 Learn More About SBA Administrator Maria Contreras-Sweet  SBA Region IV:  SBA Online Courses Go to www.sba.gov for information on SBA programs and services. The SBA Kentucky District Office website has information on workshops and events around the state at www.sba.gov/ky.
 Veterans, whether you are starting or growing your business, SBA can help. Visit the resources SBA has for Veterans here. Entrepreneurial Opportunities for Veteran Entrepreneurs  Are you a Veteran looking towards entrepreneurship? Find a Boots to Business Reboot course near you! Blog / Financing Your Expanding Business with the SBA How can a small business keep up with the demands as it slowly begins to morph into a mid-size company? Blog |How Choosing And Buying A Franchise is Like the 10,000 Meter Run The correct way to choose, research and potentially buy a franchise can be likened to running a 10,000-meter race (which equals 6.2137 miles), in which it's imperative to pace yourself if you want to have any chance of winning.
Blog | 5 Ways to Support Staff with Education and Development Back-to-school refrains are in the air, making it a great time to think about how you can help your staff get the education and training they need to improve and be better employees. Blog | How to Have A Stand Out Business Credit Application
Getting approved for funding for your business is dependent on your perceived ability to repay the loan or line of credit.
Blog | Is Your Small Business Social Enough?
It is worth your time to build and nurture your social media presence even when your business — and your online audience — are small. Blog | 3 Technologies for Streamlining Customer Communications The rise of mobile search and shopping behavior has helped drive the effectiveness of out-of-home advertising.  Connect with lenders with the new SBA LINC tool to Find lenders in your area.
 Did you know the federal government buys nearly $100 billion worth of goods and services from small businesses each year? Government contracts can offer significant opportunities for small businesses, but selling to the government requires a very different approach than selling to the commercial sector. Understand how to: - Qualify as a small business
- Determine your NAICS code
- Register for government contracting
Learn more  CONTACT: www.sba.gov Main: 404-331-2798 region_4@sba.gov
Leadership: Cassius F. Butts, Regional Administrator SBA Office of Advocacy: Mark Berson, Regional Advocate mark.berson@sba.gov 404-331-3081 SBA Region IV Office Staff:
Tawana Farley, Regional Office Manager tawana.farley@sba.gov 404-331-4999
Lola Kress, Regional Communications Director lola.kress@sba.gov 404-331-2798  | | @SBASoutheast |
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The SBA Regional Office team would like to bid a fond farewell to GSA Region IV Administrator Torre Jessup. Regional Administrator Jessup has brought much opportunity throughout the Southeast Region leaving no stone unturned. RA Jessup and RA Cassius Butts have worked as a team since their days at Morehouse College when they both had the drive to serve the public. RA Jessup has not only served the public in his leadership capacity, but he succeeded in making GSA and the opportunities that GSA provide to small businesses stronger and more productive than how he found it. We wish Torre Jessup the best wishes in his future endeavors. Thank you for your service and thank you for your servant leadership. Torre Jessup leaves a legacy behind him as he moves ahead continuing to make a difference.  GSA Regional Administrator Torre Jessup (left) and SBA Regional Administrator Cassius Butts working together to assist entrepreneurs during the Back to Business Conference hosted by the SBA Georgia District Office and City Council President Ceasar MItchell earlier this month.  L to R: Gary Reed, SBA Mississippi Deputy District Director, Jeremy Sanford, SBA Economic Development Specialist, Janita Stewart, SBA Mississippi District Director Jeremy Sanford started with the Mississippi District Office as a Summer Hire in June 2008 while enrolled at Jackson State University (JSU). He participated in the STEP, SCEP, and then the Pathways to Federal Employment Program during his tenure with the Mississippi District Office. He was converted to 'permanent' status in February 2015. While at JSU, he earned undergraduate degrees in finance and accounting as well as his Master of Public Accountancy degree. He currently is a GS-11 EDS assigned to the 8(a) BD Division where he services a small 8(a) portfolio, is involved in youth entrepreneurship on one end, and is the SCORE Liaison on the other. He is an excellent spokesperson on SBA programs including our loan programs, 8(a), HUBZone, etc. Jeremy says, "Working with the SBA's Mississippi District office has been a tremendous blessing and opportunity. I've seen tremendous growth within myself, largely due to the fact that I've been privileged to work with such a great agency and such an elite team." Jeremy well represents the next generation of the federal government workforce. Congratulations Jeremy! What's Happening Around the Region
