Local SBA branch faces leader’s exit, reports growing loan volume

In less than two weeks, Walter Cowart will wrap up a 35-year career with the U.S. Small Business Administration.

Cowart joined the SBA in 1976 in Lubbock, Texas and served as manager of SBA’s Springfield branch office since 2008. He came to Springfield in 1981 from SBA’s Kansas City district office to help launch the local branch, where his last day is Aug. 26. As he prepares to leave, the branch reports an increase in loan volumes for financing backed by the SBA.

Mother’s brings the love

Let me preface this blog by stating what readers of my posts probably already know: I’m a bit of a beer fan.

The Debate About Business Plans – and Doing Business in the Real World

Does a small-business owner – or a potential entrepreneur – really need to go to the time and trouble of writing a formal business plan?

That’s the crux of an interesting blog item today from the Wall Street Journal.

State questions small-business micro-loan administrator

The administrator of Missouri’s new micro-loan program for small businesses is under review for charging high interest rates for another state program, according to the St. Joseph News-Press.

AP: SBA has bought $2.1B in bad loans since 2007

If you’re wondering why banks are a little gun-shy about making loans to any and every businessperson who walks through their doors, check out this investigative piece by The Associated Press.

Missouri companies make CNN, Fortune list

Despite the negative news that seems to permeate the financial and business pages, even small businesses are finding a way to thrive.

Columbia better for startups than Springfield?

BusinessWeek has an intriguing interactive feature on its Web site that highlights the best small cities for startup companies in each state.

In Missouri, Columbia – home to the Show-Me State’s flagship university – took the honor, so I contacted BusinessWeek to find out where Springfield landed.

Checking in from the Expo

SBJ Features Editor Maria Hoover is blogging live from the Business Expo, which lasts until 7 tonight at the Springfield Expo Center.

I have often compared Business Expo to Halloween for grownups. This year is no exception. I’m happy to say I’ve gotten lots of new contacts for stories, and I’ve also checked in with sources I’ve used in the past.