TWO CATCH 'PATRIOT EXPRESS'

BLACK RIVER — A federal loan program for veterans has been extended, giving business opportunities to more entrepreneurs like James M. and Sonia Conlin.

The Conlins opened All American Real Estate NNY LLC at 102 S. Main St. in April after securing financing through the U.S. Small Business Administration's Patriot Express program. The pilot program, which began in June 2007, recently was extended for three more years.

"It's the fastest turnaround time for SBA approval because the loans are given preference," said Jennifer L. Huttemann-Kall, vice president and commercial lending officer at Community Bank, who served the Conlins on their loan. "SBA's pipeline has been so full that it is a huge help."

Loans through the program feature SBA's lowest interest rates for business loans, generally 2.25 percent to 4.75 percent over prime. Guarantees are available for up to 85 percent of loans that are $150,000 or less and 75 percent for loans between $150,000 and $500,000.

The Conlins estimated their startup cost at about $120,000, but after delays and challenges renovating the former village office, which is now their office, the cost grew to $160,000.

"We've lived in the village since 2001," Mr. Conlin said. "Everyone was so excited we took the building."

They took out the 1950s decor, straightened the walls and put new drywall in the building, which was built around 1850.

"We didn't want to rent for our business when we're trying to encourage people to buy their homes," said Mrs. Conlin, a native of Vicenza, Italy.

Mr. Conlin retired from the Army in 2007 after 21 years. He had been working in real estate on nights and weekends since 2003. After 20 months full time, he had his own license and started the real estate office.

Both Conlins and two other agents work out of the office, listing and showing homes. They also run 37 rental properties.

"Sometimes, you have nothing on the calendar when you walk in in the morning and the next thing you know, you've got eight or nine appointments and you've filled the whole day," Mr. Conlin said. "The bottom line in real estate is quick response."

He enjoys that spontaneity. Mr. Conlin said his interest in the business grew from his father's work as a broker in San Diego.

"The majority of his business is through referrals," Mrs. Conlin said. "A family going to another base will give his cards to people coming this way. It doesn't matter who he works for — people want him."

Mr. Conlin said referrals come from local business owners, too, whom he has sought for signs or contracting.

The Conlins put together a business plan with the help of the Small Business Development Center at Jefferson Community College, Watertown. That, plus their passion for the real estate business and military contacts, showed the bank their business plan could work.

"The fact that he is a retired military officer said a lot to me," Ms. Huttemann-Kall said. "And when I asked them for things, they were on it instantly — that says a lot about their business ethic. They have immediate access to soldiers and contacts at other bases."

The program is available to service members, veterans, military spouses, reservists, National Guard members and widowed military spouses.

In the three years since the program began, nine startup and expanding small businesses in the north country have taken advantage of it; the loans have totaled $338,900.

Across the 34-county district based in Syracuse, 96 loans with a value of about $7.5 million have been guaranteed, said District Director Bernard J. Paprocki.

"Our district has produced more than half the loans for more than half the loan value for all of New York state," Mr. Paprocki said. "Considering New York City and the tremendous population advantage, I think our efforts have really paid off in that respect."

With the Patriot Express program, SBA trainings, such as Operation Start Up and Grow and transition seminars at military bases, and military-geared programs through the state's Small Business Development Centers, the Syracuse SBA district places a high priority on outreach to service members.

"There is a high level of responsibility that I think our office takes toward helping our service community," Mr. Paprocki said. "If there's any group that needs or deserves help in starting a business, our veterans do."

The Conlins said they plan to stay in the north country for a while.

Their sons — Michael A., a senior at Carthage Central School, and Daniel P., a junior — have spent 10 years in this area going to Carthage district schools and didn't want to move when Mr. Conlin left the military.

"We truly feel at home here in Black River," Mrs. Conlin said. "It doesn't feel like we're outsiders. We've had support from everybody."

ON THE NET

U.S. Small Business Administration: www.sba.gov

All American Real Estate NNY LLC: www.aare.biz