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Tom Todt, District Director |
The Alabama District Office recently renewed their Strategic Alliance Memorandum (SAM) with the City of Birmingham. Although ALDO has several SAMs in place with HBCUs, Birmingham is the only municipality with a SAM. Andrew Mayo, from the Mayor's Office of Economic Development, reported to the City Council, that since inception, the initiative, through counseling and mentoring from the local SCORE chapter, has contacted over 1,500 participants in workshops and follow-on mentoring. In his comments to the Council, Mayor William A. Bell, Sr. ((signing), reported on the recent OFO Management conference hosted in Birmingham. Mayor William Bell, Sr. Mayor of Birmingham, renews Strategic Alliance with the SBA Alabama District Office, coordinated by Tom Todt, District Director, and Lisa Cooper, Director, Mayor's Office of Economic Development. | |  |
Start Up In a Day: In other municipal news, Lead Lender Relations Specialist L. D. Ralph and District Director Tom Todt recently met with economic development and elected officials in Decatur, to discuss aspects of the recently-signed Startup in a Day pledge. Decatur is the first city in Alabama to take the pledge.  | |
Wilfredo J. Gonzalez,
District Director |
Working with Congress For Small Business: The North Florida District Office recently participated in 2 workshops with Congresswoman Gwen Graham on the panhandle of Florida. The first event was geared towards women's entrepreneurship and the second event was for veterans. The events were well attended by the public and was also supported by several resource partners in the area. Natalie Hall, Economic Development Specialist and Rosalind Bryant, Lender Relations Specialist provided SBA training at both workshops.  Pictured: Jim Riley, Business Consultant, Veterans Business Outreach Center; Johnny Branch, Business Growth Consultant, Small Business Development Center; Dr. Len Eichlernt, Business Growth Consultant, Small Business Development Center; Rosalind Bryant, Lender Relations Specialist; Roger Leverton, SCORE North Central Florida Director; Natalie Hall, Economic Development Specialist; Congresswoman Gwen Graham; and Brent Peacock, Associate Director, Veterans Business Outreach Center. SBA and Jacksonville Jaguars Support Small Business: The SBA North Florida District Office and the Jacksonville Jaguars hosted a joint business event on August 25. This was a successful government contracting forum that featured trainings, workshops, and panel discussions. Over 30 organizations, including government buying agencies, and business development entities participated. The event was hosted by the Jacksonville Jaguars at Everbank Stadium. For more information on this event or upcoming events, contact Thaddeus Hammond, SBA Business Opportunity Specialist at (904) 443-1965.  Mario Rubio, Small & Emerging Business Administrator, City of Atlanta, SBA Deputy District Director Gil Colon and SBA District Director Wilfredo J. Gonzalez, during the SBA/Jaguars Driving ROI Conference in Jacksonville, FL at Everbank Stadium. Disaster Loans Available in Orlando: Ed Ramos, Senior Area Manager and Nayana Sen, Public Affairs Specialist, recently met with the team at the Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) in Orlando, Florida. The center was set up after the attacks at Pulse Night Club on June 16. The disaster loans will be available in the area through March of 2017. The Orlando area office is also providing counseling to those impacted by the disaster. Visit the SBA's website to learn more about SBA Disaster Loans.  | |
Francisco Marrero, District Director |
