Karine Decker was among presenters at a Economic Development Stimulus seminar sponsored by the EDC.

Although most people may connect the federal Economic Stimulus Act of 2008 with their much-awaited income tax rebates, small businesses can also take advantage of opportunities from several changes that were part of the legislation.

More than 40 area business owners, bankers and others learned several surprising opportunities during a seminar May 22. Sponsored by the Clay County Economic Development Council and Midwest Small Business Finance, the event was held at the Staley Farms clubhouse.

Speakers included Jim Still, CPA of BKD, LLC.; Karine Decker of Midwest Small Business Finance; and Clyde McQueen, director of the Full Employment Council, Inc. The theme of their comments targeted a wide range of tools that are often underutilized but readily available for businesses here.

“There are a number of programs that can really help you expand your business and save money,” Decker noted. “And the best news is, they are not that hard to access. You just need to make that call.”

Still cited capital deductions of up to $250,000 in Section 179 of the stimulus act. Decker noted that several programs, including the Small Business Administration 504 Loan Program, can significantly lower interest rates for long-term business loans. McQueen named several area success stories with employee-training programs that are typical of the kind of help available here for expanding companies.