Welcome

On behalf of the Board of Directors of BiGAUSTIN (Business Investment Growth) we would like to welcome you to BiGAUSTIN's 2004 BiGIdea Awards Luncheon. The essential elements of any local economy start with small businesses that create a strong foundation. Small businesses are vital to sustaining the unique culture of our city and quality of life; BiGAUSTIN would like to recognize their importance, and demonstrate our appreciation for continuing to make Austin one of the most desirable cities to live. BiGAUSTIN takes great pride in recognizing the achievements and contributions of small businesses and we appreciate your support and attendance at today's event.

BiG is a micro-enterprise development organization that is dedicated to providing effective entrepreneurship education and access to capital in Central Texas. There are almost 90,000 micro-enterprises (a business with fewer than five employees) in Austin and Travis County, representing 13.4% of the total employment. Since its inception in 1995, BiG has served entrepreneurs in the Austin metropolitan area, focusing on economically disadvantaged communities. BiGAUSTIN recognizes that the core elements of success for any small business are knowledge, networks, and capital and we are proud to play a critical role in the sustainability and growth of small businesses as they move toward becoming self sufficient.

BiG offers a variety of educational products designed to assist entrepreneurs in developing practical business skills that are necessary for successful business venture management. These courses were developed and are sponsored by the Kauffman Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership, part of the largest entrepreneurship foundation in the United States. Additionally, BiGAUSTIN provides loans of up to $50,000 to qualified entrepreneurs, and has disbursed over $1.8 million in micro-loans in the last 4 years. Our proven model of education and micro lending has helped 1,622 small businesses, created over 1000 jobs and perhaps most importantly was able to sustain 577 existing jobs in the local economy. BiGAUSTIN firmly believes that small businesses are the staple of Austin's economy, and we are proud of our role in assisting small businesses to succeed!

Your ongoing support and partnership is greatly appreciated and we hope that you enjoy today's event.

Sincerely,

[Photo: Jeannette Peten]
Jeannette Peten, President
BiGAUSTIN

[Photo: Paul Saldana]
Paul Saldaña, Chairman
2004 BiG Idea Awards Luncheon

[Photo: Jerry Lewis]
Jerry Lewis,
Board Chairman