SMARTstart Microloan Program Receives Continued Support from SouthState Bank

February 12, 2024

The SMARTstart Microloan Program receives another $5,000 donation from SouthState Bank.

PASCO COUNTY, FLORIDA (February 12, 2024) — Pasco Economic Development Council (Pasco EDC) is delighted with the continued support SouthState Bank has provided to the SMARTstart Microloan Program. The financial institution has been contributing to the program since it began in 2011 and recently donated another $5,000, bringing its total support to $50,000.

“SouthState Bank is proud to provide continued support to the Pasco EDC SMARTstart Microloan Program. We are excited to see the true impact donations like this make in the Pasco County entrepreneurial community,” shared Skip Skairus, Regional President of SouthState.

“Pasco EDC is grateful for SouthState Bank's support since the inception of the Microloan Program in 2011. The Microloan Fund provides loans to businesses who are beginning their entrepreneurial journeys, and we would not be able to support them without the help of the local community through donations like these,” said Bill Cronin, Pasco EDC President/CEO.

The Microloan Program gives entrepreneurs the funds they need to start or grow their business. The goal of the Microloan Program is to strengthen the Pasco County economy and create more job opportunities. Since the program began, it has assisted over 75 local businesses and created over 260 jobs. In order to qualify for a microloan, businesses must be headquartered in Pasco County. Funds can be used for purchasing inventory and machinery, working capital, supplies, and more.

Will Birdwell, owner of The Raven Makerspace (The Raven), recently received a microloan with plans to use it for a build out of his new location in New Port Richey and to get signage and sound equipment. The Raven is a 24/7 private access music studio for rehearsal & recording. “The Microloan program changed mine and my family's lives. SMARTstart gave my business its lifeblood when no one else would,” shared Will Birdwell, Owner of The Raven.

If your business is interested in learning more about or making a donation to the Microloan Program, visit www.smartstartpasco.com/microloan or contact Dan Mitchell, the SMARTstart Program Director, at dmitchell@pascoedc.com. Learn more about The Raven and follow them on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/ravenmakerspace.     

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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.