Partnership Gwinnett, the community and economic development initiative led by the Gwinnett Chamber and over 160 public and private investors, honored its relocated and expanded businesses for 2011. Eighteen companies were recognized and celebrated for their significant success in business development and job growth this past year.

Companies such as Hisense, Peak 10, Hire Dynamics, I-Tech Staffing, Graham Field, Primerica and Elesys gathered to celebrate their growth and network with community business leaders.

“We are very happy to welcome all of these growing companies to our community,” said Gwinnett County Chairman Charlotte Nash. “Their choice to expand within or relocate to Gwinnett makes a great statement about their confidence in the strength of our business environment and rich quality of life; we look forward to supporting and participating in their continued success.”

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Gwinnett Innovation Park, a unique, affordable, low risk space alternative for start-ups, entrepreneurs, independent professionals and teleworkers, announced the first Nspire Program companies, 8BIT and Core 3 Networks.

Launched this summer, the eHub Nspire program helps spark and support Atlanta area technology entrepreneurs by providing them with resources and benefits to help them succeed, including Gwinnett Innovation Park office space at no cost for one year.

“We had an amazing response to the Nspire program and we are excited to have 8BIT and Core 3 Networks as our first Nspire resident companies. The Nspire program is designed to give back to Gwinnett’s technology entrepreneurs and provide them with that lucky break, which is often the difference between a successful venture and a non-existent one,” said Marcy Powers with Gwinnett Innovation Park.

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Many companies struggle to obtain commercial financing. However, with a proven revenue stream and a solid business plan, owner-occupied property loans are still possible. These loans represent commercial lending for business owners who actually occupy the space for which they need financing.

Enhancing this lending environment, in April 2011, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) expanded its temporary 504 commercial real estate refinance program to allow refinancing of certain owner-occupied loans maturing after December 31, 2012.

In its three-year history, NOA Bank in Duluth has steadily increased its customer base of owner-occupied small businesses with growth coming mainly from referrals.

“As a community bank, we enjoy our partnership with owner-occupied small businesses who will do whatever it takes to make their operations successful – strong local borrowers with a good track record,” said Steven Walker, senior vice president and chief lending officer for NOA Bank. “When our customers stop by, they see and meet with the same people who helped them make decisions on their loans.”

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