Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page. March 2014 SBA Region 4 News To Share Brought to you by the U.S. Small Business Administration's Region IV Office Cassius Butts Regional Administrator U.S. Small Business Administration Self-Employed Deadline March 31st- Don't Miss Out! As the Regional Administrator for the Southeast Region of the Small Business Administration, my goal is to make sure small businesses across the Southeast have the information they need about the Affordable Care Act to make informed decisions that are best for their businesses.  With new Health Insurance Marketplaces (also referred to as Exchanges) open, self-employed business owners have more options than ever to find affordable health care coverage.  Self-employed individuals and other consumers can purchase private insurance coverage from a range of options and depending on income and residency, potentially qualify for additional subsidies like Medicaid or tax credits. Coming up, there are some important dates self-employed business owners need to know if they want to sign up for coverage for this year. For self-employed small business owners, open enrollment for 2014 coverage ends March 31, 2014.  The exception is if you have a qualifying life event that provides you with a special enrollment period such as marriage, divorce, birth or adoption of a child, or loss of a job. The next Open Enrollment period is proposed to begin on November 15, 2014 for health insurance coverage that begins January 1, 2015. You can apply for Medicaid or CHIP at any time of the year. Why enroll? First, increased access to quality, affordable health care will make it easier for potential entrepreneurs to go out on their own instead of staying at larger firms simply because of "job lock" or the lack of access to affordable insurance outside of their current employment.  Additionally, small business owners have historically paid as much as 18% more for health care coverage than larger companies.  The Affordable Care Act helps level the playing field, slows cost growth, and with consumer protections like insurance rate reviews and a ban on denying coverage for preexisting conditions in place, provides greater certainty that small business owners can access the coverage they need, when they need it.  If you don't have health coverage in 2014, you may have to pay a penalty. You don't have to pay the penalty if you enroll in a plan by March 31, 2014. To find an insurance plan that meets your needs today, check out the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) insurance finder tool.  By answering just a few simple questions, you'll be able to locate health insurance plans in your state and explore whether there are local facilities in your area that provide free or reduced-cost health care.  To browse coverage options, assess potential subsidies, and purchase your plan online through the individual marketplace, simply go to www.healthcare.gov For more information about other provisions affecting self-employed business owners under the Affordable Care Act, go to sba.gov/healthcare. SBA's National Ombudsman Looks to Save Small Businesses Money and Hardships Across the Southeast Regional Administrator Cassius Butts and Brian Castro, Assistant Administrator for Regulatory Enforcement Fairness and National Ombudsman, recently heard directly from small business owners in the central Florida area.  At a series of regulatory fairness roundtables last month in Orlando and Daytona Beach, small business owners reported on problems they confront as a result of federal regulations that can be unclear in terms of what is required to comply and when they apply.  Others entrepreneurs raised issues around delays in being paid on government contracts and perceived unfairness in audits and investigations by regulators.  In Orlando on February 12, the first roundtable was held at the Winter Meeting of the National 8(a) Association, which has been a strong partner with the Office of the National Ombudsman on regulatory fairness issues and outreach.  The Metropolitan Orlando Hispanic Chamber of Commerce hosted the next roundtable on February 13, followed by a visit and roundtable at Bethune-Cookman University, a strategic partner of the SBA in Daytona Beach.  The support of SBA's Regional and District teams, in particular District Director Wilfredo Gonzalez and Area manager Ed Ramos, was key to the success of each of these roundtables.  Following the roundtables, regulatory issues identified by attendees are raised with the relevant agency, which undertakes a high level fairness review of the issue reported.  