West Palm Beach Mayo r Keith James and the federal Small Business Administration are hosting a small business town hall for local entrepreneurs Wednesday, Aug. 22, at Palm Beach Atlantic University’s Weyenberg Center.
The town hall, where James will be joined by SBA Southeast Regional Administrator Allen Thomas, is being held in celebration of National Black Business Month.
James, Allen and business leaders will discuss access to capital, legislative updates, growth opportunities, trends and the current climate for small business in West Palm Beach.
Helping small businesses in general and Black-owned small businesses in particular has been a point of emphasis for James’ administration.
Last year, the mayor launched the First Steps program, which provided grants to 43 firms doing business in a broad range of areas, including media, bookkeeping, floral, bakery and vacation rentals.
Demand for the grant funding was fierce, with more than 230 businesses applying for a combined $9.4 million to help them with inventory and equipment, marketing, new businesses and property improvement.