NEWS For Small Businesses Across the @SBASoutheast

Next Week is YOUR National Small Business Week

@SBASoutheast News to Share April 2017 SBA is gearing up for National Small Business Week Next Week: April 30-May 6, 2017. We're pleased to announce this year's webinars on a variety of business topics listed below.   National Small Business Week Webinars- Be Engaged!   The U.S. Economic Outlook and Its Impact on Small Businesses Presented by Visa May 2, 2017 | 2:00-3:00 pm ET Register here   5 Fabulous Habits of Local Business Champions Presented by YP May 3, 2017 | 2:00-3:00 pm ET Register here   How to Write Your Email Content in 15 Minutes or Less Presented by Constant Contact May 4, 2017 | 3:30-4:30 pm ET Register here   Find the Hidden Money in America Presented by Chase May 4, 2017 | 5:00-6:00 pm ET Register here --- In This Issue --- Learn About: Resources available for entrepreneurs Events for small business happening across the Southeast Region SBA Blogs  SBA Tutorials Contracting opportunities SBA is proud to celebrate another year of serving small businesses. Learn how we support you! Learn more about SBA loan programs Get started as a contractor  Find an SBA District Office Manage your staff and employees Choose your business location and equipment  Resources of Interest: About The SBA Region IV Office The SBA Region IV Office includes the states of: Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Kentucky and Tennessee. Nearly $6.1 billion in SBA-backed loans were approved to small businesses across the Southeast in fiscal year 2016. Learn more about the SBA Region IV Office: https://www.sba.gov/offices/regional/iv or contact the office: region_4@sba.gov.  Follow us on: Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) are located in every state. These centers offer no-cost counseling for existing small business owners. Over 75,000 small business owners were counseled just last year in the Southeast Region. Locate your local SBDC here.  SCORE counselors provide no-cost small business mentoring, advice, and seminars to help you better operate your small business. SCORE is a great resource to utilize when starting your own small business. Over 57,000 entrepreneurs in Region IV were assisted by SCORE volunteers this past year. Find your local SCORE Chapter here. The Women's Business Centers (WBC) offer mentoring services as well as educational programs and networking events for women who own small businesses (as well as all entrepreneurs).  Over 18,000 women entrepreneurs were trained and counseled through WBC's in the Southeast last year. Locate your local WBC here.          SBA Region IV Office News and Events                  SBA Region IV: SELF Help for Small Business Owners SBA Online Courses Go to www.sba.gov for information on SBA programs and services. Veterans, whether you are starting or growing your business, SBA can help.  Visit the resources SBA has for Veterans here.  2017 National Small Business Week  April 30-May 6, 2017 2017 Small Business Persons of the Year Announced Across the Nation! View List Here! SBA BLOGS Writing YOUR Success Story It's the classic opening to our favorite fairy tales. As children we dream of magic potions and knights in shining armor that will provide our happily ever after. How were we to know that our own hard work, skill and determination could be far more effective? Setting the Stage By SBA Administrator Linda McMahon SBA Administrator sets the stage for her role as leader of the SBA. How To Get Your Money Questions Answered When Buying A Franchise How Much Money Will You Need To Buy A Franchise? How to Know When to Change Your Business Plan Sometimes you need to stick to your business plan to make it work. Even a mediocre strategy consistently executed over time is better than a series of brilliant strategies that keep going off in different directions. Strategy often takes time. Contracting: Does Your Small Business Qualify? Small businesses do big business with the federal government. Think about the possibilities of generating sales and revenue with the government. Contracting 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 SBA Region IV Office www.sba.gov SBA Region IV Office 233 Peachtree St. NE Suite 200 Atlanta, GA 30303 region_4@sba.gov 470-891-5509 (temporary number) Leadership: Elliott O. Cooper,  Acting Regional Administrator      SBA Region IV Office Staff:   Tawana Farley, Regional Office Manager tawana.farley@sba.gov 470-891-5512   Lola Kress, Regional Communications Director lola.kress@sba.gov 404-330-4737   @SBASoutheast #SmallBusinessWeek The Spotlight is on the Small Business Week Winners Being Honored Across the Southeast! Entrepreneurs are being celebrated in every corner of the Southeast Region this year in honor of National Small Business Week.  