The Office of Small Business Affairs (OSBA) is continuing its mission to uplift and support Hispanic-owned businesses during Hispanic Heritage Month. On Wednesday, October 6, OSBA held a Zoom session in Spanish for anyone to attend and learn about how to navigate being an entrepreneur in Macon-Bibb. That session was led by Community Affairs intern Elizabeth Almena and the owner of Empreza Tax Services, Gabriela Gilner.

You can view that information session here. Please share with your Spanish-speaking friends and colleagues to help them out!

On Thursday, October 7, there was a Cash Mob at several local restaurants: The 3 Countries, La Bella Morelia, and Ricky’s Taco Shop. This “mob” is armed with love and money to aggressively support and enjoy a business!

“Macon-Bibb has a growing Hispanic population and we want to support these minority small business owners,” says OSBA Director Charise Stephens. “We have translated our resource materials and will have direct outreach to increase the number of companies registered in our program.”

Still to come this month, October 13 will be Technical Assistance Day at OSBA. It’s an open-house style event where business owners and those interested in starting a business can meet the staff, learn where to start, get help with their questions, and network. There will also be information on grant writing and receiving grants. That’s happening from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at City Hall (700 Poplar Street).

There’s a free concert – “Encuentro de Culturas” – happening Saturday, October 16 at Willingham Auditorium (1400 Coleman Avenue) at Mercer University. Members of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra will be performing at the direction of Artistic Director Juan R. Ramírez. Masks are required to attend, and the show is taking place from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m