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Taskforce proposes expanding loans, grants and training to boost local small businesses and workforce
Summary
The Business Development and Workforce Taskforce advanced proposals to expand capital access for local "impact businesses" using one-time ARPA funds, create employee-ownership and co-op supports, and broaden workforce training and apprenticeships to meet local high-wage job demand.
The Business Development and Workforce Taskforce on June 10 reviewed subcommittee recommendations to expand financing and training aimed at local small businesses and workers.
The small-business subcommittee proposed using American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars to expand the existing revolving loan fund and to establish a new impact-business grant program to increase access to capital for locally based "impact businesses." The group also recommended programs to support business succession through employee-ownership training and a purchasing and marketing co-op that would give preference to minority-, women-, veteran- and other certified firms.
Taskforce members also discussed workforce development proposals intended to connect local job-seekers with high-demand, high-wage positions. The recommendations include an upskilling program targeted at adults (originally framed for ages 18–35) and awareness campaigns about in-demand occupations in Athens. The group urged expansion of apprenticeship opportunities across construction trades and into electrical work to link trainees with green jobs and higher-wage roles.
On worker empowerment, the subcommittee recommended educational supports for youth, adults and nonprofits and asked staff to investigate community benefit agreements (CBAs) for Athens-Clarke County (ACC) contracts. Members also flagged a pending disparity study and requested staff find out whether it will lead to procurement changes affecting ACC contracting.
The subcommittee’s recommendations will be prioritized at a full taskforce meeting on June 17 and packaged into a report due June 26 for presentation to the Mayor and Commission in July and August.
