Uneven distribution of small business loans in the ATL (Atlanta: good credit, home)

[arjay57]

Seems like somebody could fix this.

Distribution of small business loans in the ATL

[Tryska]

Who is originating these loans? (Banks? Chambers of Commerce? Development Authorities?)

I am missing some info.

[AnsleyPark]

I wish there were some discussion of the underlying causes that create the data. My guess is that the wealthier areas create more new business as a result of education, infrastructure and other resources that may not be found in the more rural or economically disadvantaged areas. Gotta have good credit to get a loan. Generally have to have a good education and skilled advisors to attract investors.

I don't know. Just a guess here.

The unfortunate information this presents is that the haves seem to keep on having, and the have nots are unfortunately hurt.

[Ant131531]

I'm telling you. Literally, every map I've seen regarding data has the same exact divide and it's easily along the racial lines. Nobody's going to outright say this, but it's true. Atlanta seems to be quickly losing it's status as a black mecca. This is something I would expect to see in Los Angeles or San Francisco, not Atlanta.

[atler8]

Some long term perspective here might be helpful.
There has been such a loan problem on basically a national basis for decades, whether it be for commercial or personal loans made for housing purchases. When I first became aware of this fact as a young person, it was generally called "redlining" & legislative steps were enacted across the country to try to deal with the problem.
To be honest, the fact that such loan disparities still occur in metro Atlanta really has next to nothing to do with whether or not Atlanta is a "black mecca" & it is certainly not a new factor.
An unfortunate one yes, but not anything that singularly is unique to or defines Atlanta.

[arjay57]

Originally Posted by atler8

To be honest, the fact that such loan disparities still occur in metro Atlanta really has next to nothing to do with whether or not Atlanta is a "black mecca" & it is certainly not a new factor.
An unfortunate one yes, but not anything that singularly is unique to or defines Atlanta.

Well said.

[Ant131531]

Originally Posted by atler8

Some long term perspective here might be helpful.
There has been such a loan problem on basically a national basis for decades, whether it be for commercial or personal loans made for housing purchases. When I first became aware of this fact as a young person, it was generally called "redlining" & legislative steps were enacted across the country to try to deal with the problem.
To be honest, the fact that such loan disparities still occur in metro Atlanta really has next to nothing to do with whether or not Atlanta is a "black mecca" & it is certainly not a new factor.
An unfortunate one yes, but not anything that singularly is unique to or defines Atlanta.

What defined Atlanta as a black mecca was the fact that blacks are better off here than other metros. If they aren't getting small business loans at a higher rate than other metros, what makes it a black mecca in the first place?

[testa50]

Originally Posted by Ant131531

What defined Atlanta as a black mecca was the fact that blacks are better off here than other metros. If they aren't getting small business loans at a higher rate than other metros, what makes it a black mecca in the first place?

This hasn't come close to being established in this thread.

[arjay57]

Originally Posted by Ant131531

What defined Atlanta as a black mecca was the fact that blacks are better off here than other metros. If they aren't getting small business loans at a higher rate than other metros, what makes it a black mecca in the first place?

That "mecca" business has always sounded like marketing hype to me.

Atlanta is obviously home to many successful blacks and we are proud of it. Does that mean it is the be-all bestest place ever for all people of color? Of course not. But if you have energy and ability you could certainly do worse.

[atler8]

Originally Posted by arjay57

That "mecca" business has always sounded like marketing hype to me.

Atlanta is obviously home to many successful blacks and we are proud of it. Does that mean it is the be-all bestest place ever for all people of color? Of course not. But if you have energy and ability you could certainly do worse.

Well said.
The concept of what constitutes a mecca is multi-faceted as are the varieties of meccas and what they symbolize or stand for. As such, they will mean different things to different people.
A particular racial group being economically better off in a given area in and of itself does not single-handedly make that place a mecca.