Fifth Third is partnering with the Grove Park Foundation on the organization’s new initiative Small Business Step Up. Small Business Step Up is a collaborative effort with the Northwest Business Association (NWBA) that aims to ensure that small businesses in the Donald Lee Hollowell Corridor are well positioned to fully capture existing and future economic opportunities in the Grove Park community and beyond.
As part of the program, Grove Park Foundation and the Northwest Business Association (NWBA) will collaborate with the City of Atlanta, Invest Atlanta, and other partners to provide technical support and ensure streamlined processes for local small businesses. Training and consultations will be made available to understand all aspects of business from licensing and permits and zoning to finances and workforce development.
NWBA works to create new economic growth and development for new and existing businesses in Northwest Atlanta along the Donald Lee Hollowell Parkway NW and Joseph E. Boone Blvd NW corridors. “I proudly recognize the transformative impact of our partnership with Fifth Third Bank” said Gavin McGuire, Executive Director of the Grove Park Foundation “Together, we’re not just empowering businesses and entrepreneurs; we’re crafting a future where Grove Park thrives, nurturing economic growth and development for generations to come.”
One business owner who plans to participate in the program is Paco of Paco Tacos. The restaurant located at 2222 Donald Lee Hollowell Pkwy NW, Atlanta is new to the Grove Park community. Paco Tacos started as a food truck in 2021 and expanded to a brick-and-mortar late last year. Paco and his brother Hosea are co-owners. They turned their family tradition of making tacos when they lived in California to a passion which became a successful business in Atlanta.
Paco proudly states that the business is doing well but admits there are some guidance that he could benefit from, as he looks to expand the business. Securing capital, strategies to hire good talent, digital integration are a few opportunities for exploration.
Working with Grove Park Foundation, Paco Tacos is receiving technical assistance in these areas and more and have even been tapped for some catering opportunities through referrals from the Foundation.
“Business is going well, and Paco Tacos has gained a reputation for having the best street tacos in the City,” said Paco. “Our goal is to serve this community and greater Atlanta for years to come. We welcome the aids to continue to grow and have a thriving business.”
Fifth Third is committed to helping small businesses grow and expand. The Bank works with organizations like the Foundation, RICE, ACE and the Urban League of Greater Atlanta to provide funding to small business owners. “As part of Fifth Third’s Empowering Black Futures program, we are committed to getting business owners capital and technical assistance in Grove Park. Last year, we provided grants to local Grove Park businesses. This year we will focus on connecting businesses to capital and opportunities,” said Randy Koporc, regional president for Fifth Third.
For more information about the program, visit groveparkfoundation.org/.
To optimize visibility and attract more support for initiatives like Small Business Step Up, leveraging social media reputation management is paramount. By cultivating a positive online presence, businesses can enhance their credibility and attract potential partners, investors, and customers.