SBA Recovery Lending Extended Through May

Longer Term Extension Still Sought WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama signed legislation April 15 providing $80 million in additional funding to continue important enhancements in the U.S. Small Business Administration’s two key small business loan programs. The enhancements, first made available under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, include a higher guarantee on some SBA-backed loans and small business fee relief. The SBA estimates the $80 million will support about $2.8 billion in small business lending under the 7(a) and 504 programs. “Small businesses across the country have been able to secure critical financing as a result of the Recovery … Read more

The Grounds Guys Enter US Market with Franchise System

The Dwyer Group has entered into a business agreement with Canadian-based Sunshine Grounds Care and will market franchises in the United States under the brand of The Grounds Guys. Dwyer also announced the opening of a US franchise in Salem, Oregon. The deal introduces the first grounds care franchise to The Dwyer Group’s trades service brands, which include: Aire Serv, Glass Doctor, Mr. Appliance, Mr. Electric, Mr. Rooter and Rainbow International. The Grounds Guys franchise opportunity will offer lawn care, landscaping and maintenance services — a complementary line of business to the residential and commercial target customers that The Dwyer … Read more

Small Business for Sale Transactions Continue Slow But Sure Recovery

Economic data for the first quarter of 2010 from the nation’s largest business for sale database that suggests small business-for-sale transactions and valuations have continued to show signs of a slow but sure economic recovery. According to the BizBuySell.com Insight Report data, the number of closed transactions reported to BizBuySell.com in First Quarter 2010 rose slightly, 0.3 percent, as compared with the same time period in 2009 — from 1,146 transactions to 1,149. Market improvement is more evident when comparing First Quarter 2010 data to the prior quarter, with BizBuySell.com reporting a healthy 6.3 percent increase in transaction volume. Closed … Read more

Hines Nurseries Acquires Bordier’s Nursery

April 5, 2010    Many companies continue to downsize and tighten their belts, but Hines Nursery, LLC continues to fast-track growing operations with the recent acquisition of California based Bordier’s Nursery. Hines Nurseries now manages the growing and sale of the assets that include all inventory and equipment from Bordier’s Nursery. “Virtually the entire inventory consists of premium shrubs, vines, tropicals and topiary material grown for the western states and Texas markets,” said Steve Thigpen, president and CEO of Hines Nurseries. “This positions Hines as the largest nursery grower in the Western U.S. serving the big box retailers.” Operations at Bordier’s … Read more

New Leaf Landscape Maintenance purchases Lion Landscaping

New Leaf has been serving the Hamptons since 2003 and specializes in landscape design, installation and maintenance. SOUTHAMPTON, N.Y. –New Leaf Landscape Maintenance has acquired Lion Landscaping of Sag Harbor, N.Y. “We’re pleased to be able to offer Lion Landscaping customer’s a broader range of services,” said Michael Regolizio, president and owner of New Leaf Landscape Maintenance. “Clients will enjoy the benefits of only having to make one call to handle all of their landscape and maintenance needs. New Leaf Landscape Maintenance has been serving the Hamptons since 2003 and specializes in landscape design, installation and maintenance. Regolizio’s other businesses … Read more