MetroAction recently provided AGS PhotoArt, LLC with a $25,000 loan to purchase equipment and other essentials necessary to start up a virtual photography studio. Although owner Amandarose Szezorak is only twenty-two years old, she has been doing professional photography for six years while pursuing a bachelor in fine arts degree and working two part-time jobs to support her dream.

“During high school, I worked for a professional photographer and realized that someday I wanted to be doing exactly the same thing as she was.”

After earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree at Marywood University, Szezorek decided the time was right to establish AGS PhotoArt, LLC where she creates images with an artistic flair.  Although she did not qualify for a traditional bank loan, Amandarose received a $25,000 loan through MetroAction to purchase equipment and other essentials necessary to start up a virtual photography studio.

“I am thankful to MetroAction for providing me with the funding I needed to purchase the equipment necessary to become a successful business owner,” says Szezorak

Dedicated to continuing her education, Szezorak took advantage of MetroAction’s Small Business Institute where she learned how to be a better entrepreneur.  And she’s not slowing down yet…Szezorak has set her sights on opening a storefront location where she can expand her services to include handmade prints and assist other photographers who have similar goals.

With MetroAction’s support and Szezorak’s perseverance, there’s no doubt AGS Photo Art, LLC will continue to grow!

MetroAction is developing an ambassador outreach program designed to create awareness and sustain participation throughout our nine county region.  Ambassadors will have the opportunity to attend networking events at various locations and gain knowledge in surrounding communities.  If you or someone you know may be interested, email Alicia Tompkins, MetroAction’s Business Development Specialist at atompkins@MetroAction.org or call (570)342-7711 for more information.

As part of MetroAction’s Ask the Expert webinar series, Chuck Pierce, Business Consultant at Wilkes University’s Small Business Development Center, will offer three tips to help potential entrepreneurs get started. Participants’ questions about this timely topic will also be addressed. The webinar will be conducted on Tuesday, January 4 from 8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.

No special equipment is necessary. All that is needed is a telephone line and an internet connection. Cost is $10 per person and pre-registration is required. Visit www.MetroAction.org or call (570) 341-0270 to register.

Do you know a small business owner that needs financing?  Did you know that MetroAction can provide loans from $250 to $200,000 to small businesses that do not qualify for bank financing?

MetroAction’s Step Loan Program helps low income people improve their lives by providing access to small business loans and counseling. And, MetroAcion is  an area loan organization for the Small Business First Loan Program — a state program designed to stimulate the expansion and assist in the retention of small business for the purpose of creating new jobs and retaining existing jobs in Pennsylvania.

Learn more about these, and our other loan programs, at www.MetroAction.org.  You can even make a referral right from our website!

This article is provided by the Greater Scranton Area SCORE chapter.

If you’ve dreamed of business ownership for years, but stories of all the business that failed are stopping you, take heart. There are many ways that you can tilt the odds of success in your favor. (more…)

First Friday Scranton

Join us this week for First Friday in downtown Scranton! For a full list of venues and a .pdf of the map, visit http://firstfridayscranton.com.

First Friday art walks are held on the first Friday of every month at galleries and businesses around Downtown Scranton. Paintings, photography, sculpture, music, performance art…you never know what you’ll find at First Friday in Scranton.

Support local artists and mingle with your Northeastern Pennsylvania neighbors, all in a casual atmosphere. Hope to see you there!

This article is provided by the Greater Scranton Area SCORE chapter.

If you operate a seasonal business and are starting to wonder if the uneven revenue streams and stress-filled crunch times are worth all the hassle, take heart. Millions of small businesses post the bulk of their annual sales during a short season or cycle.   (more…)

This article is provided by the Greater Scranton Area SCORE chapter.

Setting the proper prices for your small business products and services can be very tricky. Some business owners think they have it down. But after reviewing costs, expected profit, what competitors charge and what they think customers will pay, it becomes more complex. (more…)

This article is provided by the Greater Scranton Area SCORE chapter.

What does “marketing” really mean for a small business? For you, it might include events, public relations, trade shows or advertising. But for other small businesses, it might mean different things, like electronic newsletters, packaging, postcards—and even the hats, uniforms or nametags that employees wear. (more…)

First Friday Scranton

Join us this week for First Friday in downtown Scranton! For a full list of venues and a .pdf of the map, visit http://firstfridayscranton.com.

First Friday art walks are held on the first Friday of every month at galleries and businesses around Downtown Scranton. Paintings, photography, sculpture, music, performance art…you never know what you’ll find at First Friday in Scranton.

Support local artists and mingle with your Northeastern Pennsylvania neighbors, all in a casual atmosphere. Hope to see you there!