[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 124 (Wednesday, September 17, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1779]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          THE RE-OPENING OF THE SMALL BUSINESS RESOURCE CENTER

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JAMES E. CLYBURN

                           of south carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 17, 1997

  Mr. CLYBURN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today on the occasion of the re-
opening of the Small Business Resource Center in Charleston, SC, that 
will serve existing and prospective small business entrepreneurs 
throughout the State of South Carolina. Statistics reveal that a large 
percentage of businesses fail due to a lack of management knowledge and 
business experience. This Small Business Center will provide 
informational seminars and technical assistance, as well as education 
and training on a continual basis to help small business entrepreneurs 
achieve and maintain success in their business endeavors. We are very 
fortunate in the city of Charleston to have a centralized location 
where individuals can get necessary information, and where all services 
are free of charge.
  Continuing its commitment to small business, Apple Computer, Inc. is 
donating state-of-the-art equipment, software, and seminar consulting 
assistance to the Charleston Small Business Resource Center. This 
remarkable facility will allow individuals and small business owners to 
research, plan, and jump-start their businesses and to receive free 
consulting from SCORE [Service Corps of Retired Executives Association] 
volunteers. Individuals will use the latest Macintosh technology to 
develop business plans, create marketing materials, develop loan 
packages, and conduct market and competitive researches.
  The Small Business Resource Center in Charleston is the result of a 
national agreement between the U.S. Small Business Administration, the 
U.S. Department of Commerce's Minority Business Development Agency, and 
NationsBank to commit tangible resources aimed at increasing the 
success rate of small- and minority-owned businesses through education 
and technical assistance. The College of Charleston and Bell South also 
played vital roles in the opening of the South Carolina center.
  Mr. Speaker, I would ask that my colleagues join me in commending all 
those involved in reopening the Small Business Resource Center by 
forging partnerships that will embrace and encourage small businesses 
throughout the State of South Carolina.

                          ____________________