By : Post Star News
Source : http://www.poststarnews.com
Category : Small Business Grant
The Greene County Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Planning is now accepting reservations for its Spring 2012 Microenterprise Assistance Program (MAP) training classes. The two-day session is free, and covers the basics of business start-up planning, accounting and marketing. It will be held on Friday, April 20 and Friday, April 27 from 9:00 to 4:45 p.m. at the Greene Accelerator, 270 Mansion Street in Coxsackie.
Greene County received a $200,000 grant award from the New York State Office of Community Renewal (OCR) for microenterprise development in 2010, which allowed the County to implement seven business development grants. The County also conducted two training classes for potential small businesses and provides technical support for microenterprise development.
A second allocation of $200,000 was awarded in late 2011 by OCR to Greene County. A total of eight projects will be funded, with a minimum of four to startup businesses in accordance with the requirements of the New York State Office of Community Renewal (OCR). Start-up businesses are eligible for a $25,000 grant, while existing businesses are eligible for a $15,000 grant combined with a $10,000 low-interest Quantum Fund loan. A minimum of one full-time equivalent job must be created as part of the project, and program funds may cover up to 90% of the project cost. The training class is an eligibility requirement for the State funding, as well as the ability to meet standard underwriting guidelines and provide the matching funds.
Microenterprises are defined by the Federal government as businesses with five or fewer employees, one of which is the owner. Employees must be counted as “heads” for the purposes of eligibility, and not full-time equivalents. Owners of existing microenterprises in Greene County, as well as Greene County residents with potential startup businesses, are eligible to participate.
Class topics covered include marketing, accounting, cash flow analysis, business plan development and implementation, and business regulations and their impact. Instructors include local and regional experts, along with staff from Economic Development, Tourism and Planning. The training builds the knowledge necessary for participants to implement a business plan, and expand their markets and profits quickly once in operation. Participants should bring their business plans if they have them.
Greene County also has economic development loan funds available for job-creating projects through its Quantum Fund. A summary of its terms and conditions, along with application forms, may be found on the GreeneBusiness website at http://greenebusiness.com/economic-development/loans-incentives.
There is no charge for the MAP class, but advanced reservations and the completion of a Family Income Form are required. Reservations may be made by contacting the Greene County Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Planning, and should be requested no later than 4:30 p.m. on Monday, April 17, 2012.
The Greene County MAP has operated since 1998 in order to encourage small business owners and entrepreneurs to either start or expand businesses. To learn more about the MAP, or this special incentive, visit www.GreeneBusiness.com or call Greene County Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Planning at (518) 719-3290.
Source : http://www.poststarnews.com/news/x453929086/Greene-County-Offers-Small-Business-Training-Classes-and-Funding
