News

Economic gardening with help from the SBA

September 2, 2011 /

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The MDT Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program encourages and supports the participation of companies owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals in transportation contracts.

Gardening usually conjures up thoughts about planting flowers or growing vegetables. But economic gardening focuses on growing local companies and the local economy. Each type of garden must be sustained. Both take dedication, effort and support. Commitment and passion for your idea must accompany both. And you must be ready for the long haul, because small businesses, like gardens, require a lot of work.

To begin an economic gardening program, one must develop an inventory of community and business assets available. What is the "wealth" in (insert your state here)? What organizations can you tap into or partner with?

Your list of assets should include the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), SCORE, Small Business Development Centers (SBDC), your local chamber of commerce and economic development agency.

By A. JOHN SHORAKA

Full Story: http://dailylocal.com/articles/2011/08/23/news/doc4e53b621da399045574292.txt?viewmode=fullstory

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