Kelly Oppelt and Amanda Kuhn have known each other since elementary school and were reunited several years ago while working at a Monroe County publication and creative services firm. After being temporarily laid off, the compatible duo decided to combine their knowledge and experience to launch Smart Blonde Creative – an agency dedicated to providing affordable design services to small businesses and individuals in the Poconos.

The business partners believe their familiarity with the design needs and creative demands of local clientele will provide an untapped opportunity to harvest success. “However, we knew applying for a loan to purchase the necessary equipment and supplies would be our biggest challenge,” says Oppelt who was referred to MetroAction by the University of Scranton Small Business Development Center.

“The staff at MetroAction really helped us understand the entire loan application process,” observes Kuhn after the pair obtained a $15,000 small business loan. To keep overhead expenses down, Smart Blonde is operating as a home-based business, an additional benefit to Kuhn, a new parent.

Smart Blonde Creative has recently been a recipient of Wells Fargo Securities, LLC funding.

  Michael Bird had a perennial dream. In June 2000, he began working      summers at Wilmot Nursery and Landscaping in Lake Ariel. Founded in 1985, the nursery was considered the area’s premiere source for landscaping, hardscaping and gardening needs and Bird wanted to be a part of its success. (more…)

Although the new owner of Little Acres Learning Academy in Moscow has experience working in Afghanistan and at a large, electronics maintenance and repair facility, Justin Abromavage decided it was more important to make a positive contribution to the families in the North Pocono community. (more…)

As long as he can remember, playing and working on the boats around Lake Wallenpaupack has been the biggest part of Kevin Trevor’s life.So when the time came to decide on a career path, he never considered pursuing anything other than what he loves doing.

Upon returning home from the Marine Mechanics Institute in Florida, Trevor discovered a nearby marina business had closed leaving hundreds of customers underserved. It was an ideal opportunity to put his education and experience to work so in 2009, the seeds were planted for New Wave in Recreation. Trevor’s parents, who have extensive industry experience, provided unconditional support and became his first two employees.

As the business blossomed, Trevor realized the current location was too small and moved into a larger facility. The entrepreneur also decided to look into MetroAction’s loan program for the financing he needed to sustain New Wave’s growth.

“The staff at MetroAction really understands the needs of small business owners, and shared my vision for New Wave’s continued success,” says Trevor, who borrowed $20,000 for working capital and inventory.

“I also attended MetroAction’s Small Business Institute where I learned about the importance of taking a step back from my day to day responsibilities and looking at the big picture of owning a business.”

With his dream of owning a marina business now a reality, the future looks promising for Trevor who recently became a franchisee of Boat U.S. offering fuel, repair, and towing discounts to members; the only one in the surrounding area.

For more information on MetroAction’s loans visit www.MetroAction.org or call (570) 341-0270.

A few years ago, colleagues Christine Kromko and Douglas Smith wanted to ensure they could keep working the jobs they loved.  So the longtime employees of Jake’s Carpet purchased the Hamlin landmark.  For them, the decision was simple “Jake’s is family owned and operated and always has been.  This is where we live, where we work, where we raise our families,” says Kromko.  (more…)

Do you know  a small or medium-sized business owner looking to expand or an entrepreneur looking to start up  a company?  MetroAction may be just what your client is looking for. We know these clients face a unique set of challenges in today’s economic climate, and that’s why MetroAction offers flexible financing ranging from $250 to $200,000!

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SBA

Did you know that the SBA is launching a new program to help existing small businesses through this difficult economic time?  In a few weeks, eligible businesses will be able to apply for deferred-payment loans up to $35,000 through the America’s Recovery Capital (ARC) program.  Read more about the program and eligibilty below. (more…)

MetroAction loans funds to Accumark Inc.

Thomas Joseph recently received $35,000 in funding from MetroAction for his business, Acumark, Inc.  Acumark is a direct marketing and printing businesses located in West Pittson. Mr. Thomas will use the funding provided by MetroAction to purchase new binding equipment.  For more information on MetroAction’s loan programs, visit www.MetroAction.org.

Three area businesses recently recieved small business financing from MetroAction. 

Adventure Family Trips in Luzerne County, owned by Kathryon Burnside, received $25,000 to start an online adventure travel business.    Ms. Burnside will use the funds to purchase equipment and market her new business.

Michael Stalter, owner of Stalter’s cafe, received $15,000 to open a new restaurant and bar in Scranton.  Mr. Stalter will use the funds to purchase equipment and inventory and make renovations to the building.

Kristine Corona, owner of Kristine Corona’s Family Home Daycare in East Stroudsburg, recently received a $5,500 loan to grow her business. Kristine Corona’s Family Home Daycare offers quality childcare as well as a full-scale pre-school program.

On November 13, the U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Philadelphia District Office commemorated the continued growth of MetroAction’s microloan program.  At the ceremony, SBA Philadelphia District Director David Dickson presented a ceremonial check to MetroAction representatives.

“We are really excited about the continued growth of MetroAction’s SBA-funded microloan program,” said Dickson.  “In this type of an economic climate, small business owners need access to capital to start their businesses and keep them growing.  SBA programs like the microloan program help keep those lifelines open and I am happy that MetroAction is a part of these efforts.” (more…)