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SouthState Bank Makes Another Generous Donation to Microloan Program
The SMARTstart Microloan Program offers financial support to businesses who need help starting up.
SouthState Bank, formerly Centerstate Bank, has supported the SMARTstart Microloan Program since it was established in 2012. Recently, they donated $5,000, totaling their overall contribution to the Pasco Economic Development Council (Pasco EDC) to $40,000 to support small businesses in Pasco County. Skip Skairus, Regional President of SouthState, says “SouthState is pleased to once again contribute to the Microloan Program. When a program like this gives small business owners the opportunity to succeed and create jobs, they can help boost the Pasco County economy as a whole”. One of SouthState Bank’s main focuses is on small business development, from offering support to grow a business to protecting it fi-
nancially. This donation goes right back into the local community to help achieve this mission of helping small businesses. SouthState Bank’s Commercial Relationship Manager, Lee Maggard, serves on the Microloan committee which processes the applications to give loans to those working towards establishing their business. “The Microloan Program has provided support to 58 businesses so far and has created over 200 jobs since its establishment,” said Bill Cronin, President and CEO, Pasco EDC. The SMARTstart program provides assistance to small businesses in Pasco County so they are able to start and establish their businesses. Microloans are given with the goal of strengthening the economy by creating more job opportunities
and starting more businesses locally. The loans can be used on the essentials needed to get businesses up and running, from purchasing inventory and machinery to working capital.
more businesses to grow in Pasco County,” said Cronin.
If your business is interested in learning more about or making a donation to the Microloan Program, visit www.smartstart“The Microloan pasco.com or conprogram allows tact Dan Mitchell, our community’s economy to grow the SMARTstart and donations like Program Director, those from South- at dmitchell@pascoedc.com or 352State Bank sup437-4861. port that mission by providing the funds needed for
