SMARTstartSouthState Bank Makes Another Generous Donation to Microloan Program
June 28, 2021
PASCO COUNTY, FLORIDA (June 28, 2021) — 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 financially. 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.
“The Microloan program allows our community’s economy to grow and donations like those from SouthState Bank support that mission by providing the funds needed for 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.smartstartpasco.com or contact Dan Mitchell, the SMARTstart Program Director, at dmitchell@pascoedc.com or 352-437-4861.
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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.