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AERN Represented at Small Business Resource Event in Demopolis
On April 16 entrepreneurs from the Black Belt convened at Rooster Hall in Demopolis to take notes on opportunities for educational and training programs, low interest loan programs, and resources available for small businesses. The event was co-sponsored by Merchants & Farmers Bank of Greene County and Regions Bank of Demopolis with refreshments provided.
An informative panel composed of successful entrepreneurs addressed the benefits and pitfalls of owning and operating a small business. Panelist Mary Patterson, Outreach Coordinator for AERN, commented on networking to build relationships to grow a business. She spoke to business owners about using the resources available in the AERN center, including the Business Plan Pro software to create a business plan. Frank Dobson, Assistant Executive Director of the Alabama-Tombigbee Regional Commission, discussed his agency's Revolving Loan Fund and loan programs available for creating or retaining jobs in the region.
Angelia Mance, Director of the Demopolis Higher Education Center, discussed educational and training programs available through the center. Ms. Kathryn Friday, County Coordinator for the Marengo County Extension Service, moderated the event. J.W. "Billy" McFarland, Jr., Director of the UWA Center for Business and Economic Services, Donald Mills, Director of the UWA Small Business Development Center, and Demopolis mayor J. Mike Grayson, Director of the UWA Suttles Entrepreneurship Institute, spoke about services offered to business owners through the University of West Alabama. Dan Wilson, owner of Colony Office Products in Demopolis, offered insight on the dedication required to make a small business succeed.
At the conclusion of the panel discussion, attendees browsed through informative literature that was displayed on the front table. Marengo County has been an active partner with AERN since 2001.