Although the celebration is proclaimed for next week, we honor entrepreneurs every single day of the year.  Below, you will read about many of the winners selected throughout the districts in this amazing region and we also have some regional winners to celebrate. Elliott O. Cooper, Acting Regional Administrator of the SBA's Region IV, is proud to announce the 2017 winners of SBA's Regional Small Business Week Awards. The following winners are being recognized as regional winners during National Small Business Week:  Region IV 8(a) Graduate of the Year Award Andrew "Andy" Harold, President Harold and Associates, LLC Jacksonville, Florida   Region IV Exporter of the Year Aviator Brewing Company Mark David Doble Fuquay-Varina, NC   Region IV Prime Contractor of the Year Jolmathan Chionchio, President USA Environmental, Inc. Oldsmar, Florida    Region IV Small Business Development Center Excellence & Innovation Center Award Myrtle Beach Area Small Business Development Center Located at Coastal Carolina University‌   Region IV Subcontractor of the Year Neeta Singh, President, CEO & Owner Tiger Controls, Inc. Greensboro, NC   Region IV Women's Business Center of Excellence Award WeVenture Erica Lemp, Executive Director Melbourne, FL Congratulations to ALL of the 2017 Small Business Week Winners!!!!! What's Happening Across The Southeast Region: SBA Alabama District Office Tom Todt, District Director Former Alabama Deputy District Director, Raymond Hembree, recently retired after 44 years of government service. Hembree was feted at a reception in his honor, which included family members, SBA staff, current and former SBDC Directors and staff, and SCORE members. In addition to the Deputy Director position, Hembree served as the SBDC Project Officer and SCORE liaison for the District. SBA District Director Tom Todt presents Raymond Hembree with a "story board" which chronicles Hembree's work history coordinating the Mobile Small Business Assistance Center throughout the Alabama District. Former and current SBDC directors and staff assembled to congratulate Hembree (center) on his retirement after 44 years. North Florida District Office Wilfredo J. Gonzalez,  District Director The North Florida District Office will celebrate the 2017 Small Business Week Award Winners from the Jacksonville area at the Annual Small Business Week & Lender Awards Celebration on May 4, 2017. The event is hosted by Janice Donaldson, Regional Director for the Small Business Development Center at the University of North Florida from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm. The Orlando area Small Business Week winners will be honored at a private event hosted by Eunice Choi, Regional Director for the Small Business Development Center at the University of Central Florida, on May 16, 2017, at the Citrus Club.  The 2017 North Florida District Office Small Business Week Winners: North Florida District Small Business Person of the Year Gabriel Ruiz, LTC, USA (Ret) Advanced IT Concepts, Inc., Winter Springs, Fla.   North Florida District and State of Florida Minority Owned Small Business Person of the Year Hanan Hamed-Furqan, CEO THREEZ Company, LLC, Jacksonville, Fla.   North Florida District and State of Florida Small Business Woman-Owned Person of the Year Sheryl Page, President and CEO Page One Consultants, Inc., Orlando, Fla.   North Florida District Small Business Advocate of the Year James Stallings, Managing Partner PS27 Ventures, Jacksonville, Fla.   North Florida District Small Business Financial Advocate of the Year Janice Bounds, Vice President of SBA Lending CBC National Bank, Jacksonville, Fla.   North Florida, State of Florida, and Region IV 8(a) Graduate of the Year Andrew "Andy" Harold, President A. Harold and Associates, Jacksonville, Fla.   The SBA's Emerging Leaders Program, offering executive-level training returned to Jacksonville, Florida this year. The Emerging Leaders training focuses on small, poised-for-growth companies with potential for job creation.  