Five upstate South Carolina businesses will be growing and creating new jobs with financial help from Michelin Development, a subsidiary of Michelin North America.
Michelin Development provides low interest loans and business expertise to start-ups and small businesses in key regions where Michelin has operations and facilities. Upstate South Carolina is home to Michelin’s North American headquarters and several major tire facilities. Michelin Development program has aimed to support economically and socially disadvantaged small business owners in the region since 2009.
“Small businesses are the backbone of our communities,” said John Tully, president of Michelin Development. “At Michelin, we believe it is our job to support these small business owners and help start-ups continue to drive growth in this region.”
The five new businesses are receiving a total $162,000 and have the potential to generate more than 80 jobs across Upstate South Carolina. 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.
The five new businesses receiving loans are:
Anchor Bat Co. makes and provides wood baseball bats for clients that range from professional athletes to executives. Each product is handcrafted, from stem to stern. Father-and-son duo Eddie and Matthew Rollins have been baseball fans their entire lives and, more than 10 years ago, dreamed of creating a company that celebrated the game and handcraftsmanship. Eddie is a master craftsman with 40 years of experience. The Michelin Development loan will be used to buy a key piece of manufacturing equipment.
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. Palmetto Surface Solutions is a returning Michelin Development client and will use the new loan to purchase equipment.
Nutty Scientists of Greenville
Nutty Scientists of Greenville creates fun, hands-on science activities for students ages four to 16. With a mission to pair science education with entertainment for the purpose of learning, the Nutty Scientist offers after-school programs, in-class workshops, camps and special events and parties. Dr. Kelly Sooklal is the owner and will use the support from Michelin Development for working capital to hire more employees, purchase supplies and secure licenses.
David Gregory has 40 years of experience in the formal wear business in Greenville. He is now introducing a fresh concept in customer service: Gregory’s Formal Wear on the Go. This new service will offer house calls, group consultations, fittings, deliveries and professional measurements to customers wherever they are. As a Michelin Development client, Gregory’s will use the loan to purchase equipment.
Moe Joe is a coffee house that offers world-class coffee and also provides a venue for local and regional music acts. Moe Joe was the realization of a dream by Alex Dial, a former Clemson University football player. The first Moe Joe location is on College Street in Clemson. In early 2014, Moe Joe opened a second location on South Main Street in Greenville. With the Michelin Development loan, Moe Joe will be purchasing new kitchen equipment to enhance the menu offerings for tapas and a late night bar menu.
In total, the Michelin Development program in North America has awarded 115 total loans and contributed $9.3 million to small businesses and start-ups that, have in return, created more than 1,500 jobs.
The program originally launched in Ontario, Canada, in 2006 and subsequently opened in Alabama. Most recently, Michelin launched the Michelin Development Nova Scotia program, and in less than a year, has awarded 20 loans and more than $1 million.
To learn more about Michelin Development programs or apply for a loan, visit michelindevelopment.com.
