Record-breaking Littleton, Colo., Maaco operator Brian Greenley testified before a Congressional committee on behalf of policies that help small business. His advocacy of continued funding for SBA loan programs and other tools small businesses needed to drive economic growth drew favorable responses from House Small Business Committee Chairwoman Nydia Velazquez (D-New York) and committee member Mike Coffman (R-Aurora).
 
Greenley’s invitation to participate in the “Heroes of Small Business" hearing in late May followed his being honored as Franchisee of the Year during the IFA’s Public Affairs Conference last September. At that time, he and other franchise industry leaders had visited congressional offices to discuss issues important to the future of franchising,

“Early in my career, I purchased a plot of land and constructed a state of the art facility. This was done with the assistance of a SBA 504 Loan in 1997,” Greenley said during the recent committee hearings. “With this assistance, I was able to achieve my goals of increased revenues, while expanding my staff and adding new products and services, at the same time striving to control costs. I believe SBA is a crucial source of funds necessary in maintaining a growing small business community that can continue to add jobs, which is so crucial to the economy, especially today.”

During a question-and-answer session following his remarks, Velazquez said, “We intend on keeping the guarantees of up to 90 percent” of a loan that small businesses may use to expand, purchase equipment or refinance their debt. The SBA is lobbying Congress for additional money for the 504 and related 7a programs. Legislation to replenish the two loan programs’ funds is currently tied up on Capitol Hill.

“Greenley has established the most successful Maaco franchise in history, growing his business from a humble beginning,” Coffman said. “He’s a small business success story, and the committee greatly appreciated his testimony today.”