BiGAUSTIN has moved to a new office building in the heart of Central East Austin. Beginning February 1st, 2005, BiGAUSTIN headquarters relocated to the new Jimmy Snell building at 1050 East 11th Street. The relocation allows BiGAUSTIN to better serve the East Austin Community by providing expanded services in a location that is easily accessible and close to downtown.

"The renaissance on East 11th Street is very important for the community and we are excited to be a part of this historic neighborhood," said BiGAUSTIN President and founder, Jeannette Peten. "From this new location, we will be able to provide our business training, one-on-one counseling and flexible loan programs at an easilyaccessible spot," continued Ms. Peten.

BiGAUSTIN will have an Open House at the new location in March 2005 to give the public a chance to see the new offices. Elected officials such as Congressman Lloyd Doggett (invited) will be on-hand to help BiGAUSTIN celebrate the new phase of the organization's history. The new BiGAUSTIN office is located only two blocks from I-35 and six blocks from the Texas State Capital.

The new location houses BiGAUSTIN's Business Technology Center, a state-of-the-art computer center that will offer entrepreneurs technology training for their business. Hewlett Packard and the Grant for Technology Opportunities (GTOPs) provided funds for the Business Technology Center. The Center addresses the technology and training needs of entrepreneurs on the wrong side of the digital divide.

"It is a good thing to have BiGAUSTIN in Central East Austin to help the small business owners in our area." Felicia Hunter, BiGAUSTIN loan client and owner of Above and Beyond salon located on E. Martin Luther King. Jr. Blvd.

BiGAUSTIN's Women's Business Center is also located in the East 11th offices. The Women's Business Center encourages the growth of women-owned businesses by providing a full range of training and services to women entrepreneurs.