A Union County startup business got a big boost Feb. 15, as Sweet Southern Tumbling received a $10,000 check through the Clinch Powell Small Business Loan program funded by USDA Rural Development. Business owner Breann Welch has used the loan to upgrade to a larger space and purchase additional equipment, including a 42x42 cheer spring floor.

Sweet Southern Tumbling has been open for a year in a smaller space in Maynardville. Welch, opened the business because she saw a need for a professional, affordable tumbling facility in Union County when daughter Hayden, age 5, showed an interest in tumbling. Welch grew up an athlete with a passion for gymnastics and cheerleading.

"Everything was either out of the county or too expensive," she said. "I thought, 'There's got to be a better way.'"

Now, Welch and three employees offer cheer and tumbling classes for girls and boys ages 3-17. Welch is USA Gymnastics and USASF certified, and the employees hold certifications as well. The new facility, located in the Union County industrial park near Union County High School, offers the new spring floor, a 30-foot tumble track, an 18x42 dead floor, and level one bars and beams. Current enrollment is 200 with room under current staffing for about 20 more, although Welch said if she adds another coach that number could grow. Fees are $45 per month with sibling discounts available.

"It's priced lower than anyone, and you don't have to go out of the county," Welch said.

Welch said she enjoys working with kids and watching their confidence levels grow.

"When the kids come in here, a lot of times they are really shy," she said. "Just seeing them reach their goals and make friends, it's more about the child than it is about the money for me."

Attending the check presentation were Clinch Powell board chair Cherry Acuff, Clinch Powell executive director Sabrina Seamon, Charles Morris with USDA Rural Development, Tennessee Small Business Development Center director Bruce Hayes, and Appalachia CARES Americorps member Candy Barbee.

The Small Business Loan program through Clinch Powell helps small businesses in Campbell, Claiborne, Cocke, Grainger, Greene, Hancock, Hawkins, Jefferson and Union counties fund equipment, real estate and some contracted services with loans below market interest rates. For information on applying for loans through the program, call 865-828-5927 or visit www.clinchpowell.net.

Sweet Southern Tumbling will start tryouts for the all-star cheer program for ages 5-17 on May 26. For information on tryouts or classes, call Welch at 865-680-2772.

Photo caption: Bruce Hayes, Breann Welch, Cherry Acuff, Sabrina Seamon and Charles Morris at the check presentation ceremony at Sweet Southern Tumbling.