Brian and his team then work with the small business owner and agency partners to ensure that small businesses are treated equitably and regulated in a balanced, proportionate manner. For more information, visit www.sba.gov/ombudsman or call the Ombudsman's Regulatory Fairness Helpline at 888-REG-FAIR (888-734-3247) If you have a regulatory comment involving a federal agency that you wish to report on behalf of a small business, a small government entity (population 50,000 or less) or a small nonprofit organization, visit www.sba.gov/ombudsman/comment What's happening For Small Business in YOUR Area? Alabama District Office Tom Todt, SBA District Director District Director Tom Todt and District International Trade Officer Brent McMahan attended the 2014 Governor's Trade Excellence Awards Ceremony on March 5, at the State Capitol. The ceremony was part of the Export Alabama Alliance Luncheon. The Alabama District Office is a member of the Export Alabama Alliance along with the Alabama International Trade Center, a member of the Alabama Small Business Development Center Network. The award program, coordinated by the Alabama Department of Commerce and the Export Alabama Alliance, includes small, medium, and large businesses, as well as new-to-export companies from every region of the state. Companies selected are from the manufacturing, service and agribusiness sectors. In 2013, $19.3 billion in Alabama-made products and services were shipped to 200 countries. Eight Alabama exporting companies were recognized by Governor Robert Bentley for excellence in international trade. Also, Several Alabama 8(a) firms recently took advantage of 7(j) training opportunities at the District Office. The training, presented by Quality Compliance & Management, Inc. included Marketing & Capture Management, Technical Proposal Writing, and Cost Proposal Writing.  The training was designed to assist small companies in sharpening their business development acumen and increasing their win ratio for federal contracts. The training was provided free-of-cost to the 8(a) participant companies. For future opportunities, please contact the SBA Alabama District Office www.sba.gov/AL. North Florida District Office Wilfredo J. Gonzalez, District Director The North Florida District Office signed a Strategic Alliance Memorandum (SAM) with Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) on March 20, 2014. FAMU is a Historically Black University that has been committed to academic excellence and civic engagement in the Tallahassee community since 1887. Interim University President Dr. Larry Thompson signed the SAM with the U.S. Small Business Administration. The SAM will signify a joint effort by the University and SBA to promote small business through education and community outreach. The signed SAM will allow both entities to work closer together to ensure small minority business interests are adequately addressed in the area. South Florida District Office Francisco "Pancho" Marrero, District Director South Florida District office signed three new strategic alliances this past month. The first SAM was signed Feb. 27 with the Chamber of Commerce of Okeechobee County.  Assistant District Director Marketing and Outreach Area 2 Vince Lopresti signed the alliance with chamber president Terry Burroughs.  A second SAM was signed March 7, with the Minority Business Development Agency(MBDA) Center Miami during the 3rd Annual Business Woman's Conference.  Assistant District Director Marketing and Outreach Area 1 Althea Harris signed the alliance with Executive Director MBDA Marie Gill. The third SAM was signed March 19, with Hialeah Chamber of Commerce & Industries (HCCI) during their monthly luncheon.  District Director Francisco "Pancho" Marrero signed the agreement with HCCI President Daniel Hernandez. The district is wrapping up its recruiting campaign for Miami's inaugural Emerging Leaders Class.  With one week remaining, more than 50 small business owners have registered.  Chamber of Commerce of Okeechobee County President Terry Burroughs shakes hands with SBA South Florida Assistant District Director Marketing and Outreach Area 2 Vince Lopresti following the SAM signing ceremony.  The SAM will remain in effect for two years. Georgia District Office Terri Denison, District Director ATLANTA – The U.S. Small Business Administration is teaming up with Yelp to present a free, in-person event to help Georgia small business owners engage with online reviewers and manage their online reputation.  