The Macon-Bibb Office of Small Business Affairs, Macon-Bibb Economic & Community Development Department, and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) are working together to support new businesses and entrepreneurs by hosting a Community Investment Forum to help business startups. The Forum will be held on Wednesday, October 19, from 10:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. in the fourth floor conference room at the Historic Macon Terminal Station (200 Cherry Street). It is open to bank representatives, business owners, entrepreneurs, and the general public.

“We want to let banks and businesses know about the potential in our area for a Community Development Financial Institution,” says Small Business Affairs Director Dr. James Bumpus. “With such an organization, micro loans for $500 to $5 million could be provided to business startups.”

While none currently exist in Macon-Bibb County, Dr. Bumpus and partners want to show banks the benefits to the entire community should they want to start one. Participants will be shown the need for such an organization in Macon-Bibb, how it has worked successfully in other communities, and how setting one up would satisfy a bank’s service/investment requirement as part of the Community Reinvestment Act. Presenters during the event will include Dr. Bumpus, Economic & Community Development Director Wanzina Jackson, and Elaine Hunter and Nancy Gresham Jones with the FDIC.