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DENTON – The newly appointed regional administrator for the Small Business Administration toured downtown Denton businesses Thursday, May 8, to help celebrate National Small Business Week.
James “Jim” Spencer was sworn in as the new SBA Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator on March 24.
“The tour highlights the valuable contributions and important role that small businesses play in creating jobs and strengthening our communities, shaping the unique character of local neighborhoods such as Denton,” according to a statement from the Baltimore District Office of the SBA.
Spencer was accompanied on the tour by Edward Knox, acting director of the SBA’s Baltimore District Office; Bob Zimberoff, director of the Caroline County Office of Economic Development and Tourism; Jonathan Glaser, constituent liaison for U.S. Congressman Andy Harris (R-1st), and members of local government and the small business community.
Spencer began his visit at the Wharves of Choptank Visitor & Heritage Center with an informal roundtable with a few business owners, along with Caroline County Commission President Travis Breeding, Denton Town Administrator Scott Getchell and others.
Stops along the tour included Before & After Salon, 405 Market St., Edwards All Star Barbershop, 301 Franklin St., Betty’s Boutique, 222 Market St., and the Market Street Public House, 200 Market St.
“We're very happy to have (Spencer) here,” Zimberoff said. “We really wanted to highlight all the good things that Caroline County has to offer. … Already he is interested in coming back.”
In fact, Spencer said he would like to return for Summerfest in Denton.
Spencer “understands small communities like this,” Zimberoff said. “And we also wanted him to be aware of what a great partnership we have with the folks who are already at the SBA. So, we're introducing him to what we're already doing here, and we're so glad to have him. I mean, he's brand new, and for him to come all the way out here during Small Business Week is a huge show of support.”
“What does ‘right’ look like?” Spencer asked in his slight Southern drawl, as he walked down to the Before & After Salon. “And what I mean by that is … what services can we help with? What can we do as a team – and economic development is a team sport – that we can work together to grow business in rural areas.”
Spencer has a special affinity for rural communities. “I spent my 35-year governmental career in southwest Virginia and southern West Virginia,” Spencer said. “By choice, I wanted to work in rural communities just like this, and I grew up in areas just like this, and I’m trying to make sure the rural communities are included.”
The Mid-Atlantic Region Spencer is overseeing serves a population of approximately 30 million throughout seven district offices in King of Prussia, Pa.; Pittsburgh, Pa.; Wilmington, Del.; Baltimore, Md.; Clarksburg, W.V.; Richmond, Va.; and Washington, D.C. Spencer is one of 10 regional administrators in the U.S.
“I think that's one of the things that I'm proud of is being appointed through the Trump administration, and (SBA) Administrator Kelly Loeffler, who is allowing somebody like me who works in rural communities to be part of looking for economic opportunities and change to grow business,” he said.
Spencer provided an example of how small towns like Denton can grow business.
“Let's use the Chamber (of Commerce) number,” he said. “So, you’ve got 300 members in the Chamber. What if we had programs, technical support, other things like that, that half of those businesses next year grew by one new employee. That's 150 employees. The next thing you know, that's 150 potential families, and that growth compounds.”
“Part of our role is not only to help people to get started as a business, but to give them technical support through the SBA’s partners, … because the goal is not for them to continue to be small, it's to expand.”
One business owner who was able to grow her shop with an SBA loan is Melody Prairie, owner of Before & After Salon.
Spencer asked business owners to share their stories, beginning with Prairie. “Talk to this group here a little bit about your journey as an entrepreneur,” he said. “What are the lessons you've learned? And if you were to give advice to start a business today, what would you tell them?”
Prairie said she knew her career path when she was 10 years old and has been pursuing it for 36 years. She said her goal legacy is to pass the business on to her “amazing team.”
“What I would tell new entrepreneurs is: Keep your vision, period,” Prairie said. “Pursue it with both hands and make it make you a living.”
With a $63,000 SBA loan, Prairie transformed a dentist’s office into a full-service salon and spa in downtown Denton.
“Well, you've got a great story, and I love the passion, which is something that is contagious, and so it's been a privilege to come and be with you,” Spencer said, adding, “Is there anything we can do to help you?”
Prairie quipped, “Can you pay off my SBA loan?” Spencer and the small group inside the salon burst into laughter.
Denton entrepreneur Jason Edwards shared a similar story of pursuing his dream – literally.
He and his wife Tierra own Edwards Driver Improvement Center and Edwards All Star Barbershop. Though it was a long entrepreneurial journey, it began with a letter he wrote when he was in seventh grade.
“It was saying that when I grew up, I wanted to be a business owner,” Jason Edwards told Spencer. “So, it's just great to see – even from a 13-year-old little kid – that vision. It took a lot of work, lots of frustrating nights, lots of broke days” – to which Tierra Edwards added, “lots of tears.”
“We really, really love what we do,” said Jason Edwards, who acts as a mentor and life coach for his driving students.
He said he prays for guidance in his business decisions, and thanked members of the community for their help along the way.
“You need to tell that story,” Spencer said. “This community has a neat story, and you need to tell that story. And these testimonials, whoever picked these businesses, you're two for two. I see passion, I see drive and I see determination – it's not been easy. Congratulations, you all have done an excellent job.”
