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SBAC Continues to Help Lynn Businesses Thrive
October 8, 2002 The Daily Item

The Lynn Small Business Assistance Center (SBAC), located at 39 Central Square, helps local businesses thrive. Established in 1997 by the Economic Development and Industrial Corporation of Lynn (EDIC/Lynn), the SBAC offers facilities and free or low-cost business development programs and technical assistance to entrepreneurs, newly established business and established businesses in the downtown area.

"We work with people at all stages of business, from developing and testing an idea, to identifying sources of finance, as well as managing the staff and day-to-day operations of business," says SBAC Director Doug Stevenson.

SBAC facilities include a resource library containing books, periodicals, and reference materials. The library features a computer lab, featuring software with templates for proposals, outlines, and business plans. Computers are also connected to the International Trade Data Network. No appointment is necessary for library access.
The U.S. Small Business Administration supports SBAC by donating computers, software and the time of its employees. Lisa Gonzalez represents the U.S. Small Business Administration one day a week at the Lynn SBAC offering business counseling sessions.

"The partnership between the U.S. Small Business Administration and Lynn Small Business Assistance Center has proven to be a superb match," said Elaine F. Guiney, Massachusetts director of the U.S. Small Business Administration.

"The Lynn Area Women's Network for Entrepreneurial Training (WNET) has really taken off," Guiney added. "SBA and community leaders have worked hard to provide an extensive range of resource materials, services and good advice to existing and aspiring small businesses in the Lynn area."

The SBAC's resource partner, the Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE), offers one-on-one business counseling services by appointment on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Lynn SBAC office. SCORE is a national program that matches experienced executives with business owners or aspiring business owners.

Ron and Joyce Trapasso, owners of Atwill Furniture company, an antique furniture restoration and repair business on the Lynnway, contacted SBAC for help in relocating and upgrading their business. "I can't say enough about the SBAC," Joyce Trapasso said. "They helped with business cards, press releases, and computer software to organize our business. I met with a SCORE volunteer about planning ahead for retirement years, and another one about accounting."

The SBAC continues to expand its scope of services in order to meet the needs of a growing client base. From January to July 2002, the SBAC serviced 230 clients. This fall, in an attempt to extend the SBA's resources to the minority communities in Lynn, the SBAC is offering programs in Spanish and Khmer.