
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: TUESDAY, June 13, 1995                   TAG: 9506130049
SECTION: BUSINESS                    PAGE: B-7   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: JEFF STURGEON STAFF WRITER
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM HELPS SMALL COMPANIES

Virginia's small-business development program last year helped more than 11,000 companies expand or tackle problems, and some of the companies attributed higher sales and the hiring of new employees to the assistance they received, state officials said.

According to a report Friday, 188 of the companies increased sales by a total of $87 million. In addition, 281 companies hired 2,469 more workers, 57 companies cancelled planned layoffs of 700 people, and 282 companies invested $90 million in new or expanded plants and equipment.

Some firms saw results in more than one area, and all attributed their progress to the program, said Morgan Stewart, spokesman for Secretary of Commerce and Trade Robert Skunda.

Known as the Business Development Network, the six-year program dispenses help through 40 paid counselors and an undisclosed number of volunteers at 14 centers, including one in Roanoke. Last year's program expenses came to $3.78 million, or $1,911 per job created or saved, Stewart noted.

"Small business accounts for 98 percent of all businesses in the commonwealth," said Wayne Sterling, director of the state Economic Development Department. "And it's our goal to create the pro-business environment small businesses need. That starts with government helping - not hindering - businesses."

by CNB