The event will take place on Thursday, April 3rd from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Kennesaw State University SBDC, KSU Center – Room 400, 3333 Busbee Drive, Kennesaw GA 30144.  (Phone: 770.423.6450)  The 90 minute event will include:  An overview of how small businesses can join the conversations that are happening about their businesses online Panel discussion featuring best practices for getting started with online review sites with perspectives from business owners and reviewers Tips on how to handle critical feedback and respond to reviews Ways to generate more buzz by creating exciting promotions and monitoring customer leads. Informal networking with light refreshments For more information about the SBA and Yelp partnership, visit:  www.sba.gov/onlinereviews.  WHAT:   "Success With Online    Reviews" WHEN:   Thursday, April 3rd from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. WHERE:  Kennesaw State University SBDC, KSU Center – Suite 500,  3333 Busbee Drive, Kennesaw GA 30144. (Phone: 770.423.6450) HOW:  Register Here:  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-sba-and-yelp-present-success-with-online-reviews-atlanta-tickets-10959826135 Kentucky District Office Ralph Ross, District Director The Women's Business Center of Kentucky held a 2-day event on March 13 – 14 in Louisville, KY.  Over 75 attended a Networking Reception on Thursday, March 13 in the evening. On Friday, March 14, SBA Kentucky District Office Director Ralph Ross welcomed almost 300 attendees to a breakfast and networking event, followed by a series of business workshops, a power luncheon and a diversity and inclusion Event and Business Expo with about 80 exhibitors from government agencies, educational institutions, nonprofit institutions and private sector businesses, many of which seek certified women-owned businesses qualified to fulfill contracts. Keynote speakers included Alice Houston, community leader and President and CEO of Houston-Johnson, Inc., which was the Tri-State Minority Supplier Development Council "Supplier of the Year" and is a supplier of technology-based logistics and materials management services to the automotive, consumer products and technology industries; Patricia Burke, President of Office Environment Company, a leading provider of workspace solutions, including office furniture and office products, for more than a century; and Dawne Gee, WAVE TV News Anchor and Host of WAVE Country with Dawne Gee.  Mississippi District Office Janita Stewart, District Director Region IV's HBCU Initiative As part of the continuing efforts in SBA Region IV to engage historically black colleges and universities in entrepreneurship education and outreach, Regional Administrator Cassius Butts along with Mississippi District Director Janita Stewart and Deputy District Director Gary Reed, will participate in a Strategic Alliance Memorandum signing ceremony on Wednesday, March 26th with Coahoma Community College in Clarksdale, MS.  College President Valmadge Towner, along with community and economic development officials within the counties served by the college will be present for this event.    A Focus on Youth Entrepreneurship SBA Mississippi will participate in the "SEP Symposium III – "My Future, Today" hosted by the University of Southern Mississippi (USM).  The Southern Entrepreneurship Program is part of a series focusing on entrepreneurship education to students.  A highlight of these events is the business plan competition amongst the student participants.  These events will be held on Tuesday, March 25th at Holmes Community College in Ridgeland, MS and on Wednesday, March 26th at the USM campus in Hattiesburg. Mississippi Congressional Update SBA Mississippi will host an information session for staff members of the Mississippi Congressional Delegation.  In addition to SBA staff providing pertinent updates, SBA resource partners including the SBDC and Women's Business Center have been invited to participate and update information from SCORE will be shared.  Federal agencies invited to participate include HUD, IRS, USDA FSA, USDA Rural Development and GSA.  The session will take place on Wednesday, April 9th.   