By Charles Frago published in the Tampa Bay Times on Oct. 14, 2015

A $75,000 grant from the federal Small Business Administration will help the Tampa Bay Black Business Investment Corp. and the city of St. Petersburg offer training to small-business aspirants in bookkeeping, business plans and other educational purposes.

The announcement Tuesday was heralded by Mayor Rick Kriseman as another piece of support for the city's small business community.

"Investing in our people is far greater than investing in buildings alone," Kriseman said in front of the BBIC's St. Petersburg office, which will open a suite of offices at 1123 22nd St. S to help launch the technical assistance program.

U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor, D-Tampa, said the loans represented a commitment to economic opportunity for Midtown.

"The challenge here in south St. Pete oftentimes is that they don't have the capital to take that idea into reality. They don't know where to begin. They've got a great idea, something that's going to serve this community, but oftentimes translating that idea into new jobs and businesses can be very difficult," Castor said.

The money will be benefit up to 220 low-income entrepreneurs, who after receiving technical assistance will be matched with possible donors, said Albert Lee, president of the BBIC.

Greenhouse, which is the city's small-business incubator, and the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce will partner with the BBIC to set up the programs.