.

“During COVID, a lot of people started what I call cottage industries in their homes. We were quarantined and they started, you know, hobbies of making things, and a lot of small businesses came out of that. And this is just a center that gives them the resources to succeed,” Woodard explained.

Accelerate Augusta is a start up center for small businesses, providing a range of resources like mentorship, financial planning and access to funding.

“It is just to ensure that small businesses thrive, grow, existing small businesses expand. It’s just to be a training center where they get all the resources they need to thrive,” Woodard said.

The nonprofit’s executive director said the community support for Accelerate Augusta is impressive and he’s excited for the new journey.

“I came in from Charlotte. I’ve been here for about six weeks and I am floored with the amount of support that I’ve gotten from the community. And it really means a lot,” said Andrews.

The building, located at 600 Broad Street, is owned by the city of Augusta and they are providing it to Accelerate Augusta rent free for the next 20 years.

Accelerate Augusta is now open and ready to serve the CSRA’s entrepreneurs. You can find more information on how to participate at Accelerate Augusta’s Facebook page.