MetroAction introduces our newest borrowers and gives you a chance to catch up with some of the clients we’ve helped in the past in this year’s annual report.  Titled Real People, Real Results, the report is available for viewing on our website.  It also highlights our expanded loan programs, awards, trainings and success.

For more than 30 years, MetroAction has stayed committed to our vision of community prosperity by lending more than $3 million to small start-up businesses, as well as to existing small businesses.

The past year has been an extremely successful one for us and the diverse businesses we have helped.  And though we have expanded our services and programs to include more opportunities than ever before, MetroAction is dedicated to furthering our mission of assisting small businesses so they may grow and prosper in our own region!

MetroAction would like to extend a special thank-you to Independent Graphics who has so graciously sponsored the printing of this year’s report!

MetroAction is lending a hand to credit challenged start-up and existing small businesses with the launch of its STEP loan and mentoring program. This unique program offers increased hope to financially underserved entrepreneurs seeking small business loans during a nationwide credit crunch.

How it Works:
MetroAction helps credit challenged small business owners who cannot access traditional bank credit get the loans needed to start or grow a small business. Loans provided within the STEP loan program range from $250 – $2,500 (MetroAction lends up to $75,000 from a general loan fund). Qualified individuals may apply for a STEP loan which offers low closing costs, fixed interest rates and a built in mentoring support program. The program was created to provide an alternative for financially underserved individuals who have decided to become their own boss and start businesses, but who need a small “starter” loan to take the next step.

For more information on MetroAction’s STEP loan and mentoring program, visit www.MetroAction.org or call (570) 341-0270.

We have some exciting news to share with the NEPA small business community!

At a press announcement in Scranton this morning, we introduced several new and expanded components to our existing financing programs: (more…)

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

As you launch or expand a business, keeping track of the money, preparing tax returns and performing other financial tasks can quickly become a burden. If you need more time to do other things, it might make sense to turn over tax, accounting and other financial chores to outside specialists. (more…)

If energy efficiency is a top priority for your business, MetroAction can help!  Energy prices are about skyrocket.  It is predicted that energy costs will increase by 30% over the next few weeks!

Paying for an energy-efficiency upgrade doesn’t have to be an issue. While some upgrades require little or no funding, some do require a financial investment.  Why should you invest in making upgrades?  The savings from a well-planned efficiency upgrade can have a positive impact on your business’ cash flow and, even, pay for itself in the long run. (more…)

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

Small business owners often try to save money—especially in the early going—by using independent contractors instead of hiring full time employees. Using independent contractors, or “contract workers,” means the business doesn’t have to withhold taxes, pay Social Security or Medicare or meet numerous other employer responsibilities. (more…)

Do you want to go behind the scenes and learn the proven practices and timeless principles behind what makes Disney World Companies a worldwide admired brand? Do you want to bring those same applications to your role as a business leader?

Then the Disney Institute Leadership Excellence & People Management Training Program is your opportunity!

For full program details to “Experience the Business Behind the Magic” click here.

Come and discover the “business behind the magic.” Seating is LIMITED for this exceptional program. Contact Christina Hitchcock at (570) 342-7711 to reserve your spot!

REGISTER TODAY!

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

Owners of new and growing small businesses today know one thing for sure: conditions on the business playing field can change rapidly. The technology that seemed cutting edge last year is now outdated; or worse, obsolete. Buyer moods can swing dramatically, and marketing strategies are in constant flux. (more…)

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

E-commerce sales by small businesses are increasing rapidly and could double, triple or more during the next five years. Web sites are no longer a novelty; they are a necessity for small firms, solo operators and home businesses of almost any type. (more…)

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

For a small business, taking the first steps into advertising can be an intimidating and mysterious process. Even though we see advertising everywhere, creating and using ads ourselves can seem alien and expensive. Understanding how the medium works and what it can and cannot do for a small business is tougher than it seems. And there is always uncertainty over results.  (more…)