"SFDO Veteran Business Connection" DORAL, Fla. –South Florida District Office Economic Development Specialist and Veteran Business Development Officer, Tina Davis and Public Affairs Specialist, Heather Hines joined radio personalities and World Business Radio Network co-founders Pete De La Torre and Sally Villalba to discuss veteran-owned business opportunities, upcoming workshops and district-wide lending performance, Aug. 23. De La Torre, the 2016 Florida State Small Business Media Advocate of the Year, and Villalba co-host the weekly 30-minute segment, "Let's Talk SBA."  SBA South Florida Economic Development Specialist and Veteran Business Development Officer, Tina Davis was joined by and Public Affairs Specialist, Heather Hines (right) during the "Let's Talk SBA" weekly radio segment with radio personalities and World Business Radio Network co-founders Pete De La Torre and Sally Villalba to discuss SBA veteran-owned business resources, upcoming workshops and district-wide lending performance, Aug. 23.  (right) SBA South Florida Economic Development Specialist and Veteran Business Development Officer, Tina Davis and Public Affairs Specialist, Heather Hines (left) joined radio personalities and World Business Radio Network co-founders Pete De La Torre and Sally Villalba (back, right to left) to discuss SBA veteran-owned business resources, upcoming workshops and district-wide lending performance during the weekly "Let's Talk SBA" radio segment, Aug. 23.  | |
Terri Denison,
District Director |
Grand Opening in Valdosta! Please help us welcome the newest addition to the Georgia SCORE family, Erica Hill. On Augusta 4, the Valdosta, Georgia branch was opened and Erica was selected to lead its efforts. The much-needed branch was opened to help reach the growing business community in the underserved southern Georgia region. Before the creation of the SCORE branch, Erica founded and ran an organization called Entrepreneurs of Valdosta for many years. The organization, comprised of volunteers, offered many of the same services that SCORE does, but it lacked the resources and infrastructure to keep pace with the growing client base. This new branch will address all of those limitations. The office is up and running and has already scheduled several training events. "We are happy to have Erica aboard and look forward to continuing the great partnership between SBA and SCORE," says Terri Denison, Georgia district director. If you would like more information about the Valdosta branch and its services, please contact Erica Hill at 229-630-1190 or Erica.hill@scorevolunteer.org |
Erica Hill, Founder, Entrepreneurs of Valdosta & Valdosta SCORE Director | |  |
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Ralph Ross,
District Director |
Woman Owned Business Opportunities in Kentucky The SBA District Office is participating in the Kentucky Women's Business Center's 4th Annual Women in Business Expo and Conference. This two-day event will feature a reception and business pitch event on September 6 and a full day of workshops, trade show and breakout sessions with six speakers on September 7. The keynote speaker for the event is Erin Andrew, SBA Assistant Administrator for Women's Business Ownership. Also, on August 26 the Kentucky District Office will offer a presentation on SBA programs at the Women's Business Center Monthly Roundtable in conjunction with the IRS Stakeholder Liaison for Kentucky and Tennessee. That same day, District Director Ralph Ross will be part of a panel discussion on financing options at the West Louisville Economic Development Forum. Hosted by the University of Louisville's Office for International, Diversity and Engagement Programs, the forum will engage community stakeholders at every level to discuss future development plans for West Louisville and focus on business opportunities for women and minorities in underserved areas of Kentucky's largest city. For more information, go to www.sba.gov/ky and look under Small Business Events.  | |
Lynn Douthett, District Director |
SBA Boots to Business: Reboot: On August 13, the North Carolina district office hosted an all-day veteran entrepreneurship workshop at North Carolina National Guard Headquarters in Raleigh. Over 60 attended the workshop which covered various topics including business plan writing, setting up a legal structure, and securing funding. SBA Boots to Business: Reboot is a national training program that provides veterans and their spouses an overview of business ownership as a career, an outline of the components of business ownership, a practical exercise in opportunity recognition, and an introduction to available public and private sector resources. Since its inception in 2013, the Boots to Business program has conducted 1,795 workshops with over 37,500 transitioning veterans. In North Carolina, we have hosted 111 Workshops for about 1,850 attendees. The program is made possible by SBA's Office of Veteran's Business Development with the support of The Institute for Veterans and Military Families at Syracuse University and local SBA partners. "The hard work and expertise of our partners help make Boots to Business possible," said SBA District Director Lynn Douthett. "The Reboot program provides a solid foundation to service members who have already made the transition to civilian life." North Carolina will host upcoming Boots to Business: Reboot events on August 29-30 in Charlotte and September 16 in Wilmington. For more information and to register, participants should visit http://boots2business.org/reboot.  | | Annette Stevenson (right, at podium), board member of the North Carolina Veteran's Business Association, leads a panel discussion on the steps to turn an idea into a sustainable business concept. |
Michael Penney (left, on stage) delivers the keynote speech on the introduction to the entrepreneurial experience. Michael served in the U.S. Marine Corps and is the owner of Cigars and Sea Stories in Raleigh. | |  |
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Elliott Cooper,
District Director |
South Carolina District Office Gail Newton retires after 29 years of federal service!!! Gail Newton, Lender Relations Specialist, retired on July 29th after 29 years of dedicated federal service. She started at the SBA on April 1987. Her career began as a Clerk Typist, and Front Desk Receptionist. From there Newton pivoted to the lending side of the agency. Her start in this department began as a Loan Servicing Assistant (LSA), Loan Liquidation Assistant (LLA), and Loan Processing Assistant (LPA). Her last span with the SBA was as a Lender Relations Specialist (LRS). Newton indicated that she plans to do nothing major for the next 6 months. She wants to soak up what real retirement is all about for now. Her immediate goals are the following: take care of self, husband, mother and the family. She has two lovely grandchildren and plans to spend more time with them as well. When not caring for the family, Newton plans to become more involved with teaching bible
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Elliott Cooper, District Director, wishing Gail Newton, Retired Lender Relations Specialist, continued success |
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Gail Newton and Gregg White-SBA Deputy District Director celebrate success! | |  |
John Mallano, Acting District Director On August 30 and 31, the Tri-State Minority Supplier Development Council (TSMSDC) will host the "2016 Marketplace of Opportunities" in Nashville which will include an expo and training sessions with SBA Tennessee District Office participation in a workshop entitled "What Can SBA Do For You: Capital, Contracting, and Counseling". For more information please contact the TSMSDC, http://www.tsmsdc.com/events
On September 1, the District Office will have a booth at the Nashville Small Business Expo at the city's new Music City Center convention facility which last year hosted over 350 attendees. Along with the City of Nashville, SBA will also participate in a panel focused on government contracting and disadvantaged businesses. This years' theme is "Start a Business—Own Your Own Destiny" and will feature keynote speaker Mignon Francois, owner of The Cupcake Collection. Registration is required through this link: www.nsbe2016.eventbrite.com On September 20 and 21, the SBA Tennessee District Office and the Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF) will host in "ReBoot" in downtown Nashville at Bunker Labs (at the Nashville Entrepreneur Center). "ReBoot" is a two day training program catered to veterans and their spouses, covering the "nuts and bolts" of entrepreneurship. Information from the Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC) along with SCORE, Pathway Women's Business Center, and the Nashville Small Business Development Center will be available to connect veteran entrepreneurs after this two-day intensive training. To register for ReBoot in Nashville: https://www.sba.gov/node/1537640 and information on other trainings, nationwide, see: https://www.sba.gov/boots-to-business-reboot-events . On September 22, the Tennessee District Office will present, "Steps to Getting Certified: 8(a), WOSB, EDWOSB, SDVOSB, Veteran-Owned and HUBZone Certifications" at the Pathway Women's Business Center in Nashville, 6pm-8pm, Central, 201 Venture Circle, Nashville, TN 37228. Registration is required: www.pathwaywbc.org and further information on the Pathway Women's Business Center's Government Contracting Series. Please see the full set of activities happening in Tennessee in August and September! For more information, contact our office at tn@sba.gov or www.sba.gov/tn |
