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SBA officials talk up small business options on town tour

By Audrey Levine Staff Writer
   MANVILLE — Despite a turnout of only about five people, representatives from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) spoke to prospective business owners Monday about training sessions, loan options and other aspects of starting a business in today’s economy.
   ”It was very informative and very helpful,” Mayor Lillian Zuza said of the meeting. “If we can help these five people, then that’s great.”
   Following a walking tour of the businesses on Main Street to advertise the meeting and the SBA’s services, James Kosci, district director of the SBA, and Larry Jenkins, regional director of the Small Business Development Center at Raritan Valley Community College, spoke in the borough hall about the best ways to secure business loans and other steps in opening a business.
   ”We had our lending partners emphasizing that prospective owners should make sure their credit reports don’t have negative information when applying for loans,” Mr. Kosci said. “Lenders will look at past history.”
   Although they were disappointed by the low turnout for the meeting, Mayor Zuza said she would definitely be willing to hold another meeting in the future to show current and prospective business owners their different options.
   ”We know that people might not need the information now, but in six months, they could find they do,” she said.
   Anthony Bendetti, owner of McCarthy’s Bar and Grill in Bridgewater, said the presentation was very well done and that he was glad to hear the information, despite having already taken out an SBA loan in 2001.
   ”Sometimes I go to meetings like these to see the direction the SBA is going in,” he said. “I am always learning about new sources. The information was very well-presented.”
   Although he has been in business for quite some time, Mr. Bendetti said he was glad to hear about the possibilities for business owners both from the SBA’s point of view and from an educational standpoint when Mr. Jenkins spoke.
   ”Each area was well-represented,” he said.
   Aside from this kind of meeting, Mr. Kosci said he would still like to work with current Manville businesses in the future to talk about their options for loans and other opportunities.
   During the walking tour, he said, Oscar Gonzalez, owner of Discount Mattress and Furniture on South Main Street, mentioned that it might be beneficial to have a breakfast meeting after the holidays to speak with more of the owners in a group.
   ”We will definitely follow up with Mr. Gonzalez,” Mr. Kosci said.