CommunityWorks has been named to serve as one of eight participating “spoke” organizations in South Carolina for the U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Community Navigator Pilot Program (CNPP). South Carolina Association for Community Economic Development (SCACED) received $2.5 million to serve as the “hub” organization in the South Carolina CNPP, deploying the grant among the eight “spokes” to provide support services for underserved entrepreneurs. The grant, awarded to 51 “hubs” nationally, is part of a $100 million initiative to help reduce the barriers that underrepresented and underserved entrepreneurs face in accessing the programs and services that they need to recover, grow, or start their businesses.

Structured as a “Hub and Spoke” model, the program will utilize networks and community advocates to assist historically underserved small businesses and entrepreneurs to better connect to the critical resources needed to launch, pivot, and recover from the impacts of the pandemic. As one of the eight spoke organizations in South Carolina, CommunityWorks will work to bridge the resource gap and support small business growth by providing lending, coaching, and financial wellness services. Specifically, CommunityWorks will focus on increasing opportunities and education surrounding small businesses and entrepreneurs accessing capital.

“The South Carolina CNPP has the resources needed to help small businesses and entrepreneurs find success – particularly those that have been traditionally underserved,” said Tammie Hoy Hawkins, CEO of CommunityWorks. “At the beginning of the pandemic, we pivoted to help small businesses face the crisis, and we haven’t stopped since. CommunityWorks is honored to be a part of the CNPP to continue serving the community.”

To learn more about the Community Navigator Pilot Program, please visit www.sba.gov/navigators.