Rural small businesses are a key part of America’s economy. They supply our food and energy, safeguard our natural resources, and are essential in the development of science and innovation.
Gardening usually conjures up thoughts about planting flowers or growing vegetables. However, economic gardening focuses on growing local companies and the local economy. Each type of garden must be sustained. Both take dedication, effort and support. Commitment and passion for your idea must accompany each type of garden. And, you must be prepared for the long haul, because just like gardens, small businesses require a lot of work.
Could yours be the perfect invention to aid U.S. combat soldiers in Afghanistan? Have you created a vaccine that could possibly rid the world of one of its deadly diseases? Do you think that you could possibly be the next Bill Gates? Perhaps your ideas or inventions are not as grand as these, and you need a little assistance with funding your idea and making your dream a reality. The federal government may be able to help you.
Made in America is hot again.
In Kent, Brian Coughren and Tom Willman have seen their business, Seattle Safety grow to 45 jobs since starting their business in 1996.
The U.S. Small Business Administration’s popular 7(a) Loan Guaranty Program guarantees loans of up to $5 million. Many small businesses in Kent, however, need much less than that for most business purposes, so the SBA has developed a program specifically to make smaller loans more easily available.
