CenterState Bank Donates $5,000 to Support Small Business Growth in Pasco County

June 12, 2018

Pasco EDC Microloan Program assists those who have a hard time securing traditional financing

PASCO COUNTY, FLORIDA (June 12, 2018)—CenterState Bank has invested in the Pasco EDC Microloan Program since its inception in April 2012. It recently made an additional donation of $5,000 through its Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) program. 

“We believe it is important to support small business growth in our community and Pasco EDC’s microloan program has been successful in helping entrepreneurs grow their business,” says Skip Skairus, Senior Vice President, CenterState Bank.

More than half of Americans either own or work for a small business, and they create almost two out of every three new jobs in the U.S. each year.  It is a startling statistic which holds true in Pasco County and a key reason Pasco EDC created the microloan program to help entrepreneurs. This year, Pasco EDC hit a huge milestone, awarding over $1 million in loans to local businesses. To date there have been 41 microloans awarded to local businesses with an average loan of $27,273.

“Donations we receive from companies like CenterState are what make this great program available to our small businesses in Pasco,” said Bill Cronin, President/CEO, Pasco EDC. “Their donation shows us that they trust and believe in what we are doing.”

Microloan Program applicants must be for-profit companies located in Pasco County, and 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. Contact the Pasco EDC at 813-926-0827 or visit www.smartstartpasco.com for more information, or to consider donating to the fund.

About Pasco Economic Development Council
The Pasco Economic Development Council is committed to developing Florida's most competitive climate for business growth by providing businesses, that seek to start, move, or grow in the North Tampa Bay area, a comprehensive suite of programs that can help them to reach their full economic potential. Since 1987, Pasco EDC has fostered a strong partnership funded by corporate and public investors focused on the economic vitality of Pasco County. Discover more at www.pascoedc.com.

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