By By Janet Little Cooper
If you missed the Community Express Loans clinics held in Atmore yesterday, fear not. You still have two more opportunities to learn more about the Small Business Administration's (SBA) Express Loans.
Two presentations will be held today at Poarch in the Poarch Band of Creek Indians' Tribal Conference room beginning at 11 a.m. and again at noon.
Community members and business leaders attended the first two clinics sponsored by the Atmore Area Chamber of Commerce and the Poarch Band of Creek Indians yesterday which were held at Annie's Community Cup and at David's Catfish.
"The Clinic is an opportunity to learn more about the SBA Express Loans which are available for business enhancement or startup," Atmore Area Chamber of Commerce executive director Emilie Mims said. "These loans require no collateral so they may be more accessible than traditional loans."
The SBA has had loans for many years. It is a federal program to assist business. The clinics are being held to let people know that the loans are for everyone who meet the basic criteria, which will be explained in the clinics by Richard Hembree.
SBA loans are for individuals wanting to expand or start up a business. The goal is to assist individuals who might not be eligible for other types of loans.
"Kathy Allison, the director of the PCI Economic Development Dept. asked me if the Chamber would like to co-sponsor these clinics with PCI," Mims said. " We saw this as a great opportunity to offer valuable information to the community. With our community growing, this is an excellent time to explore funding for those who have dreamed of owning their own business."
Mims believes that these clinics will benefit Atmore by stimulating the growth of additional small business.