Small Business Assistance Program Saves 82 Jobs, Creates 12

From the CACLV. - During the darkest days of the recession, the Community Action Committee of the Lehigh Valley (CACLV) partnered with Lehigh Valley SCORE to create the Small Business Assistance Program. This joint effort was designed to provide free technical assistance and a range of professional services to local small businesses to help them survive the worst recession in decades. A recent survey of participating business owners found that the program resulted in 83 saved jobs and the creation of 12 others. Many assisted businesses anticipate the need to hire additional employees in the coming year. All have remained in business.

The program was funded by a one-time grant awarded to CACLV under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). Out of 172 program applicants, 50 qualifying small businesses received vouchers for professional services in amounts up to $5,000. A total of $124,070 in professional service vouchers was distributed. The professional services were provided by other local small businesses, further stimulating the local economy. Every applicant, including those who did not receive vouchers, was offered technical assistance from trained staff and volunteers.

According to Kim Stout, Business Development Coordinator for CACLV, the business owners would have continued to struggle during the economic downturn without the assistance of the program. For example, Sam Radin of Lehigh Valley Auto Sales received $2,000 to help with the marketing of his business and get better results from his accounting system. In the follow-up survey, Radin states that his business has increased as a direct result of the services he received. His accounting system is a better management tool and he learned how to use the internet to grow his business. He has been able to stay open, his business continues to improve, and he is planning to build a garage and hire additional help in the upcoming year.

Pete Reinke, Vice President of Regional Development at the Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation, chaired the committee that established this program. Reinke says that he is proud to have been a part of the program and was encouraged to see that “such a small amount of assistance is what allowed these businesses to survive and move forward. They will now be able to help turn around our economy by expanding their businesses and creating more local jobs.”

Comments from other small businesses who received assistance included similar positive feedback. Many business owners indicated that they will be able to hire new employees in the near future. At least 13 additional jobs will be created as a result of the stimulus grant. Joanna Mancuso, owner of The Wonder Kids, says “[This opportunity] has encouraged me to move forward and expand my business.” The Wonder Kids opened a second location in the Borough of Northampton last October.

Blogger's Note: This all sounds great, but they refused to invest a dime in my candy business, Plopp Enterprises.