Empower by GoDaddy Partner Helps Entrepreneurs in the Pacific Southwest Reach the Next Level

NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / October 31, 2023 / GoDaddy

Foto: Accesswire

Samantha Scholl, Director of Entrepreneur Programs, Better Business Bureau Serving the Pacific Southwest

Empower by GoDaddy is a global social impact program equipping entrepreneurs with training, tools and peer networks to accelerate their business journeys. Together with its nonprofit and community partners, Empower by GoDaddy works to understand local communities and the small business landscape to identify gaps and develop customized programs for entrepreneurs of all backgrounds and circumstances.

Samantha Scholl is director of entrepreneur programs at the Better Business Bureau (BBB) Serving the Pacific Southwest, one of Empower by GoDaddy's many partners. But before stepping into her current role at the BBB, Scholl was the managing partner of a fine dining restaurant in San Diego, California, where she endured "one of the most challenging and heart-wrenching" experiences she's ever faced. Scholl witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and in a single day, her restaurant lost over $250,000 in revenue as events were canceled, and she had to make the decision to lay off 35 employees.

Amid the crisis, Scholl experienced adversity on multiple fronts - from her restaurant's patio burning down just days after opening, to disastrous flooding in her offices that were left vacant due to the pandemic. At Scholl's lowest point, a chance encounter with the BBB changed her trajectory. She learned about the Empower by GoDaddy program, which ultimately became her lifeline. Through sheer resilience and community support, Scholl managed to save her restaurant, hire back her employees and eventually transition into her current role at the BBB.

In light of her journey, Scholl shares valuable insights into the world of entrepreneurship, the challenges confronting aspiring business owners and the importance of fostering an inclusive environment for entrepreneurs.

The Entrepreneurial Landscape in 2023

Highlighting the dynamic nature of today's entrepreneurial experience, Scholl shares, "It's a rapidly changing landscape. Access to capital remains a significant hurdle for many, especially those in underserved communities with limited access to funding sources such as loans or venture capital. It truly hinders the growth of some promising businesses."