Welcome to Access Point, your monthly roundup of the latest news and opportunities from the Access Georgia Foundation and our partners across the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Read on to learn what’s happening this month!
Table of Contents
Sponsor SPOTLIGHT! Welcome to Access Foundation’s Newest Sponsor, Silicon Valley Bank!
As the key financial partner for the innovation economy, Silicon Valley Bank (SVB), a division of First Citizens Bank, is dedicated to supporting the backbone of the ecosystem – venture capital investors and their portfolio companies – bringing our deep expertise, specialized banking solutions and connections to drive portfolio growth.
Through Catalyst 2045, our company-wide effort to bring the benefits of SVB to emerging segments in the innovation ecosystem, we are fueling the innovation economy – accelerating change that drives results through access to capital, resources, connections, expertise and advice. Drawing on decades of experience, we unlock the potential of emerging segments to shift the broader landscape.
Register for Digital Ready and Refine Your Finance Strategy!
Verizon’s Small Business Digital Ready offers self-paced, expert-led courses designed to help small business owners thrive in the digital economy. Each course takes less than 45 minutes to complete, covering essential topics like social media marketing, cybersecurity, and money management.
For small business owners, strong financial skills are the foundation for sustainable growth and resilience, especially in today’s unpredictable economic climate. Understanding your finances helps you make better decisions, control cash flow, and position your business for long-term success.
Here are two fast, focused courses that will build financial skills you can put into action right away:
Gbenga Ogunjimi will guide you in developing a healthy money mindset that supports your business goals and empowers you to make better, more confident business decisions.
Award-winning coach Malla Haridat will walk you through evaluating profitability, cash flow, and the real costs of running your business.
Time’s Running Out to Apply for $10,000 Small Business Grant!
If you’re a small business owner, here’s a real chance to gain practical skills and receive financial support. Small business owners must enroll and complete two courses through Digital Ready to be eligible to apply for a $10,000 Verizon business grant.
Since 2021, Verizon has awarded $13.5 million in grants through a partnership with LISC, helping around 1,350 small businesses grow. This year, 50 grants of $10,000 each are available.
You must complete two courses by June 30th at 11:59 p.m. PT to be eligible to apply.
Save the Date! Access Happy Hour on August 12th
Access Foundation is bringing together metro Atlanta’s business community, entrepreneurs, founders, and startup leaders for an evening of connection and conversation. It’s a chance to meet others, share your entrepreneurial story, and discover new opportunities over great food and drinks.
Where: bar{n} booze {n} bites, Dunwoody Village, 5521 Chamblee Dunwoody Rd, Dunwoody, GA 30338
When: August 12 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Registration will open soon!
Whether you want to grow your network, find support, or just enjoy time with others who understand the entrepreneurial journey, this event is about building a stronger, more connected local business community.
We’d love to see you there!
The Takeaway
This week: “A CEO’s Guide to Navigating Tariffs, Uncertainty and Opportunities” from Forbes.
With so much uncertainty around the economy, global trade, and rising costs, it’s easy for business owners to feel overwhelmed. This article is a reminder that worry comes with leadership, but it doesn’t have to take over. CEO Hannah Kain shares practical strategies for managing risk, making smart financial decisions, and staying grounded without burning out.
It’s a valuable read for anyone facing tough choices and trying to lead with purpose in unpredictable times.
