Jake Soberal with Bitwise Industries speaks at an announcement Tuesday of the Digital Empowerment Center. Photo by Ben Hensley

Over the last several years, Bitwise Industries has expanded not only across the country, but right here in its hometown, spreading digital empowerment and education to micro and small businesses — in particular, those adversely affected by the pandemic.

Tuesday marked the next step in that effort, with Bitwise announcing a partnership with the City of Fresno to start the Digital Empowerment Center (DEC), a program aimed at providing local businesses tools necessary to thrive in the digital age.

Bitwise took advantage of a recent $1 million donation of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to open the DEC, a Bitwise Industries program aimed to provide free tools and skills necessary for success in a digital economy.

The program will offer IT solutions, development tools, education on processing digital payments and other tools necessary to thrive in the digital landscape.

“We want to teach these micro and small businesses how to use these services that are free or very low cost to grow their business,” said Thilani Grubel, vice president of Bitwise Fresno.

More than 1,500 micro and small businesses ranging from mobile food vendors to brick-and-mortar establishments will be eligible for the free program.

Arias said the $1 million provided to Bitwise for the program falls in line with the city’s plan during the pandemic to aid micro and small businesses.

“Don’t let the mayor fool you — TikTok is not that easy,” Fresno City Councilmember Miguel Arias said. “There is an actual science; there is an actual skill set and expertise required to help transition small businesses and compete in this marketplace.”

Arias and Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer both hope that the city’s investment paired with Bitwise’s expertise will help businesses thrive.

Bitwise is offering its service free of charge to any micro or small businesses in the City of Fresno that wish to expand its digital presence from marketing to sales and delivery services.

Micro and small business owners can sign up for the program at dec.bitwiseindustries.com, or by calling (559) 710-2070 where more information about specific workshops, programs and services can be found.