Our History

BiGAUSTIN: History of Empowering Entrepreneurs

It’s simple. We love what we do.

BiGAUSTIN, a non-profit organization, was founded in 1992 as a City of Austin-funded initiative aimed at assisting individuals, particularly low-to-moderate income minorities, in starting their own businesses. Over the years, BiGAUSTIN has evolved into a leading force in entrepreneurship and workforce development in Central Texas.

Timeline of BiGAUSTIN's history:

  • 1992: Founded as a City of Austin Neighborhood Housing-funded organization.

  • 1995: Obtained 501(c)(3) non-profit status and began independent operations.

  • 1996: Launched the Start Smart program, providing business training and support to aspiring entrepreneurs.

  • 2000: Expanded services to include small business lending and consulting.

  • 2003: Became a Certified Community Development Entity (CDE)

  • 2006: Became a Certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), gaining access to federal resources and programs to support underserved communities.

  • 2011: Expanded services to include youth entrepreneurship programs and job skills training.

  • 2015: Launched the Rise and Thrive program, focusing on empowering individuals with the skills, knowledge, and resources they need to achieve financial independence.

  • 2020: Opened the BiGAUSTIN EnVision Center, a collaborative workspace and resource hub for entrepreneurs.

Today, BiGAUSTIN continues to be a vital resource for entrepreneurs in Austin, offering a wide range of services, including:

  • Business training and consulting

  • Small business lending

  • Mentorship and networking opportunities

  • Community development initiatives

Through its commitment to empowering individuals and fostering economic growth, BiGAUSTIN has played a significant role in shaping the entrepreneurial and upskilling the unemployment landscape of Austin.