CARIBOU — Northern Maine Development Commission (NMDC) is reaching out to existing or potential microenterprises, hobby businesses and other small businesses with a series of free workshops and the opportunity to access capital.
The NMDC Business Finance Division is dedicating at least $20,000 in Small Business Administration loan funds to help entrepreneurs start or expand their microenterprise, hobby business or small business.
A microenterprise is a business operating on a very small scale, especially one with a sole proprietor and fewer than six employees.
Six in-depth training sessions, starting on Tuesday, March 29, in Caribou, focus on introduction to business, organization and management, business planning, financial planning and marketing. The sessions are on consecutive Tuesday nights from 6-8 p.m. through May 3.
“Many small businesses rely on credit cards with high interest rates to fill their financing needs when starting or expanding, this option is so much better for them financially,” said David Spooner, a loan officer at NMDC. “By successfully completing all sessions, participants will be eligible and fully prepared to apply for an SBA loan.”
According to Josh Nadeau, center director of the Maine Small Business Development Center, “Proper planning for small businesses is so important. It is one of the best things an entrepreneur can do to ensure success in their business ventures.”
Pre-registration is required by contacting Nadeau at 498-8736 or by email at jnadeau@nmdc.org.
For more information about the workshops or loan programs at NMDC, contact Spooner at 493-5766 or by email at dspooner@nmdc.org.
