Miami-Dade SCORE Helps Clients Access $4 Million in Business Loans

Online, October 29, 2012 (Newswire.com) - Miami-Dade SCORE, an all-volunteer nonprofit, has helped its client access more than $4 million in small business loans since 2011.

It's latest success - Sky Zone, an indoor trampoline park, in Doral. Miami-Dade SCORE counselor Joel Levy worked with Sky Zone franchisee Juan Brandt, to refine his business plan, analyze the right location and package a $940,000 loan. The SBA approved the loan and two weeks ago Sky Zone opened for business in a 32,000-square-foot warehouse with some 40 full and part-time employees.

"I'm in this business by myself, yet I always felt like I had a partner," said Brandt, of Joel Levy, his SCORE counselor. "Joel was always available to answer questions, guide me and provide support."

Levy is one of Miami-Dade SCORE's 74 expert business counselors who donate their time to give workshops or mentor business owners like Brandt. Like many of the SCORE counselors, Levy remains active in business. He is the vice chair of Adler Group, a commercial real estate and property management company in South Florida.

"I'm always impressed by SCORE clients and how hard they're willing to work to make their dreams come true," Levy said.

So far this year, Miami-Dade SCORE has facilitated $1.6 million in loans with more than $2 million still pending and in process. In 2011, the Miami-Dade chapter of SCORE helped their clients get $2.56 million in loans.

Panther Coffee, a coffee supplier and roasting company in Wynwood, is another Miami-Dade SCORE success. SCORE worked with owners Joel and Leticia Pollock, assisting them in the preparation of cash flow statements and other documents required by lenders.

SCORE helped the Pollocks package a loan finally approved by the Miami Bayside Foundation. The business has turned to SCORE counselors once again as it plans to expand its thriving coffee business with a second location on Miami Beach.

"SCORE's goal is not only to help businesses thrive but to add jobs and help spur the local economy," said Marjorie Weber, chair of Miami-Dade SCORE.

For a full list of workshops or to sign up for free business counseling, visit www.miamidade.score.org or call 786-425-9119.