No Help for Small Business from Maryland Officials
To the Editor:
Why, oh why, does the survival of my small flower shop in North Beach have to become a political issue? It is an independent small businessman’s fight to save his business.
I am a small businessman in North Beach, Calvert County. My business has slowed down to a trickle since 9/11. I had to let my staff go. It’s just my wife or me 7 days a week to try to get through this recession and keep my business alive.
Then, I heard of America’s Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 – read it sometime - it was hope, for us, the small businesses in your county. Next, the fantastic “ARC” loan program – zero % - $5000 a month for 7 months - $35,000 worth of direct help to keep small businesses alive through this recession! Re-stock shelves, repair a leaky roof – this is the loan for me! Get my business back on its feet – quick, immediate help.
I was optimistic! I would not be faced with retiring before I was ready to. That was nearly 5 months ago…is anyone listening up there??? No bank within Calvert County will offer the exact “SBA ARC Loan” as written, so now it has become a quest! I have been up and down the chain of command for weeks, months…
I started with Mike, my Mayor – I felt his sadness. Then I went to my Delegate and explained my plight- she tried her best to help but explained that she has no control over the banks. Next, my two representatives in Congress, Rep. Hoyer and Sen. Mikulski – both turned into dead ends. How sad – it seems that no one is listening to the pleas of a small businessman. I thought maybe the Governor – hey Governor, listen to your answer machine – Richard Penfield has eight messages on it.
Now I am seeking the help of my good friend and customer, George Owings. He was at my florist on the day of my opening 15 years ago as my Delegate. Now George is running for the next Governor – I bet he would help Calvert County and me.
This has taken 5 months of my life, sleepless nights, affecting my health…how many businessmen would be willing to go this far?
A lot of small businesses around me need help; sadly it is too late for some of them who have lost everything. Why? There’s suppose to be help out there, where? We didn’t ask for a recession. I am one small businessman raising my hand and saying that I need help. Please…
The SBA and the Federal Government have the “ARC” Loan – their brochure reads wonderfully. But it should not take a florist to see the idiotic idea of putting the banks in charge of distributing the money to the small businesses who desperately need to take advantage of this loan in order to stay afloat. Didn’t we first help out the banks? I’ve called all of the banks in Calvert County and none of them offer the SBA’s version of the loan program!!
It seems to me there are a lot of small businesses out there who need a helping hand, NOW! We are in need of reinvestment and recovery. I am, Richard the florist in North Beach.
When I made my last call to the SBA I was told that no banks in Maryland honor this bill or loan program. He suggested a reverse mortgage??
Hey up there – is anyone listening??? He also asked me to “shout” about this – I AM SHOUTING!!!
All small businesses should shout out loud. I am not ashamed to admit it – I AM IN DESPERATE NEED OF REAL HELP REAL QUICK!!
If I must go, it will not be quietly. This is my profession and my love. I have always been a florist. I am shouting for my life!! All struggling small businesses should shout!
Thank you for any help you can give me.
Richard Penfield III
Richard’s Bayside Florist
North Beach
