Local Pediatrician Receives Pasco’s First Microloan to Help Grow His Business

April 12, 2012

Dr. Jay Harvey, a board certified pediatrician left his office Wednesday with a check from Pasco Economic Development Council, Inc.  Personal Pediatric Care in Trinity became Pasco EDC’s first small business to receive a microloan. “I am truly honored to be Pasco EDC’s first loan recipient,” said Dr. Jay Harvey MD, FAAP. “This will allow me to continue to grow and expand my practice and help elevate the level of pediatric care here in our community.” With nearly 20 years of experience, Dr. Jay Harvey opened his practice in Trinity in 2011. Initially it was opened to offer boutique, concierge medicine, and limit the number of patients he was seeing. However, current economic conditions proved this particular model could not be supported, and he quickly began to restructure his business for growth, but like many other small businesses, Personal Pediatric Care was unable to obtain traditional financing. Through Pasco EDC’s microloan fund they received the funding needed plus technical training to help along the way. Dr. Harvey has converted his practice back into a traditional pediatric office, and kids and moms alike are thrilled. Amid the giant mural-lined walls of SpongeBob and Scooby Doo, Dr. Harvey is equally thrilled to be growing and expanding his practice. “We know that the use of the funds will make a huge impact here in Pasco County and on his business,” said Michael Cox, Chair of Pasco EDC’s Growth Task Force and Associate VP with Wells Fargo Advisors. “The bottom line is, we want to help businesses promote themselves, continue to grow and add to our community.” The microloan fund was established to help local entrepreneurs and small businesses grow and expand. When companies grow, jobs are created and the local economy begins to flourish. Pasco EDC is urging companies who need help obtaining non-traditional financing and are headquartered in Pasco County, or planning to locate in Pasco County, to consider applying for a microloan. Borrowers must show they have the experience and resources to be successful business operators. Proceeds may be used for working capital, inventory, supplies, furniture, fixtures, machinery and equipment, but not to purchase real estate or to refinance existing debt. Please visit www.pascoedc.com for more information on how to apply, or call the Pasco EDC at 813-926-0827 to consider donating to the fund.