Businesses – especially small ones – should be aware banks such as Bank of America have easy access banking and Web sites which find ATMs with maps, driving directions, and business hours.  There are safety tips on using ATMs and even talking ATMs.

Women and lower-level managers are most likely to support a company’s philanthropic policy, according to University of Alabama-Birmingham researchers.  Dr. Thomas Powers and colleagues found lower-level managers feel more strongly about giving back to society than do middle and upper management.  Women expressed a higher social responsibility than males.

The Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce Small Business Center is a support cooperative which provides training, assessment services, and counseling for small and start-up businesses.  Its partners include the Jacksonville Regional Chamber of Commerce, City of Jacksonville, U.S. Small Business Administration, University of North Florida Small Business Development Center, Jacksonville Economic Development Commission, Community Development Block Grant Program, and other educational, community, and volunteer-based business support organizations.

The 504 Loan Program is for the acquisition, construction, and renovation of commercial land and buildings and acquisition of 20-year or longer machinery and equipment.  It provides long-term, fixed-rate (typically below market) financing to businesses to retain and/or to create jobs.

SBA 7(a) Bank Guaranty Program can be used for any business purpose – working capital, inventory or equipment, refinance existing debt, or to buy a business.  A bank makes the loan; SBA guarantees up to $562,500.  The maximum loan is $750,000.  The SBA Pre-Qualification Loan Program is for women, minorities, and veterans seeking small business financing.  SBAC works with the SBA to get the request pre-approved by SBA and helps to find a local lender.  The maximum loan amount is $250,000.