 | | Cassius Butts Regional Administrator U.S. Small Business Administration |
At the SBA, we're all about jumpstarting and elevating America's small businesses. We want to see you make your small business Smarter, Bolder and More Accessible. Collaboration with SBA resource partners is essential to our mission of helping small businesses, the engines of our economy, start and grow. This is something that is important to me, so I have created some helpful tips to help you kick-start your small business in 2015. Tip # 1: Don't Do it Alone: Never be afraid to ask for help- no matter how long you have been in business or if you are just getting up and running. SBA resource partners provide quality one-on-one counseling, training and mentorship that can help to unleash your small business potential. In fiscal year 2014, these efforts helped small businesses get more than $4.7 billion in capital infusion, start over 13,500 new companies, and create and retain more than 70,000 jobs. There are a handful of SBA resource partners that can cater to your small business needs or concerns. Our resource partners include SCORE, Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) and Women Business Centers (WBC). In addition, 15 organizations serve as Veterans Business Outreach Centers through cooperative agreements with SBA's Office of Veterans Business Development. Overall, SBA's resource partners make small businesses a big deal with large impact. Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) counseled and trained 485,487 clients, SCORE, For the Life of Your Business, counseled and trained nearly 442,000 clients, and Women's Business Centers (WBCs) provided assistance to 140,037 clients. Tip # 2: Think Globally: Opportunities across the globe can be one key stroke away. When you start or grow your business, please remember your customer can come from anywhere in the world. The SBA can assist you to think globally in the way you market your product or service, or if you would like to export your goods or service and we can assist you in bringing in a number one global client: the federal government. All of these resources are located under one umbrella for you at the SBA- help us to help you utilize the tools we have created for you to reach the global market. Tip # 3: Put Your Ego Aside: Make 2015 the year you establish the solid relationship with a lender- even if you aren't ready to borrow capital at this time. You will have that relationship in place when you are in need of capital for your business and that relationship can become critical for jumpstarting or expanding your business. Your local SBA office can provide you a list of current SBA guaranteed lenders. Establish a relationship with your competition. You never know when you can collaborate with a competitor to take on a contract larger than your capacity can handle alone. Learn from each other, put your egos to the side, and use each other as references. Your competition should be your closest client. And lastly, network. It seems so simple, but just by showing up and making one new business relationship in person can create a deal of a lifetime. Google Hangouts are great and provide a very helpful learning environment, but there is nothing quite like meeting someone in person, shaking hands, and making that personal connection. I hope you find these tips helpful while you create your New Year's resolutions for your small business. Thank you for everything you do as a small business owner every day. Our communities, our relationships, and our economy depend on you and your small business passion. Continue to be inspired and please remember that we are here to assist you every step of the way. I wish you a Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!!!!  Learn more about the Affordable Care Act and SHOP and what it means for your small business. Contact your local SBA District Office or visit www.sba.gov/healthcare to find RSVP for the next webinar to help you with ACA and your small business.  | | Tom Todt, District Director SBA Alabama District Office The Alabama District Office held a seminar on SBA Programs and Services for business students from Brown Mackie College. Professor Mary Walker and 15 of her students learned about SBA loan programs, 8(a) government contracting and the various resources available to small businesses in the district. To learn about future courses, please visit www.sba.gov/AL. |
Business Opportunity Specialist Teresa Wilson addresses the students from Brown Mackie concerning the 8(a) Program | |  |
 | | Wilfredo J. Gonzalez, District Director SBA North Florida District Office |
The NFDO and Edward Waters College (EWC) in Jacksonville, Florida recently hosted a series of courses for people interested in starting their own business. Over 100 people participated in the 7-week course, which concluded with a graduation ceremony on November 25. The classes focused on finance, business planning, marketing strategies, and identifying resources. Last year the SBA signed a Strategic Alliance Memorandum (SAM) with EWC as part of a regional effort to partner with historically black colleges and universities. These partnerships were designed to help reach underserved communities, as well as students. The NFDO recently signed a SAM with the African American of Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida (AACCCF) in an effort to extend its programs and services throughout the Central Florida region. Cassius Butts, SBA Region IV Administrator and Vernice Atkins-Bradley, AACCCF Board Chair signed the SAM as part of the Urban Entrepreneur Roundtable hosted at Orlando City Hall on November 20, 2014.  | | Francisco "Pancho" Marrero, District Director SBA South Florida District Office
SBA South Florida Deputy District Director Jonel Hein was on the dais at the city of Coral Gables "Small Business Saturday" events on Nov. 29. Since the inception of this small business milestone event, SBA South Florida district has played a part in this city's celebration. More than 115 Coral Gables' small businesses participated this year. The district was excited to learn of its selection to host two Emerging Leaders classes next year. The inaugural class graduated 13 business leaders out of the original 15 that registered. In addition to re-hosting an event in partnership with the Small Business Development Center at Florida International University (FIU) in downtown Miami, the district will convene a class in Tampa, Fla. SBA South Florida District is one of only two districts chosen to host two classes. With the coming of the holidays, comes the spirit of giving. SBA South Florida District will finalize its Combined Federal Campaign drive before the holidays and all signs appear that we will exceed our goal. Warm holiday greetings from everyone in the South Florida District! |
 | | Terri Denison, District Director SBA Georgia District Office SBA Administrator Maria Contreras-Sweet visits with Team Georgia December 8, 2014. During her visit the Administrator also met with the Atlanta Chamber of Commerce roundtable discussion, while also making an in studio appearance at CNN.
