Small Business Administration Comes to Washington, GA

Washington, GA—Jeanne Davis-Blair opened the doors to her restaurant Alfred’s On The Square less than two years ago. A few months after that, the economy took a turn and things got hard, and that’s why she decided to attend a forum held by the Small Business Administration, in Wilkes County.

Jeanne Davis-Blair: “You have capital improvement expenses that you just can’t necessarily cover.“

Officials from the Atlanta office came to Washington after Mayor Willie Burns wanted to host an event to help small business owners. Many of them sat and learned vital information about surviving during this unstable economy. Owners learned about the SBA’s new loan 90% guarantee, and working with stimulus money. All this comes through the SBA Economic Recovery Act launched in February.

Jeanne Davis-Blair: “That we don’t have to go out and pay someone to come in and consult with, on marketing strategies, or even some of our financial packaging.“

Officials with SBA says small business owners may not have to deal with too many hassles when they go through the SBA.

Jorge Valentin-Stone, Small Business Administration: “Before you go to the bank, you have the opportunity now to sit down with one of out counselors with either SCORE, or the University of Georgia small business development centers to have your business plan reviewed and criticized.“

So, as Mrs. Blair waits for the economy to get better, she continues to serve hot food and says she’ll take advantage of all that the SBA has to offer. There are other incentives under the SBA Economic Recovery Act, such as elimination of several loan fees, which will help owners save more money.
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