Essential Business in Smyrna Turns to UGA For Assistance During Pandemic
Joseph is the owner of The UPS Store located on Cobb Pkwy in Smyrna, Georgia. The UPS Store is a locally owned franchise offering a range of products and services designed specifically to help and support small business owners in the local community.
In 2012 a bank recommended Joseph contact a local UGA Small Business Development Center (SBDC) for assistance to get a commercial loan to move his store to a new location. Joseph became a client of the UGA SBDC at Kennesaw State University. Consultant Antonio Barrios provided business consulting services including assistance with preparation of a Business Plan and Financial Projections. He got the loan and in March 2012 moved the store to his current location.
This year the impact of COVID-19 created uncertainty in the economy and potential negative impact on the cash flow of the business. As an existing client of the SBDC, Joseph contacted his business consultant, Antonio Barrios, for assistance with the information and process for the SBA Emergency Loans. Antonio assisted him with information about the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act including terms and conditions and the application process for the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) and Paycheck Protection Program (PPP).
With assistance from the SBDC, Joseph was able to secure the SBA EIDL Advance and Loan. The funds will provide a working capital reserve to better manage the business in these uncertain economic times.