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Administrator Maria Contreras-Sweet meets with the SBA Georgia District Staff in December 2014. | |  |
 | | Ralph Ross, District Director SBA Kentucky District Office Small Business Saturday Event in Kentucky The SBA Kentucky District Office and the Louisville Independent Business Alliance (LIBA), the "Keep Louisville Weird" folks, held a Small Business Saturday event on November 29th at the original location of Feeders Supply near downtown Louisville. Joining District Director Ralph Ross at the event were Congressman John Yarmuth and Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer, along with LIBA Director Jennifer Rubenstein. All discussed the importance of small businesses to the economy and local communities. Feeders Supply was founded in 1959 as a feed store serving area livestock farms in the region, but the company has evolved into the premier retailer of pet foods and supplies in seven counties surrounding Louisville. Known as "the pet lover's store," the company offers over 10,000 items for small animals, pet birds and reptiles. This second generation business now has 14 locations and over 250 employees. The company donates floor space in our stores to area adoption agencies and rescue groups and supports local animal charities financially through sponsorships and donations. To locate and support independent small businesses throughout the year, go to www.sba.gov/local. To find out more about SBA programs and small business successes in Kentucky, go to www.sba.gov/ky, or call 502-582-5971. |
Ralph Ross, SBA Kentucky District Director Celebrates Small Business Saturday at Feeders Supply in Louisville. | |  |
 | | Janita Stewart, District Director SBA Mississippi District Office "Taking it to the Troops" On Wednesday, December 3rd, SBA Mississippi District Director Janita Stewart, Supervisory Lender Relations Specialist Rhonda Fisher, Supervisory Business Opportunity Specialist Alice Doss, and Lender Relations Specialist Rosetta Harris participated in a special outreach event for our men and women in uniform – members of the Mississippi National Guard (MSNG). The event took place at the MSNG JFH Auditorium, Jackson, Mississippi. This "Entrepreneurship Outreach Workshop" came into fruition as a result of the efforts of DD Stewart and DDD Gary Reed's meeting with Adjutant General Augustus Collins, head of the MSNG. CPT Clayton Wall, Employment Outreach Director, and Brigadier General Brewer, Director of Joint Staff, gave opening remarks at the event. SBA's key programs and services were highlighted, including Certifications and Federal Government Contracting; SBA's 7(a), 504, Community Advantage and Microloan Programs; SBA's Veterans Initiative with special focus on Veterans Advantage and B2B; and the SBDC at Jackson State University shared information on the management, technical assistance, counseling and training they provide to small businesses and entrepreneurs. Feedback provided by the attendees reflected that the event was very well-received. Some of the attendees were in business but the vast majority participated because they want to become business owners. |
SBA staff pictured along with the Troops are (Front Row left to right) - Rosetta Harris, Rhonda Fisher, Janita Stewart and Alice Doss. | |  |
On Thursday, November 20th, SBA's Mississippi District Director Janita Stewart; Deputy Director Gary Reed and Supervisory Business Opportunity Specialist Alice Doss participated in a small business procurement networking event in Crystal Springs, MS with Fluor Corporation. Fluor Corporation is a global engineering and construction firm that designs and builds some of the world's most complex projects The event provided an opportunity for small businesses, particularly HUBZone certified businesses, that provide janitorial, office supplies, food, trash/recycling, carpentry, welding and medical services. Also in attendance were several students from the local Job Corp who expressed interest in starting their own small business.  Above Left to Right- Becky Dionne, Purchasing Specialist, Mississippi Job Corps Center; Roy Smith, owner, Renee Tire Service, Crystal Springs; Avian Watkins, welding student at MsJCC: Tevin Dossett, Retail Sales student; Dr. Jonithan Hatcher, Director, Central Mississippi Procurement Center; Alice Doss, Supervisory Business Opportunity Specialist, Small Business Administration; Janita Stewart, District Director Small Business Administration; Gary Reed, Deputy Director Small Business Administration; Tommy Wheeler, owner, Wheeler Janitorial Supplies, Crystal Springs; Joe Benton, Sales Manager, At Work Uniforms, Orange Beach, Alabama; Jocelyn Griffin, Retail Sales student; Dan Davis, Business Community Liaison, Mississippi Job Corps Center. On November 18th, Mississippi SBA District Director Janita R. Stewart participated in a Jackson State University's conference in celebration of Global Entrepreneurship Week. Themed "Unleashing the Entrepreneur Within," the conference provided workshops covering topics on global opportunities in contracting; state and local certifications and training; marketing your business using social media; social entrepreneurship; and other funding opportunities for women-owned small businesses. DDD Gary Reed and SBOS Alice Doss participated in this special outreach event. Stewart shared with the audience of college students and others information on SBA's counseling, capital, contracting and disaster recovery programs, statistics on small business loans backed by SBA in FY 2014 and more. The JSU Department of Entrepreneurship in the College of Business sponsored the event in partnership with the Kauffman Foundation. (L to R) are: Mr. Lee Allen, Diversified Business Network, Denver, CO; Janita Stewart, MS District Director; Dr. Mercidee Curry, Instructor, Department of Entrepreneurship at JSU; and Dr. Donald Causey, Assistant Professor of Entrepreneurship at JSU | |  |
