SBA and government officials check in with small business to access current needs
MILLVILLE, Del. – Small businesses in Millville talking about success, current challenges, and what entrepreneurs need in the first state.
Officials were also able to consider the current outlook for businesses for the rest of the year.
“It’s very scary, but it’s all very exciting,” said Nicki Evans, thriving as a new business owner of Stride Physical Therapy and Wellness. Her business has now been open for 8 months.
On Wednesday, she spoke with officials about her current needs as an entrepreneur. “Marketing is going to be a big source, the meet and greets – just getting out there and meeting new people. Funding is always a big thing especially when you’re talking about entrepreneurs because everything is brand new to you. You need the equipment, you need rehab on your facility at times, so those types of things,” said Evans.
These needs come at a time when the Small Business Administration says more are jumping on the opportunity to launch their own shop. “Entrepreneurship is great. We are seeing our highest level of entrepreneurs in years. Coming out of COVID a lot of people just realized they wanted to pursue their dreams of opening a small business and they went on and did that,” said Michelle Harris, the Delaware Director of the Small Business Administration.
To be successful, Senator Tom Carper says at the federal level they are also working to support small businesses. “Turns out there’s some federal programs through the small business development center, that are just made to order to help this health care specialist an entrepreneur. We want to make sure that she knows about them and takes advantage of them,” said U.S. Senator Tom Carper.
Michelle Harris with the SBA says some of that assistance comes through funding. “Primarily help small businesses with capital through our loan programs. We have loan guarantee programs where we help banks get from a no to a yes with the small business that they may perceive as just a slightly bit riskier, which might hinder them from saying yes to a loan for the,” Harris explained.
Evans says she feels supported by these options, and if you’re looking to start your business go for it! “I should have done it sooner, I actually love it in a weird way. You’re always going to be nervous, there’s always going to be doubts, and you’re always going to have the “what ifs?” Do your research, and make sure it’s the right fit for you because I did that for 5 years and made sure it was the right fit for me. And then I took the leap, took the step of faith,” said Evans.
The Small Business Administration says the EDGE grant is currently open.
