Chairman's Message...
The many ways you can connect to people in the digital age makes face-to-face time with fellow colleagues and community members seem obsolete.
However, all the emails, tweets and status updates can't replace a good conversation. Every 6 weeks, the Small Business Assistance Corporation invites you to attend the Lenders League Networking Event. The LL has been "Spotted" and "Seen" by publications and websites around town.
So, meet old colleagues and make new connections. Maybe you'll win a $50 gift certificate to EnVision Eye Care. We'll be at Carlito's on August 18th from 4:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. See you there!
Karl Bohnstedt, Chairman
Small Business Assistance Corporation
MLK Program Helps Rancho Alegre Open Downtown Location
How did the small yellow house on Posey Street transform and expand to become Rancho Alegre, the downtown 'hot spot' for Latin American cuisine? Melody & Juan Rodriguez believe it is their determination, experience, a strong team of people and the right financing program.
After looking for years downtown, they seized the opportunity brought by the economic downturn to find a lower cost space, that with a little polish and Latin American flair, would fulfill the missing culinary niche for downtown diners. "We have surrounded ourselves with great people. Everyone contributes their strengths; from finances/contracts to menu items or the basic repair & maintenance needed on the older structures downtown," stated Melody. "It was a well-thought out, planned decision. We just needed the financing to make it happen."
Their personal banker, Michelle Michaels at SunTrust bank recommended they visit the Small Business Assistance Corporation to look at the MLK Special Purpose Program* for businesses on MLK & Montgomery Streets. This loan program, through the City of Savannah, assists with the expansion and development of small business enterprises for this transitioning area of downtown Savannah. Debra Simmons, Community Development Officer with the SBAC, remembers meeting with Mr. & Mrs. Rodriguez, "It was a perfect fit for Rancho Alegre. This loan program is so flexible in its use. From land, building or equipment acquisition to the furniture and fixtures or working capital, it gives a business like Rancho Alegre the flexibility to achieve everyone's goals."
When asked her top tips for businesses moving or starting up downtown, Rancho Alegre owner, Melody Rodriguez recommends: do a business plan, surround yourself with a team of experts, check the commercial zoning where you want to do business and most of all "come out to MLK. It is becoming a marvelous new place for all small businesses."
SBAC Welcomes Jessica Byck, Brady Cannon & Teresa DeSimone
Jessica Byck & Brady Cannon have joined the Small Business Assistance Corporation (SBAC) as a new Microbusiness Finance Associates. Ms. Byck & Mr. Cannon will be responsible for production of small business loans throughout the lending process concentrating on the rural county areas of Bryan, Bulloch, Effingham and Liberty counties. They will also represent the SBAC in community outreach and participate in seminars to small business, banking institutions, Chambers of Commerce and technical collegiate institutions
Teresa DeSimone joins the SBAC as a Microbusiness Finance Associate at their new satellite office in Bluffton, South Carolina. Ms. DeSimone will be responsible for production of small business loans throughout the lending process including the Microloans and 6 loan programs available in Beaufort, Hampton and Jasper counties. She will also represent the SBAC in community outreach and participate in seminars to small business & banking institutions.
"We are pleased to have Jessica, Brady & Teresa join the SBAC. It has been our goal to better serve our rural and SC county areas. With them joining the SBAC, we'll be able to do just that," stated SBAC President Tony O'Reilly.
Jessica can be contacted at jbyck@sbacsav.com, Brady at bcannon@sbacsav.com and Teresa at tdesimone@sbacsav.com.
In This Issue
MLK Program & Rancho Alegre
SBAC Welcomes New Staff Members
Mark Your Calendars!
Mark Your Calendars!
Lenders League
Wednesday, August 18th
4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Carlito's
119 MLK, Jr. Blvd., Savannah
Network, Meet Area Lenders and Stay Informed!
Email your RSVP
Featured Presenter is Envision Eye Care. Enter to win $50 gift certificate! Must be present to enter & win.
What is the SBAC?
The SBAC is a is a specialized, non-profit business development organization licensed by the U. S. Small Business Administration and supported by the City of Savannah and the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to promote economic growth. Since 1989 the SBAC has been offering loan products in the City of Savannah, southeast Georgia and Low Country of South Carolina.
Business Loan Programs
SBA 504 Loan Program
SBA 7(a) Loan Guaranty Program
SBA MicroLoan Program
Savannah Regional Small Business Capital Fund
City of Savannah Direct Loan Program
City of Savannah Business Loan Guaranty Program
HUD Special Purpose Loan Program
Martin Luther King Revolving Loan Program
USDA Loan Program
Contractor/Vendor Working Capital Loan Program
Small Steps to Success Loan Program
Green Solutions Loan Program
Join Our Mailing List
Subscribe to our mailing list and you will receive free e-mail updates and information from the SBAC. The SBAC respects your e-mail privacy and does not sell your information to any outside entity.
Small Business
Assistance Corporation
111 E. Liberty Street, Suite 100
P.O. Box 10750
Savannah, Georgia 31412
Toll Free: 888.287.2137
Phone: 912.232.4700
Fax: 912.232.0385