Five businesses offer health care services, education, transportation and manufacturing
GREENVILLE, S.C., March 21, 2016 — Michelin Development, a subsidiary of Michelin North America, has announced $195,000 in loans for five growing Upstate businesses that are projected to create an additional 300 jobs in the region.
Michelin Development contributes to the economic regeneration and progress of the communities in which Michelin operates by providing low-interest loans and business expertise to small businesses.
Since 2009, Michelin Development has awarded 61 loans worth nearly $3 million to businesses across the 10 counties of the Upstate region in South Carolina. These loans have created about 550 jobs in the region.
As clients of Michelin Development, these small businesses will have access to a large network of local support, including counsel from Michelin’s in-house experts.
The five new loan recipients are:
AJF Personal Home Care Specialists — Jacqueline Flowers, owner of AJF Personal Home Care Specialists, will be bringing non-medical personal- and companion-care services to Spartanburg County. A franchise of First Light Home Care, this program offers service and support to adults of all needs, including new mothers, veterans returning from service and the disabled. With a base in Spartanburg County, the loan will be used to purchase equipment and train a staff of specialists.
Boyd Cycling — Founded in 2009 by Nicole and Boyd Johnson, Boyd Cycling manufactures and produces wheels, rims and hubs for bicycles. Boyd Cycling received its first loan from Michelin Development in 2010. Involvement with the program allowed the Johnsons to expand inventory to meet growing demand for their products. Boyd Cycling has since more than doubled its sales volume. With the launch of a new product, produced and engineered in the United States, Boyd has outgrown its current facility. The company will move to a new warehouse that triples its working space while still maintaining proximity to the Swamp Rabbit Trail. The new Michelin Development loan will be used to purchase inventory and hire more employees.
Gaitors Professional Car Services — Brian Gaitor of Simpsonville, S.C., started his mobile car-washing business in 2010 with a focus on sustainable detailing services. His company now offers full-service automotive detailing to clean, polish and protect the vehicle without using water. The loan will be used to purchase equipment for additional growth.
NEXT High School — NEXT High School is a public school in Greenville that combines a project-based learning environment with a web-delivered curriculum. Michelin Development was involved in funding the initial launch of NEXT High School in 2014. This loan is dedicated to planning and implementing new educational programs.
PS Logistics — Patricia and Joseph Spitzley have more than 30 years’ experience in service-industry management. PS Logistics manages specific shipping and delivery routes for the largest package-delivery carrier in this region. The Michelin Development loan will enable the growing logistics firm to secure additional routes.
Michelin Development provides low-interest loans and business expertise to start-ups and small businesses in key regions in which Michelin has operations and facilities. The Upstate of South Carolina is home to Michelin’s North America headquarters and several major tire facilities. Michelin Development programming has supported economically and socially disadvantaged small-business owners here since 2009.
To learn more about Michelin Development programs or apply for a loan, visit www.michelindevelopment.com.