Left to Right: Dr. Rolonda Brown, Enrollment/eLearning Specialist of Coahoma Community College; Dr. Valmadge Towner, CEO/President of Coahoma Community College;  SBA District Director Janita Stewart, Regional Administrator Cassius Butts, Gary Reed, SBA Deputy District Director North Carolina District Office Lynn Douthett, District Director SBA North Carolina District Director Ms. Lynn L. Douthett presented Dr. Melissa DeRosier, founder and CEO of Cary-based 3C Institute with a special Award of Excellence for Innovation and Social Entrepreneurship. The firm develops specialized technologies for health, including intelligent games, dynamic e-training platforms, and software systems to support quality healthcare practices. DeRosier received almost $25 million in Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) grants and contracts awarded by agencies including the U.S. Department of Education,   National Institutes for Health and the Centers for Disease Control. The SBIR program provides funding to explore feasibility of an innovative idea or technology, expand research and development and ultimately bring the innovation to the marketplace for commercialization. In 2011, 3C received a Tibbetts Award, given to exemplary firms that have received SBIR funding. Dr. DeRosier, a PhD in Clinical Psychology from the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill, started the company in 2001. 3C Institute now has a staff of 75 full-time employees and continues to grow.  SBA North Carolina District Director Ms. Lynn L. Douthett presented Dr. Melissa DeRosier, founder and CEO of Cary-based 3C Institute with a special Award of Excellence for Innovation and Social Entrepreneurship South Carolina District Office Elliott Cooper, District Director Regulatory Fairness Forum for Small Business Monday, April 21, 2014 | Charleston, SC A forum for small business owners to discuss federal regulations, compliance audits, regulatory fines, and enforcement actions impacting small businesses. The SBA presents this Regulatory Fairness Forum to facilitate a dialogue on federal regulatory issues impacting small businesses and to highlight the range of resources available to small business owners from the SBA and the Office of the National Ombudsman. WHO: SBA National Ombudsman Brian Castro will host a conversation with Charleston area small business owners, and other representatives of the small business community. WHAT: The National Ombudsman holds Regulatory Fairness hearings and forums across the country to give small business owners a means to comment on unfair enforcement actions, government audits, and excessive fines or regulations. The Ombudsman directs specific issues raised by participants to the appropriate Federal agency for a high-level fairness review, and works across government to address those concerns, reduce regulatory burdens, and help small businesses grow. WHERE: Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce 4500 Leeds Avenue, Suite 100 - Boardroom North Charleston, SC 29405 WHEN: Monday, April 21, 2014 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. All members of the small business community, trade organizations, chambers of commerce, and media are invited to attend. Those wishing to report a federal regulatory concern confidentially will have the opportunity to do so privately at the forum. There is no cost to attend. Should you have any questions, please contact José Méndez in the Office of the National Ombudsman at (888) 734-3247, or Mary Graham at (843) 805-3043. For more information, visit sba.gov/ombudsman. Tennessee District Office Walter Perry, District Director  Many activities are being held during March in the Tennessee District reaching small business owners across the Volunteer State. A highly successful event took place on March 12 with 300 attending the City of Memphis Government Procurement Vendor Fair as a part of the White House Strong Cities – Strong Communities initiative.   A presentation was offered on the campus of Lemoyne Owen College by District Director Walter Perry and Gloria Armstead on how to participate in the 8(a) Business Development and Historically Underutilized Business Zone procurement programs.    In the Affordable Care Act area, staff members Keri Wolfe and Jacqueline Merritt are conducting ACA outreach events in both Knoxville and Chattanooga.  Both Perry and David Tiller have appeared on radio shows to inform small business owners on the upcoming ACA Open Enrollment Deadline of March 31st.   These radio appearances include "The Money Show" on WFSK, an HBCU radio station on the campus of Fisk University in Nashville, and on SiriusXM Satellite Radio with American Baptist College, another HBCU institution in Nashville.   In Government Contracting, Kena Dixon conducted a Government Contracting Workshop at the District Office on March 12th attended by 23 firms inclusive of current 8(a) companies and those interested in becoming an 8(a) firm.  