By By Steve Swogetinsky/The Meridian Star
Feb. 20, 2001
Lt. Gov. Amy Tuck pledged Monday to develop a "one-stop" shop where would-be entrepreneurs can find information to help them succeed.
Putting the small business person with the state agencies that can help them develop their plan was the idea behind a meeting Tuck coordinated in Meridian.
Tuck said she learned during the state's budgeting process last fall there are many ways the state can assist small businesses with planning and getting loans for financing. But, she also realized that many overlap and one agency might not be aware of what another can do.
The Meridian meeting was the final leg of a tour of communities across the Mississippi where Tuck and state economic development leaders discussed what can be done to help small business people get into business and stay in business.
Attendees were advised that help is available through the state of Mississippi for development of business plans.
The top concern of many participants was getting a business loan to either start up or expand. Each panelist basically said that without a business plan, getting such a loan was unlikely, at best.
Anyone needing help with this element may want to contact the Small Business Development Center at Meridian Community College, or similar offices at many of the state's two-year colleges.
Information is also available at these centers concerning taxes and other topics.
Tuck was accompanied by state Sen. Travis Little, D-Corinth, whose comments focused on budget cuts and the state's workforce training programs.
Attendees said the found the information useful.
Steve Swogetinsky is regional editor of The Meridian Star. E-mail him at sswogetinsky@themeridianstar.com.