Ten years ago I started BiGAUSTIN to empower individuals by providing tools for self-sufficiency through business ownership.We rolled out our first class in 1994 with five students ready to jump-start their entrepreneurial futures.

Since then, BiGAUSTIN has served more than 2,000 Central Texas micro-entrepreneurs, provided $2.3 million (since 2000) in capital and helped create or retain more than 1,500 jobs. BiGAUSTIN clients have generated over $11 million in gross revenues, proving that they also keep money in the local economy and increase the tax base.

As a woman, I am particularly proud that BiGAUSTIN is now an SBA certified Women's Business Center. This month, BiGAUSTIN will cut the ribbon on the new Business Technology Center, fully-equipped with the latest technological tools for entrepreneurs. We are truly a full-service resource for entrepreneurs.

Today, BiGAUSTIN has a staff of ten full-time employees who teach our entrepreneurial classes, provide outstanding technical assistance, and support clients to obtain funding to meet their business needs with BiG loans.

The Board of Directors has also grown and diversified. Our new Chairman, Paul Saldaña, president of Adelante Solutions, will oversee a 10-member board representing many of Austin's most important corporations and organizations. I feel blessed personally, and our community is blessed, by the active support of so many talented entrepreneurs and business people - those who serve as Board members, advisors and volunteers with BiGAUSTIN - and our clients themselves, who use our services and their own innovative ideas and talents to start businesses and contribute to the economic vitality of our region.

I look forward to a new decade of growth for BiGAUSTIN and for our regional economy, and to working with you to make this possible.