As Veterans Business Development Officer, Tiller presented a two day Boots-to-Business event at Millington Naval Support Activity near Memphis on March 18th and 19th, and visited the local National Guard Armory in the area to advance SBA programs available to military service members. Connect with us for news and resources CALENDAR OF  EVENTS SBA OFFICE OF ADVOCACY- WHAT'S NEW? Check out the Small Business Watchdog Now CLICK HERE Find Out The Latest in SBA Lending HERE Region IV Office 233 Peachtree St. NE Suite 1800 Atlanta, GA 30303 Email: region_4@sba.gov http://www.sba.gov Region IV Office Directory Cassius Butts, Regional Administrator Mark Berson, Regional Advocate Phone: 404-331-3081     Email: mark.berson@sba.gov Matthew Mitchell, Regional Office Manager Phone: 404-331-4999   Email: matthew.mitchell@sba.gov Lola Kress, Regional Communications Director Phone: 404-331-2798     Email: lola.kress@sba.gov     SUBSCRIBER SERVICES: Manage Your Preferences  |  Unsubscribe  |  Help STAY CONNECTED: 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

SBA Region 4 News To Share

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page. February 2014 SBA Region IV News To Share Brought to you by the U.S. Small Business Administration's Region IV Office Cassius Butts Regional Administrator U.S. Small Business Administration Black History Month- A True Success As most of you know, each year Black History Month is celebrated throughout the month of February. I am extremely proud of our most recent SBA events in which Black History Month has been celebrated across the Southeast in 2014. The SBA Regional Office is located in Atlanta, GA; a legendary city for the African American community.  I participated in the recent March on Washington Film Festival in Atlanta with Congressman John Lewis (coordinated by Frank Brown, Executive Director, Butler Street Community Development Corporation), where the film, March to Justice, was viewed featuring Congressman John Lewis as he tells his experience on Bloody Sunday and the Selma to Montgomery March to Kerry and Ethel Kennedy. Also, in Alabama, SBA District Director Tom Todt participated in the 10th Annual A.G. Gaston Conference; coordinated by Birmingham's Bob Dickerson; CEO of Foundation Capital. The conference is named in honor of Dr. Arthur George Gaston, a phenomenally successful African American serial entrepreneur in Birmingham. Dr. Gaston was born in 1892; a challenging unprecedented time for people of color. He did, however, overcome great challenges and inspired many throughout the Birmingham community by establishing several small businesses that benefited all walks of life throughout not only the City of Birmingham, but the Southeast and the entire nation.  Dr. Gaston died at the age of 103 with a fortune worth more than $40 million, and a business empire spanning communications, real estate and insurance. Mr. Gaston remains an inspiration for entrepreneurs across the nation. In Tennessee, SBA staff participated on Fisk University's WFSK Radio 88.1FM in Nashville announcing Nashville Black History Month celebration events, including those at Tennessee State University and Fisk University. District Director Walter Perry participated in the Black History Month and Fair Pay Celebration event sponsored by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission's Nashville Area Office. SBA staff also participated in a Black History Month event held by the Nashville Black Chamber of Commerce, which highlighted accomplishments of African-American small business owners in the Nashville area. In Florida, SBA staff was invited by Living Waters Ministries to speak to their Youth Group regarding Black History Month, Education, and the SBA. The audience was comprised of kids ages 6-16 years of age. As you can see, Black History Month is celebrated across the United States and the world and has had a significant impact for economic growth.  Congratulations to a successful 2014 Black History Month. SAVE THE DATE!!! Find Out What is Happening In Your Area: ALABAMA Tom Todt, SBA District Director Sandro Murtas of SBA's Office of International Trade and the Alabama District Office recently conducted a webinar for Alabama lenders regarding the financial assistance available from the SBA to foster small business exporting. For upcoming similar webinars to assist small businesses with exporting, please contact the SBA Alabama District Office.  