Programs
Maximize Business Achievement (MBA)
This program focuses on individuals looking for industry-specific workshops. All MBA programs are 3-parts: information sessions, guest speakers who are industry leaders, and Q&A sessions. MBA is designed for the entrepreneur who is already in business or future entrepreneurs interested in starting a home-based business, construction, mobile vendors, and for the 50+ entrepreneurs.
Survive & Thrive
This unique program is designed in partnership with the CDFI Fund to assist the most economically distressed counties of central Texas. It provides industry-specific business and technical training to individuals in Blanco, McCulloch, Mason, Milam, and San Saba counties. In addition, participants receive one-on-one counseling and micro-loan assistance. Our goal is to increase the loan approval rates of program participants.
Start Smart
Are you looking to start a business, but have no idea where to start? If so, this 7-week course is for you! There are 14 sessions to arm you with all you need to know to start and run your business. We will also connect you with like-minded entrepreneurs who are on a similar journey. This course is offered 3 times a year. Classes fill up quickly, so sign up today.
Client Grievance Policy and Procedures
It is the policy of Business Investment Growth (BiGAUSTIN)to provide all clients and those seeking services with a copy of the Client Grievance Policy and Procedures and an opportunity to file a grievance. If you choose to file a grievance, you are assured that no adverse repercussions will occur to you in any future interaction with BiGAUSTIN. A grievance may be filed for the following reasons:
1. You feel that you were improperly denied services
2. You feel that the services were not effective
You, or someone you ask to help you, should put your grievance in writing and submit it on a Client Grievance Form, which you may request by calling BiGAUSTIN. An exception would be in Step 1 should you choose to discuss the complaint with the Executive Director. If you are unable to write the complaint yourself and cannot find anyone to help you, you may submit it orally or ask BIGAUSTIN to provide you assistance in submitting your complaint. If you choose not to use the Grievance Form, please make sure that you have included the same information that is asked for on the form. All timelines may be extended by mutual agreement. To file a complaint with BiGAUSTIN, please follow the steps below:
Step 1 As soon as possible following the event with which you disagree, you may contact the CEO/President to discuss your complaint with him or her, or put your complaint in writing and direct it to his or her attention. The CEO/President has up to 30 days, from the time BIGAUSTIN receives your complaint, in which to provide you a written decision. If you were denied services based on the merits of your case, the CEO/President's decision shall be final. If you were denied services for another reason, you may proceed to Step 2.
Step 2 If you are not satisfied with the decision of the CEO/President, and you want that decision reviewed, you must within 15 days request a paper review of the CEO/President's decision by the Grievance Committee of the Board of Directors or request a meeting in person. The request shall be submitted to the CEO/President who will forward it to the President of the Board of Directors. The President of the Board will appoint a Grievance Committee to review your complaint. The decision of the CEO/President will be overturned only upon a showing that there was an abuse of discretion. The President of the Board of Directors shall send the decision of the Grievance Committee to you in writing as soon as possible, but no later than 45 days after BIGAUSTIN receives your request for a review. The decision shall be final.
The CEO/President shall submit reports to the Board of Directors regarding grievances handled in Step 1, at least three times per year.
FILING A DISCRIMINATION COMPLAINT
To file a program discrimination complaint, send it to: Director, Office of Civil Rights and Equal Employment Opportunity, 1500 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W., Washington, DC 20220.
Additional Resources: