Local entrepreneurs finding innovative ways to survive

As defined by Webster's Dictionary, an entrepreneur is someone who organizes and operates a business or businesses, taking on financial risk to do so. Entrepreneurs are key components in economic development and often become innovators in their fields.

Macon County's Economic Development Commission's (EDC), which is headed up by director Tommy Jenkins, is one of several organizations involved in various forms of economic development in Macon County which include Southwestern Community College, the Franklin Chamber of Commerce, The Highlands Chamber of Commerce, The Franklin Main Street Program, Venture Local, The Highlands Main Street Program, Franklin Young Professionals, and the NC Dept. of Commerce, to name a few. Jenkins says it is important that these organizations work together to build a stronger, diversified economy and encourage entrepreneurs.

According to a memo sent by Town Manager Sam Greenwood on Tuesday, the town’s loan application to BB&T to finance the $1.25 million store in the new Walmart Supercenter Plaza has been denied.

In his memo, Greenwood stated the loan was rejected because of the 20-year length of the loan. “We have been informed by Davenport Associates that our financing package request has been turned down by BB&T, apparently, due to our requirements of (A) the term, at 20 years and (B) that all funds for repayments will come from ABC store revenue, i.e. sales.

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Have a coffee, a scone or a walk on the Greenway

As part of the Venture Local Franklin (VLF) initiative, Macon County News is teaming up with VLF to highlight local businesses throughout Franklin. Each week, MCN selects locally owned and operated businesses in a different category. It is our goal at MCN to work with VLF to encourage residents to shop locally and utilize the resources Franklin has to offer. For more information on Venture Local Franklin, join their next community hang out on Thursday, July 26, at 5:30 p.m. at the Frogtown Market and Deli.

After closing their business, 50 Minute Photo, Sandy and Tom Pantaleo began working on a way to incorporate Sandy's passion for coffee and Tom's passion for art and photography. After brainstorming, the duo, along with their son Cole, opened the community hang out Main Street Coffee & Tea in downtown Franklin in September 2005.

The Franklin Chamber of Commerce recently held a ribbon cutting celebration at the Nantahala Baking & Coffee Co. located at 335 East Main Street.

Nantahala Baking & Coffee Co. is familyowned and operated by Jeff Southerland and Jen Fox. They wake up early to bring Franklin the freshest, scratch made baked goods made from the purest, simplest ingredients available. Being proponents of local food markets they use local food ingredients whenever they are available. They offer a wide range of baked goods featuring cinnamon rolls, scones, muffins, turnovers, coffeecakes, pies, cakes, biscuits and cookies. In addition to these sweet treats, you can pick up French baguette, French batard and multigrain bread.