GREENVILLE, S.C., (Jan. 20, 2014) –Three new Upstate businesses are starting the new year with their sights set on growth and expansion thanks to new financial support from Michelin Development, a subsidiary of Michelin North America.
Michelin Development contributes to the economic regeneration and prosperity of the regions where Michelin has operations and facilities by providing low interest loans and business expertise to start-up or small, disadvantaged businesses.
As new clients of Michelin Development, these businesses will have access to a large network of local business support including advice from Michelin’s considerable in-house expertise. Additionally, the Michelin Development steering committee consists of locally respected associates who can help direct applicants to further sources of advice and funding.
"With the Michelin Development program, Michelin is able to help small businesses thrive while creating jobs in communities throughout the Upstate's 10 counties," said John Tully, president of Michelin Development. "We are committed to encouraging the development of skills and entrepreneurship to help support the long-term economic future of the region."
The three new businesses receiving loans are:
Institute of Nail Artistry
Beatriz Hernandez is a fully accredited master nail technician with more than 20 years of experience. As head instructor and founder of Institute of Nail Artistry, she draws on this experience daily to mentor the next generation of technicians in services ranging from color acrylics and fill-ins to freehand nail art. The Michelin Development loan will cover the cost of the accreditation to allow the students to attend the training course and receive financial aid.
Palmetto Surface Solutions
Paul Kirkland has spent most of his life in the construction industry and his business, Palmetto Surface Solutions, offers a multitude of services to maintain athletic and asphalt surfaces. The company provides solutions and services for stenciling and striping of indoor and outdoor athletic facilities as well as layout redesign and patch repair on parking lots for shopping centers and businesses. The Michelin Development loan will help finance the equipment necessary to grow the business and service a large national retail chain.
Junk Matters - Recycling
Joseph McMillin turned a school project for Wofford University into a new business by providing zero-waste program solutions to commercial businesses as well as residents. Junk Matters consults with businesses, provides waste audits and then helps develop solutions to move waste through single stream recycling system where plastics, papers and metals are identified and separated. It also provides composting services and staff training and consultation for long-term zero-waste efforts. The Michelin Development loan will finance the equipment necessary to grow the business and offer their unique process to a growing number of clients.
Since launching Michelin Development in the Upstate in 2009, Michelin has provided more than 48 loans totaling more than $2.4 million and created more than 696 jobs.
Find out more about Michelin Development programs and information at www.michelindevelopment.com.