To the Small Business Assistance Corp., it matters not whether you’re a maker of chocolate or a manufacturer of heavy machinery — what matters is your potential for growth.
The SBAC held its 23rd annual awards ceremony on Wednesday at Savannah Station, recapping its 2014 lending milestones and recognizing those growing businesses the nonprofit helped through its loan programs.
“Throughout the fiscal 2014 year, SBAC continues to face challenging market conditions. Nonetheless, SBAC turned in a very solid operating performance,” said Al Torpie, the SBAC’s chairman.
The SBAC gave its Michael Bunn Sr. Memorial Rising Star Award to Savannah Global Solutions, which markets and manufactures mechanical and chemical equipment used to forest and reforest timber plantations around the world. The company, owned by Mark and Trudy Sauer, has been able to grow its operations over the last decade, making significant headway in countries like Brazil and Indonesia.
“Our real growth has started since 2005 when we expanded into international markets,” said Mark Sauer, who’s clocked 200,000 air miles in the last year. “Today I would say at least 60 percent of our revenues are overseas.”
The couple secured a loan with SunTrust and SBAC to buy more equipment and expand to a 35,000-square-foot facility in Pembroke where it makes its equipment such as sub-soil plows and spot cultivators.
“To be a small business that’s a manufacturing business is a feat in itself. Only it’s nice to say that we’re exporting product and not exporting jobs,” said Mark.
The company employs about 25 people and sends many of its products on outgoing container ships
through the Port of Savannah.
A new category presented this year was the Micro Entrepreneur of Year, created to acknowledge up-and-coming businesses with fewer employees. The award was given to Adam Turoni, owner of Chocolat by Adam at 323 W. Broughton St., who opened his business in 2010.
“The SBAC has been the support for me through those years that I could go to for guidance — not only financially, but also for the business advice,” he said. “They’ve helped me constantly grow and keep up with demand.”
Turoni received an SBAC loan in 2013 that allowed him to buy a tempering machine to keep the chocolate at a liquid state for longer periods and increase his output. This year, he secured another loan through First Chatham Bank which allowed him to purchase his retail space.
“Businesses don’t usually buy their space within two years, so that was a huge accomplishment for us,” he said.
Other awards presented Wednesday include the T. McCoy Cornerstone Award presented to Jenny Dent, executive assistant for Visit Savannah, who’s worked at the organization for 18 years. The award recognizes excellence in the field of administration assistance.
The Small Business Lending Unit of the Year award was given to Ameris Bank, which recently acquired The Coastal Bank. Partnering with the SBAC, they funded loans totaling $1.7 million in the last fiscal year, including the restoration of the Sorry Charlie’s seafood restaurant and bar overlooking Ellis Square.
Pam Parker, senior vice president of Ameris’ commercial division, accepted the award.
Among its other 2014 accomplishments, the SBAC gave out $6.9 million in loans for projects valued at $16.6 million, creating between 750-800 local jobs. It increased its total net assets from $2.5 million to $3.8 million, offering more access to lending capital for qualified borrowers.
The organization has also been able to help a diverse cross section of entrepreneurs, about 68 percent of whom are minorities and women.
“The geographic area serviced by SBAC is diverse and includes urban, rural high poverty and high unemployment,” said Torpie.
Since its inception in 1989, the nonprofit has specialized in contract loans utilizing state, local and federal grants to promote small business development. The SBAC offers 13 separate loan programs with loans ranging from $2,500 to $5.5. million.
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For more information about the Small Business Assistance Corp., go to sbacsav.com.