Microenterprise Program
The Microenterprise Program is designed to create and foster the growth of small businesses that typically employ fewer than five people and require small amounts of capital.
Microenterprise
programs achieve:
-Job Creation
-Community Development
-Self-Sufficiency
-Alternative to Public Assistance
-Reaching a Dream
Mission Statement:
To create self-employment opportunities that will enable low income residents of the counties of Hancock, Hardin, Wyandot and Putnam to improve their living conditions and become self-sufficient.
Microenterprise Business Training
The Microenterprise Business Training class is a 36 hour, hands-on training that is offered in 12 weeks. The classes are offered in the Spring or Fall. The course includes:
- Business
Plan development
- How to capitalize the business
- Marketing on a shoe-string budget
- Record keeping
- How to understand business finances
- Business and legal forms, business cards, signs
- Product and Service pricing
- Stress Management & household changes
The course fees are on a sliding scale, based on household income.
Revolving Loan Fund
Access to capital is important
to business development, maintenance, and expansion. Typically low to
moderate income participants do not have access to banks due to poor
credit histories and lack of equity. They tend to not qualify for
traditional bank loans or the amount to borrow is too small. We can
HELP! Just ask!
Microenterprise
- Has become an increasingly important community development tool, as
it empowers individuals to create their own employment opportunities
- Affords individuals with limited options the opportunity to
capitalize on their skills and ideas through their own businesses
- Includes entities with the following characteristics:
* Employees up to five individuals
* Requires a small amount in start-up capital
* Lack access to the traditional commercial banking sector
- Is a viable alternative to alleviating poverty. These programs
provide valuable financial and business development services to people
experiencing employment barriers
HHWP CAC has
been part of
assisting people in Hancock, Hardin, Wyandot and Putnam counties build
wealth and accumulate assets for their respective counties
Many small and home-based businesses and welfare-to-work
self-employment efforts, most of whichare sole propietorships, are
categorized as Microenterprise.
These enterprises make up a sizeable share of our overall business
count. In fact, businesses with 1 to 4 employees account for 54.2% of
all businesses in the United States and 49.2% of Ohio businesses.
Microenterprise to the Rescue!
Testimonials
- "I really have enjoyed the Microenterprise classes provided by the CAC. The instructor is very knowledgeable and has made the class fun and beneficial to all that have attended. This program has allowed myself and husband to climb out of a tough financial situation and pursue our dream. I am very thankful" -A.B.
- "We have been in business for 3 years and yet we came away from the Microenterprise class with confidence and knowledge that will help us when applying for our business load for our growing business." -S.M.L.
- "During this class, I have learned a lot about Microenterprise and small business. I have been inspired to further explore the opportunities available to me as an entrepreneur. The class wa a lot of work, but very beneficial. I'm more confident in my abilities to start my business." -V.H.
- "This Microenterprise class is a must! I have learned a lot and will take the information to assist me when applying for a SBA load. I can't say enough about the instructor and CAC staff. Thank you for the class. I'm ready!" -R.T.
For more
information contact:
Hancock
Hardin Wyandot Putnam
Community Action
Commission
Microenterprise Program
122 Jefferson Street
P.O. Box 179
Findlay, Ohio 45839
Steve Snowden
Director of Community
Services
Email:
ssnowdencac@bright.net
Phone:
(419)
423-3755
Fax: (419)
422-3996