Undefeated Seasons
Looking Ahead
In the end, the September 11 attacks may have actually had
positive effects on the small-business community. Many businesses
are now more nimble and able to do more with less. And some experts
believe there's renewed interest in entrepreneurship.
"September 11, I think, caused people to look inside and say
'What's important to me?'" says Hughes. "If
I've had any dreams or ideas about running my own business,
now's the time to do it." Dovier agrees: "Nine-eleven reminded us all that we
don't have a promise of tomorrow. The time is truly now to do
the things you really want to do."
| Duty
Calls | Ted Valentini's company is located far
from Ground Zero and the Pentagon, but the September 11, 2001,
terrorist attacks hit Beaver Creek, Ohio-based Tramco Mold hard.
The 37-year-old father of three had to take out a $91,600 loan when
he was deployed to the Emergency Operations Center at the National
Guard Bureau in Washington, DC, last December. Those funds are
providing working capital for his $1 million plastic molds
business, but the company still lost $125,000 last year, a 63
percent drop in sales. Content Continues Below
"Where it's really hurt us is I
did all the sales and marketing," says Valentini. "And
now's the time we need to be out there, beating the bushes
harder than ever." Tramco Mold isn't alone. As of May 31,
the SBA had approved 28 Military Reservist Economic Injury Disaster
Loans for a total of $2.56 million for businesses affected by the
activation of reserve units.
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Michele Marrinan is a Long Island, New York, writer
specializing in small business, technology and e-commerce. Contact Sources
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