www.sba.gov/AL. NORTH FLORIDA Wilfredo J. Gonzalez, SBA District Director National Ombudsman, Brian Castro and Regional Administrator, Cassius Butts, participated in a series of Regulatory Fairness Roundtables in central Florida on February 12-13, 2014. The roundtables enabled the National Ombudsman to gauge how federal regulations may be impacting local businesses. A group of business students at Bethune-Cookman University were invited to participate in one of the roundtables. The students were able to interact with senior members of SBA staff, and gain perspective on how to start or grow their businesses. Small businesses challenged with fees, fines, or other federal regulatory issues are encouraged to contact the National Ombudsman's office at ombudsman@sba.gov. SBA National Ombudsman Brian Castro Hosts Regulatory Roundtble in Orlando at the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando SOUTH FLORIDA Francisco "Pancho" Marrero SBA South Florida District Office operations and processes were reviewed by an executive team of agency district directors and headquarters officials as part of a Field Accountability Review.  After the three-day inspection, the team found no material deficiencies with the South Florida District Office.   Public Affairs Specialist Jim Brooks, gave an Affordable Care Act presentation to more than 80 members of the Doral Business Council on Feb. 11.  He then sat on a panel discussion with Florida state Senator Rene Garcia; South Florida Health Coalition and an 8(a) business owner to answer questions about the new health care law.  Emerging Leaders Initiative is making a debut in Miami-Dade this spring.  The district is partnering with our new SBDC at Florida International University for classroom space.  Resource partners are joining the recruiting push for this valuable business program.  Fifteen businesses in Miami-Dade county will be selected for this highly specialized no-cost training.  Miami Dade county small businesses can learn more about this program by visiting:  www.sba.gov/miamiemergingleaders.  Register before March 21 at: http://www.interise.org/sbaemergingleaders.  The district wrapped up judging district nominations for National Small Business Week.    We look forward to notifying district winners soon.  GEORGIA Terri Denison, SBA District Director The SBA Georgia District Office is seeking nominations for Georgia's 2014 Small Business Champion of the Year awards.  Deadline for submission is Mar 15th, 2014. The award categories are:  •  Entrepreneurial Success Award •  Family-Owned Business of the Year •   Financial Services Champion of the Year •    Home-Based Business Champion of the Year •    Minority Small Business Champion of the Year •    Small Business Media Advocate of the Year •    Veteran Small Business Champion of the Year •    Women in Business Champion of the Year •    Young Entrepreneur of the Year The SBA Georgia District Office will celebrate Small Business Week in May with a luncheon to recognize the recipients of each award hosted by the Georgia's Lenders Quality Circle.  Click HERE for more information.  KENTUCKY Ralph Ross, SBA District Director SBA Offers Affordable Care Act Events Across Kentucky Before March 31 Deadline SBA's Kentucky District Office is presenting information on the Affordable Care Act in Bowling Green and Owensboro, Kentucky's third and fourth largest cities, respectively, in March in conjunction with AARP of Kentucky, kynect – Kentucky's Healthcare Exchange, and other regional healthcare, social services and economic development agencies.  SBA's Kentucky District Office will present information on how the Affordable Care Act affects small business and its employees as well as small business resources for the Affordable Care Act.  Kentucky Healthcare Exchange Kynectors will be onsite to enroll attendees, and other agencies will be available to answer questions.  Both events are free and open to the public.  Sessions will be at 5:00 pm and 6:00 pm CT on March 11 in Bowling Green and on March 19 in Owensboro, but registration is requested.  Call 877-926-8300 to reserve space or to learn more about locations and agencies participating.  Information is also available at www.sba.gov/ky in the "Find Events and Workshops in Your Area" section of the website. MISSISSIPPI Janita Stewart, SBA District Director Penney Melton retired from the SBA-Mississippi District Office in March 2008 with 34 years of civil service.  However, she returned in August 2012 as a rehired annuitant on a part-time basis.  