Progress in Augusta is achieved one step at a time, with each building and business contributing to the momentum. It requires many visionary individuals to steer the course.

Ashley Harris is one of them.

“I started out as a high school Economics and U.S. Government teacher. Then, I transitioned into the Chamber world,” she explains.

After three years with the Columbia County chamber, she came to Accelerate Augusta.

She’s still teaching but with a different kind of student.

“At Accelerate Augusta, I serve as the program manager and director, where I develop programs aimed at small business owners, entrepreneurs, and anyone in between. Our goal is to create workshops and courses that enhance their business operations.”

She says the program is the brainchild of Augusta Technical College and the Downtown Development Authority.

She elaborates, “Our approach involves hosting classes, cohorts, bootcamps, and academies that are tailored based on feedback from small businesses. Whether it’s QuickBooks training, social media marketing, or the latest class we had on generative AI and ChatGPT, we strive to provide valuable resources that positively impact small business owners.”

For Ashley, this is more than a job.

It’s a mission toward a greater good.

“I love the CSRA and Augusta. I have done the majority of my professional work in Columbia County. But, I’m a native of Augusta. I love the area and I love the potential and the growth that’s happening right before our eyes. Having a hand in it is also fulfilling.”

While her goal is to help move the city in a positive direction she has advice for women trying to get on the right path in business.

“They have to stand firm in what they believe. They have to be able to be confident enough to be in places that they know that they belong but not necessarily be welcomed.”