Back in 2020, when the economic impact of COVID-19 hit our community hard, BCL of Texas stepped up to administer the TCTX Thrive Small Business Program. We were proud to offer a lifeline to 225 local small businesses, providing them with crucial reimbursement grants of up to $40,000 through the Coronavirus Relief Funds via the CARES Act, along with vital business coaching to help them navigate those challenging times.

Even as we supported those businesses, we knew the need was greater. Another 94 deserving businesses had been approved and placed on a waitlist, and we were committed to finding a way to help them too.

That opportunity arose thanks to the continued partnership with Travis County. They once again turned to BCL, and together, we developed the Travis County Thrive Small Business Program 2.0 (Thrive 2.0). Approved by the Travis County Commissioner’s Court in the summer of 2023, this program was specifically designed to support those 94 businesses on the original Thrive waitlist with grants of up to $40,000, provided they still met the eligibility guidelines. We extend our sincere gratitude to Travis County for their ongoing commitment to our local small business community; their support was instrumental in making Thrive 2.0 a reality.

When Thrive 2.0 launched, our outreach began immediately. We were determined to connect with every single one of those 94 businesses. However, as we reached out, we learned that some had unfortunately closed, relocated, or been sold in the intervening years.

For the businesses that were still eligible, BCL was there to provide comprehensive Technical Assistance, guiding them through every step of the application process. We understood that small business owners are incredibly busy, often juggling numerous responsibilities. So, we prioritized accessibility, offering dedicated customer support through multiple calls, emails, and even in-person visits to ensure they could successfully complete and submit their applications. Our persistence paid off, and we received 45 applications. Following thorough reviews by both BCL and Travis County, we were thrilled to award grants to 40 of these resilient businesses.

The success of Thrive 2.0 wouldn’t have been possible without the dedication of our incredible team. BCL would especially like to extend a special acknowledgment to our star Program Manager, Yeraldin Yordi. Throughout the entirety of the Thrive 2.0 program, Yeraldin consistently went above and beyond for our clients, demonstrating exceptional support and guidance. Her efforts were truly instrumental in the successful outcomes achieved by the participating businesses. She hit a home run in ensuring our clients had the assistance they needed every step of the way.

Beyond the financial support, these 40 businesses also benefited from personalized one-on-one coaching provided by our team at BCL. These sessions offered a valuable opportunity for owners to refine their business plans, develop strategies to prepare for future unforeseen challenges, and connect with the resources they needed to thrive.

Thrive 2.0 perfectly embodies BCL’s core mission: to empower entrepreneurship and drive local economic impact through a combination of vital grant funding and hands-on coaching services. We are immensely proud of the positive impact these programs have had on our community and deeply appreciate the partnership with Travis County that allows us to continue this important work in Austin and beyond.