 | | Lynn Douthett, District Director SBA North Carolina District Office
SBA Awards ScaleUp America Funding to North Carolina Organization AdvantageWest in North Carolina was selected as an awardee in SBA's new ScaleUp America Program. Based in the Asheville area, AdvantageWest is one of only eight award recipients nationwide. The eight ScaleUp awardees were selected from more than 60 applicants to participate in the inaugural group of communities representing a wide range of diverse geographic areas and organizations. From urban to rural, the applicants focused on filling the gap in services for growth-oriented small businesses with average annual revenue of $150,000 to $500,000. AdvantageWest serves the most rural-based community of focus among the awardees. SBA's funding will assist AdvantageWest in strengthening opportunities for small businesses in the 23 most westernmost counties in North Carolina. The funds will be used to deliver entrepreneurship training for growth-oriented entrepreneurs and small businesses; provide on-going one-on-one support, mentoring and technical assistance; assistance and connections to growth capital; and opportunities to build and strengthen connections and networks in their community. On November 18, The SBA North Carolina District Office presented a check to AdvantageWest representing the base year of funding under the ScaleUp America program.
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From left: Roger Kumpf from the office of U.S. Rep. Patrick McHenry; Deputy District Director Mike Arriola presents the base-year funding check to Steve Duncan, Vice Chairman of AdvantageWest; Robin Ramsey from the office of U.S. Sen. Richard Burr. | |  |
 | | Elliott Cooper, District Director SBA South Carolina District Director This month, Deputy District Director Gregg White joined the head of Clemson University's "Technology Villages" pilot program on a tour of the program's four current business incubators in Bluffton, Hartsville, Rock Hill and Conway. Clemson's Technology Villages program is an initiative to help the South Carolina's rural communities develop and retain high-tech business and create jobs. Each Technology Village incubator has access to a multidisciplinary range of university research and resources, including the engineering and business schools and the Spiro Center for Entrepreneurship. Gregg's tour was part of the SBA South Carolina District Office's strategic alliance with Clemson University in support of its program. Gregg, a Clemson alum, met with the incubator directors and several of the participating start-ups to discuss the SBA financing and contracting resources that foster business growth. |
 | | Walter Perry, District Director SBA Tennessee District Director The District focused on increasing SBA lending to agricultural enterprises in Tennessee by teaming with the USDA Farm Service Agency to present an overview of SBA loan products on December 9 and 11. Over 100 lenders and Farm Service Agency employees across the state participated in regional trainings that emphasized how SBA can partner with USDA in joint participation deals using guaranteed lending programs offered by both agencies. In addition, small businesses in East Tennessee received comprehensive training on SBA's Surety Bond program in a joint program with SBA and the Knoxville Urban League. To increase SBA's presence in underserved markets, several Tennessee District Office staff participated in multiple MED Week events in the Nashville area during the first week of December. Recognizing success in the Tennessee small business community, on December 10 the District's Entrepreneurial Success Award was presented to John Pointer of Sears Hometown Store in Columbia and in the 8(a) Business Development Program, on December 12th, Alfred Washington of Top Notch Security of Memphis was recognized as the 8(a) Graduate of the Year for the Tennessee District. SBA staff participated in an International Trade Forum on December 4 in Nashville with the state of Tennessee and other resource partners. A Financial Empowerment event was presented to Veterans in the Nashville area on December 6, and a two-day Boots To Business training was also presented on December 10 and 11. Affordable Care Act outreach is a top priority for the District to emphasize the Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP) and a workshop was conducted on December 12 in Chattanooga and others are planned for December 17 in Clarksville and January 8 at the Memphis Public Library. To learn about upcoming events in Tennessee, please visit www.sba.gov/TN. |
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