The seven-month intensive, executive entrepreneurship education series includes approximately 100 hours of classroom time per participant and provides the opportunity for small business owners to work with experienced mentors, attend workshops and develop connections with their peers, city leaders and financial communities. Local recruitment for the 2017 training cycle is underway at the SBA North Florida District Office, and classes are scheduled to begin in May 1. Interested parties should contact James Van Horn, SBA Lead Lender Relations Specialist for information at james.vanhorn@sba.gov or at (904) 443 -1923. Spots are limited. South Florida District Office Francisco Marrero, District Director   The SBA South Florida District was honored to host SBA Administrator Linda McMahon to Miami this month. Below are some highlights from her visit: SBA Administrator Linda McMahon enjoyed a ride on the popular Miami-based Freebee car system during her first official Field visit as Administrator on April 13. Freebees are customized open-air electric cars which offer free, short-distance rides. In addition to downtown Miami, the SBDC-Florida International University clients also offer free rides throughout Miami Beach. VIDEO: LINK SBA Administrator Linda McMahon met with several members of the South Florida District staff during her first official Field visit to Miami on April 13. SBA Administrator McMahon speaks with patrons will attending a luncheon at Miami's Versailles Restaurant with HUD Secretary Ben Carson (left) during her first official Field visit to Miami on April 13. SBA Administrator McMahon meets with several South Florida small business owners during her first official Field visit on April 13. South Florida District Director Francisco "Pancho" Marrero introduces SBA Administrator McMahon to a group of south Florida business owners during a roundtable discuss held at the District's headquarters on April 13.  Georgia District Office Terri Denison, District Director The SBA Georgia District Office Continues Tradition By Bringing the Entrepreneurial Forum to Congressman David Scott's Annual Job Fair.  This year's event falls on Friday, April 28th at the Georgia International Convention Center.  The SBA offers several workshops and the Congressman brings in nearly 200 employers who are looking to hire on the spot.  This is an annual event that is a pillar of success to Atlanta.  Thank you, Congressman Scott, for providing the opportunity for success each and every year. #GA13JobsFair SBA Georgia District Director Terri Denison visited numerous Atlanta area media outlets with Congressman Scott's staff to highlight the Annual Jobs Fair. Kentucky District Office Ralph Ross, District Director Debra Dudley, President and Co-Founder of Oscarware, Inc. in Bonnieville, Kentucky, has been named the 2017 Kentucky Small Business Person of the Year. Kentucky District Director Ralph Ross stated, "This is a small, woman owned manufacturing company located in rural Kentucky. They have defied the trends and become a great success." Oscarware is a family-owned manufacturing business, founded in 1989 by Debra and Reginald "Reg" Dudley. They pioneered the concept of manufacturing outdoor cooking with a disposable product, revolutionizing the outdoor cooking experience. The company has expanded its product mix to include porcelain coated steel toppers. All products are made in in Bonnieville, a city of less than 300 people in central Kentucky. Oscarware is the only manufacturer that makes all of its "grill topper" products in the U.S.   Oscarware has grown to 32 employees and distributes product across the U.S. The company now exports products to Canada and Europe with assistance from the SBA STEP exporting program. Oscarware also received three SBA loans to enhance operations and finance the company's rapid growth and has worked closely with the Western Kentucky University SBDC for the past 12 years.   The following Kentucky entrepreneurs and advocates will also honor during Small Business Week: ·       Mr. Brandon Feltner, Citizens Bank of Kentucky, an SBA lender in Prestonsburg, Financial Services Advocate of the Year ·       Mr. Tim Preston, Grayson Journal-Enquirer and Olive Hill Times, Grayson, Small Business Media Advocate of the Year  ·       Mr. Luis David Fuentes, El Kentubano, LLC, Frankfort, Minority Owned Small Business of the Year   ·       Mr. Don Gerard, Land Shark Shredding, LLC, Bowling Green, Veteran Owned Small Business of the Year ·       Ms. Kim Stevenson, Puzzles Academy & Puzzles Fun Dome, Louisville, Woman Owned Small Business of the Year ·       Mr. Joshua Barrett, Josh Barrett & Associates, Richmond, Young Entrepreneur of the Year The Kentucky District Office and Kentucky SBDC will have a celebration on May 3rd in Frankfort, Kentucky in the Capitol Rotunda. The Governor and other state dignitaries are expected to attend, along with about 120 guests and the media. Mississippi District Office Janita Stewart, District Director CONGRATULATIONS 2017 SBA MISSISSIPPI SMALL BUSINESS AWARD WINNERS! Small Business Person of the Year Mary Jennifer Russell Sugaree's Bakery New Albany, MS Generational Family Owned: Keith Delcambre Bozo's Seafood Pascagoula, MS  Young Entrepreneur: Latrice Rogers Goddess Lengths Virgin Hair Bar Jackson, MS  Financial Services Champion: Vickie Rivers