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Where do I start?

by Marleen101, Window Shopper

  • Created: August 11, 2010, 6:21 pm
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3 comments

Hello.  I am a small business owner in Washington state.  I have had my stores for 7 years (I have one that is 7 yrs open, 4 yrs open, and 7 months) thought that we were recession proof - I know that is a tough term, but we were gang busters!! I own a smoothie bar and nutrition center.  Until 3 months ago - our customers were still concerned with what they consumed.  Now, they have all disappeared! we get comments of apologies stating that they are sorry that they are not able to come in as often as they did, or that they got laid off - many many more - but what this has done (because we are such a small ticket item and need many people to come into our stores) is cut our legs off.  Not once but in all three stores, we have cut all of our labor hours down to a minimum, and we are working as many hours that we can, and have our employees solo in the stores.  So we went from a great store, with happy customers, happy employees and happy owners - to owners on the floor too many hours, employees that have had to search for 2nd jobs, and customers that no longer have the extra funds to pay for health.

I heard President Obama mention a Small biz stimulous package....searching the internet - I cannot find any information....

any help on where do I begin.  Thank you in advance for your time.

Tags: Discuss Popular Topics, Loans & Grants
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NicoleD | Former Moderator | 8/24/2010 - 11:47 am

Thanks for your feedback Maryann. Marlene - I hope you found some helpful resources here. Please keep us posted on your progress, and if you have more questions, post them here. Best of luck to you.

BusPlanMaster | Window Shopper | 8/15/2010 - 10:18 pm

Marlene, My heart goes out to you. I know so many truly outstanding businesses that are having real trouble now. It is worse than if a natural disaster hit. As you may be discovering, much of the stimulus money is being distributed via community organizations. A lot of it, too, is earmarked for microloans. So if I were in your position I would look in two places: 1. I would check with the SBA and get the names and contact information for all the community business centers in my area. I would contact them now, whether or not they have funds now. Make contacts. See what you can find out. 2. I would talk with local credit unions. This is a seriously overlooked source of funding, and they can often work with a business when banks cannot. So give it a try. Good luck. I hope it work out for you. Best, MaryAnn
Professional Web Site: http://www.BusinessPlanMaster.com

JimD | Former Moderator | 8/12/2010 - 9:01 am

Marleen101, I am sorry to hear about your situation. SBA has a section on their website devoted to the Economic Recovery. If you look there, you might be able to find information on what you were looking for. Here are a few more resources New Recovery Act Funding Extension for SBA Loans - What it Means for Your Small Business GSA.gov Opportunities for Small Businesses JimD