Do Small Businesses Get The Credit They Deserve?

By: Shanda Barrett

My title this week is a double entendre but unfortunately, the answer is no in both cases.

No, they don't get the lending they need; and it is often overlooked that they keep the U. S. economy afloat.

I've spent the last two weeks talking to small business owners in Mississippi who -despite the tough economic times- have chosen to to hire where it makes sense and to invest in the training of their current workforce.

They are too busy working in their businesses to complain about the bailout that they didn't get nor the special loan programs for which they don't qualify. Rather than insisting on the same preferential treatment given to big businesses; they are focused on making the strategic moves that will improve their talent, products, and service offerings.

If I had to give advice to a small business owner who wants to hire, but is waiting on the economy to recover, this is what I would offer:

If it makes sense, I would suggest looking to your local workforce specialists for help with funds for training and recruitment. In MS, there's a ton on money set aside to help businesses improve the skills of their current workforce as well as to recruit entry level personnel.

While I'm no expert, your local WIN Job Center Director or Community College Workforce Director is. They have great programs that are hassle free. In many cases, these programs may help you partially defray the cost for training that you are already conducting. So reach out today.

To find your local Workforce Investment Board or Community College in the U.S. click here. To locate a WIN Job Center In Mississippi click here. To locate your local community college workforce director click here.

If you are reading this blog, and you are a small business owner, thank you for your service and dedication to local economies everywhere.

About the Author

Shanda Barrett is a new venture coach at Mississippi Technology Alliance and author of New Biz Buzz, a blog devoted to giving advice and inspiration to new entrepreneurs.

(ArticlesBase SC #1798892)

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