Renaissance Community Loan Fund Gulfport, MS  Minority Small Business Champion: Louis J. Finkle, PhD Gaston Point Community Development Corporation Gulfport, MS  North Carolina District Office Lynn Douthett, District Director Congratulations to the North Carolina Small Business Week Award Winners 2017 NC Small Business Person of the Year Michelle Coffino Queen City Metal & Recycling Charlotte The SBA is proud to announce the winner of the 2017 North Carolina Small Business Person of the Year, Michelle Coffino. Michelle is CEO and owner of Queen City Metal Recycling & Salvage (QCMRS) in Charlotte. The metal and scrap recycling company collects thousands of tons of metal including steel, copper and aluminum. It also recycles electronics and hundreds of cars every month. Michelle was selected as the 2017 North Carolina Small Business Person of the Year because her company has demonstrated staying power, growth, innovation, and regularly gives back to the community through several charitable efforts. Michelle used an SBA 7(a) loan for $2.1 million to buy the land, machinery and equipment to open up shop. "I approached numerous banks that wouldn't event consider my loan," said Michelle. "I really put my heart and soul into this project and the SBA helped me bring it to life. The SBA assistance is without a doubt immeasurable." Queen City started with 10 industrial accounts and now serves 85 companies, schools, and non-profits around the Charlotte area and beyond. The company currently has 23 employees. Michelle has contracts with two large national auto auction companies. Through a non-profit sister company, QC Auto Sales, she buys and refurbishes these cars and sells them at cost to economically disadvantaged individuals who don't have transportation. She has also instituted a "second chance" program in her company which includes hiring policies for ex-convicts, and those with mental illness or substance abuse issues. 2017 NC Small Business Exporter of the Year Mark Doble Aviator Brewing Company Fuquay-Varina Congratulations to Mark Doble on being named the 2017 NC Small Business Exporter of the Year! Mark established Aviator Brewing in 2008 by himself in an old airplane hangar with two used dairy tanks for brewing. Aviator now has 127 employees and sales of about $3.5 million. They currently export products to South Korea, Taiwan, Singapore, Brazil, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy and New Zealand. The criteria for the award include: Increased sales, profits and/or employment due to exporting, creative overseas marketing strategies and introduction of unique trading relationships, products or services. SBA financing and counseling has been an integral part of Aviator Brewing's success. In 2011, Mark receive two rounds of SBA funding totaling over $900,000 including an SBA 504 loan package to purchase land and a larger space for the brewery. The team at Aviator has worked closely with the SBA-sponsored North Carolina Small Business & Technology Development Center (SBTDC). The SBTDC assisted the firm with beverage distribution and market research to help develop their marketing and digital strategy.  A student team organized by the SBTDC assisted them in human resources, including the compilation and editing of an employee handbook. SBTDC also worked with Aviator to employ a direct market entry strategy into foreign markets. This helped Mark and his team to sign a contract with a wholesaler in the United Kingdom for distribution to 1,800 locations. 2017 NC Financial Services Advocate of the Year Dan Gotte Imagine Software Charlotte For more than a decade, Dan has been dedicated to guiding small businesses as a financial advisor, SCORE mentor, teacher, and angel fund developer. As a presenter for CPCC's Small Business Center, Dan has taught funding and financing, managing cash flow, and tax obligations. Dan also does one-on-one business counseling for CPCC, focusing on financial analysis, capital opportunities, and venture creation. Dan is the board chair of the Charlotte Regional Advisory Board for the SBTDC. He ran the Inception Micro Angel Fund (IMAF), the original angel fund in the Charlotte region, and subsequently founded the Charlotte Angel Fund. 2017 NC Women in Business Advocate of the Year Patrick Fitzsimmons Mountain BizWorks Asheville Patrick has participated in the Western Women's Business Conference educating and encouraging female entrepreneurs to become business owners.  He has worked with numerous woman business owners, nurturing them and their businesses become successful. He has provided lending to women-owned businesses who account for more than half of all clients. In 2016 under Patrick's leadership, Mountain BizWorks had its largest lending year ever - $3.3 million to entrepreneurs in Western North Carolina. Of the 114 loans made by Mountain Biz Works in 2016, over half were to women business owners.  