The Selma Times-Journal

A clinic for current and future small business owners will be held today

from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Selma-Dallas County Public Library.

The event is sponsored through a partnership with the Selma/Dallas Chamber of Commerce and the Small Business Development Center at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa.

There will be counselors at the clinic to assist with loan information and the application process. The event is free to the public and no appointment is necessary, according to Lauri Cothran, executive director for the Chamber of Commerce.

Cothran said a clinic usually held once or twice per year, so more people can attend in case of a scheduling conflict. A short presentation is held at the beginning of the clinic and afterward people will be able to meet with counselors and ask questions.

Cothran said the more prepared individuals are, in terms of having a solid, working business plan and conducting market research, the more likely they are to obtain startup funds in the form of grants or loans and to have a successful business.

At the clinic, the University of Alabama Small Business Development Center will be offering a new form of assistance to small business owners through the Community Express Loan program. Applicants will receive a decision regarding their potential loan within ten business days.

The loans can be for amounts ranging from

$5,000 to $50,000 and are non-collateralized, or unsecured loans. Approval is based on the Fair Isaac Credit Scoring system, or FICO scores.

Visitors are welcome to inquire about the program or apply for a Community Express loan at the clinic.

For more information, interested individuals may contact the Selma/Dallas Chamber of Commerce or the Small Business Development Center in Tuscaloosa at 205-348-7011.