October 1, 2009
Story by Tony Paniagua
Thousands of residents in Southern Arizona have been making their dreams come true by opening up their own business in our community and many have gotten assistance at MAC: the Microbusiness Advancement Center. MAC is a non-profit group that helps people start, fund and grow their businesses by providing residents with training, resources and micro loans.
When Shelby Stirrat came up with the idea to open up her own scooter store, the type that look like smaller versions of motorcycles and are used for transportation in various countries, Stirrat turned to MAC's classes before getting started. She says the group was pivotal in answering important questions like a location for her business, contracts with suppliers and marketing. Six years later, Stirrat's Scootover on Broadway is thriving in our market where customers like Lemar are dropping in to check out various scooter models.
Rafael Garcia and is wife also took advantage of MAC's programs, only they did it in Spanish- another option offered by the group, and now they own and operated The Bagelry on Campbell Avenue, the original name of the store which was recently operated as the Brooklyn Bagels. Garcia says it's a family operation that includes their two grown sons, and he's very excited to have taken the plunge to make it all happen.
MAC Executive Director Debbie Chandler says there are other success stories in our community since many residents will make successful entrepreneurs as long as they have the proper education, training and support. MAC is partially funded by the US Small Business Administration. (SBA)
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