Statistically, women business owners are only half as likely as men to obtain business loans. Patrick helped women-owned businesses beat these odds and secure the funding needed to grow their businesses.  South Carolina District Office Elliott O. Cooper, District Director Congratulations to the South Carolina Small Business Person of the Year Vickie Wyatt, President, J.I.T. Manufacturing Vickie Wyatt, President of J.I.T. Manufacturing, began her journey as a business owner in 1992 alongside her husband, Reggie. Together the couple created J.I.T. Manufacturing in a small 2800 square foot metal fabrication facility with only four employees and just one customer. J.I.T. still has the very first customer and they are still a substantial part of today's business, a true testament to an effective business plan and leadership. As a graduate of Clemson University plus 30 years of business experience, Mrs. Wyatt has always strived to continually grow and move her woman-owned business forward into new markets. She has pushed the team to become a metal fabrication company that customers could trust.  Vickie and Reggie feel a strong commitment to providing high standards and moral values for their employees; continual improvement in lean practices, quality customer service, safety and strategic planning that has enabled J.I.T to have a strong foundation in the sheet metal manufacturing market today. The company currently employs 40 employees. Mrs. Wyatt is the recipient of the 2017 South Carolina Small Business Person of the Year award. This is a tremendous award for J.I.T Manufacturing and for Ms. Wyatt. The South Carolina District Office-SBA will honor her at the 2017 National Small Business Week. The SBA South Carolina district staff participated in Veterans Job Fairs hosted by U.S. Congressman Joe Wilson, 2nd District of South Carolina. District Director, Elliott Cooper and Susan Chavis, Economic Development Specialist attended one of the fairs on 4/11/17. These Veterans Fairs placed employers, agencies that handle benefits, and veterans together to better connect veterans with available resources and help returned soldiers find quality jobs. Employers and agencies, including Blue Cross Blue Shield, Social Security, the National Guard, joined in the Aiken-Barnwell area and in the Midlands with the goal of hiring and assisting South Carolina veterans. Picture (L-R): Elliott Cooper, SBA District Director and U.S. Congressman Joe Wilson, 2nd District of South Carolina. Tennessee District Office LaTanya Channel,  District Director The Tennessee District Office is proud to announce the 2017 Small Business Week winners and honor the top SBA lenders in Tennessee: Small Business Person of the Year:    Dan LeVan, CEO of EnerG3 Small Business Exporter of the Year:   Michelle French, CEO of Animal Element Veteran Owned Small Business Person of the Year: Rose Conway, Owner of Nautilus Pottery Minority Owned Small Business Person of the Year: Bahar Wazir, Owner of Neighborhood Market Woman Owned Small Business Person of the Year: Dr. Debbie Reynolds, DVM and Owner of Blessed Pet Shop     Tennessee Top Lenders for FY 2016 Lender of the Year:  Live Oak Bank, Wilmington, NC (Top Dollar; $39,504,000) US Bank, Cincinnati, OH (Top Volume; 129 Loans) Community Lender of the Year:   Pinnacle Bank, Nashville, TN (Top Dollar; $9,850,400  & Top Volume; 20 Loans) CDC of the Year:   Brightbridge, Inc., Chattanooga, TN (Top Dollar;$7,799,000 and & Top Volume, 6 Loans) Micro Lender of the Year: Pathway Lending, Nashville, TN (Top Dollar; $913,225& Top Volume; 40 Loans) Community Advantage Lender of the Year:   Brightbridge, Inc., Chattanooga, TN  (Top Dollar; $794,000 & Top Volume; 4 Loans) 504 1st Mortgage Lender of the Year:   Heritage Bank, Hopkinsville, KY (Top Dollar;  $14,000,000) Citizens Community Bank, Winchester, TN (Top Volume; 3 Loans) Export Lender of the Year:    Live Oak Bank, Wilmington, NC (Top Dollar; $5,000,000)                          Top Volume Tied:  Atlantic Capital Bank, Chattanooga, TN (Top Volume; 3 Loans) US Bank, Cincinnati, OH (Top Volume; 3 Loans)   Unsubscribe | Update your subscriptions or modify your password/email address at any time on your Subscriber Preferences Page. All SBA programs and services are provided on a nondiscriminatory basis. Reasonable accommodations will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance This email was sent to sjr3gb659yw41fx.jjjzz@blogger.com by Small Business Administration (SBA) · 409 3rd St, SW · Washington DC 20416 · 1-800-827-5722