Her role as a part-time employee affords her the opportunity to commit more time to family and personal travel while remaining an integral part of the SBA team. She is currently an Economic Development Specialist in the Lender Relations Division and responsible for IT, marketing and outreach duties. On February 5, 2014, she was presented with a certificate in recognition of 35 years of service with the federal government. Janita Stewart, SBA District Director Honors Penny Melton with a certificate for 35 years of federal service. NORTH CAROLINA Lynn Douthett, SBA District Director SBA VETERAN CAPTURES PIECE OF NAVY HISTORY Dan Lucero has been with the SBA since 2009. Prior to joining the Agency, Dan was the owner and general manager for a health care business focused on the elderly. He and his wife grew their small business from a local presence to the national level. For over 20 years Dan served our country. During one of his three Vietnam tours he was assigned to the USS Kirk.  The Kirk gained notoriety as the destroyer which carried out one of the most significant humanitarian missions in the history of the U.S. Navy. In 1975, not only did the Kirk rescue the South Vietnamese Navy but they rescued tens of thousands of Vietnamese citizens taking them to safety in the Philippines. This incredible story is profiled in a documentary called "Last Days in Vietnam" which was produced by filmmaker Rory Kennedy, the youngest child of Bobby and Ethel Kennedy and premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in Utah in January 2014. To Dan's credit the film included Super 8MM movie footage shot by him during the rescue mission. The documentary will air on PBS in 2015 which marks the 40th anniversary of this heroic event.     Daniel Lucero Lead Businesses Opportunity Specialist 8(a) Division SBANorth Carolina District Office SOUTH CAROLINA Elliott Cooper, SBA District Director On Wednesday, February 26, the South Carolina District Office participated in an event with USDA Rural Development (USDA-RD) and the Farm Service Agency (FSA) at the South Carolina State Farmer's Market to help the state's lenders better serve their agricultural clients. The event included a discussion of how increased collaboration between SBA, USDA-RD and FSA will benefit both the lenders and their clients, as well as an overview of each agency's loan programs. The South Carolina District Office welcomed this opportunity to better meet the financial needs of South Carolina's rural and agriculture-based small businesses. For more information on this program, please contact the SBA South Carolina District Office:  www.sba.gov/sc. TENNESSEE Walter Perry, SBA District Director On January 30th, Kena Dixon, Economic Development Specialist, conducted a Federal Government Procurement Database workshop at theSBA  District Office. David Tiller, District International Trade Officer, participated with a panel on Export Trade Finance programs, including the SBA Export Working Capital Loan, during "Export 101," an event conducted in Memphis by the Chamber of Commerce and the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development. District Director Walter Perry and Rural Liaison David Tiller met with Gene Davidson, State Executive Director, and other officials of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Farm Service Agency on February 7th to discuss the ways in which SBA lending and USDA lending may provide distinct advantages to rural area small business persons in  the Volunteer State. During the week of February 10th, eight workshops were presented as part of a Small Loan Advantage Outreach effort in Memphis, Nashville, Clarksville and Kingsport with a total attendance of over one hundred entrepreneurs and potential entrepreneurs.  The events were hosted by SCORE and the Tennessee Small Business Development Centers with presentations by Sue Malone of Superior Financial Group and Mary Hoehn of Pathway Lending, SBA's Tennessee based microlender.  On February 18th, District Director, Walter Perry, along with district staff, met with officials at the Tennessee National Guard to discuss SBA's Veteran's Outreach plans for 2014. Connect with us for news and resources UPCOMING EVENTS ACROSS THE SOUTHEAST SBA Ofice of Advocacy What are the current conditions for small businesses seeking capital?   Learn Which SBA Loan Program is Right For YOU SBA Region IV Office 233 Peachtree St. NE Harris Tower Suite 1800 Atlanta, GA 30303 Phone: 404-331-4999 Email: region_4@sba.gov http://www.sba.gov/ Region IV Office Directory Cassius Butts, Regional Administrator   Mark Berson, Regional Advocate Phone: 404-331-3081     Email: mark.berson@sba.gov Matthew Mitchell, Regional Office Manager Phone: 404-331-4999    Email: matthew.mitchell@sba.gov Lola Kress, Regional Communications Director Phone: 404-331-2798     Email: lola.kress@sba.gov     SUBSCRIBER SERVICES: Manage Your Preferences  |  Unsubscribe  |  Help STAY CONNECTED: 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