By WMAY Newsroom
Photo: Kyle Hutchinson / Mid-West Family Broadcasting
Springfield aldermen have given their approval to a small business loan program after getting some assurances about more local involvement.
St. Louis-based company Justine Petersen will administer the program, which will be funded by the Small Business Administration and money from local banks. The company says it has entered into an agreement with the Springfield Black Chamber of Commerce to assist in identifying eligible small businesses.
The City Council also approved $75,000 to pay for a lobbyist to represent the city on key legislative issues. A request for proposals will be developed by the mayor’s office, but both it and a final contract must also be approved by aldermen.