Resident looks for help hosting business conferences to help local shops through pandemic

ALBANY, Ga. – As Dougherty County continues to look for opportunities to help their small businesses overcome the challenges brought on by COVID-19, a local resident brought his idea to county commissioners.

“What we need, Mr. Chairman and commission is an entrepreneurial academy,” says Dougherty County resident William Wright.

Wright says what’s most needed in the small business community right now is empowerment through education. And he’s asking County Commissioners to help him launch free business conferences aimed at promoting business development for socially and economically disadvantaged individuals. People that he says are being overlooked. Especially now as federal COVID-19 relief is being distributed.

“Something is wrong when SBA can give out 300 billion dollars and minority businesses do not get a nickel. Something is just wrong with that.” 

According to Wright’s coalition of local organizations, the SBA 2020 Payment Protection Program did not make any loans or grants of $147,000 or larger to Albany’s minority businesses. He says the conferences will help clarify COVID-19 loan applications so that business owners can maximize their loans or grant opportunities and help their businesses stay afloat throughout the pandemic.

And all he needs from commissioners is a location to hold the conferences.

“I think that’s a wonderful idea about that entrepreneurial academy,” says Commissioner Anthony Jones, “I think a lot of our businesses especially our small businesses, they lack the education on how to go through the Small Business Association. Education is the key, our people can do much better when we educate them.”

Wright says his free conferences will be announced immediately after securing a location.