The Ohio Community Development Corporation Association is a statewide membership organization of Community Development Corporations that engages in capacity-building, advocacy and public policy development that fosters socially and economically healthy communities, Palen said.
The Butler County Microenterprise and Microloan program is a partnership between SELF and Neighborhood Housing Services of Hamilton Inc. to help low- and moderate-income individuals learn how to start a new business and the opportunity to apply for small business loans.
The program provides 10 weeks of free small business training on a variety of topics including business plan development, marketing strategy, financial planning and hands-on management assistance. The program culminates with the development of a comprehensive business plan and the option to apply for a microloan of up to $5,000.
SELF has awarded 25 loans totaling $96,500, Palen said.
“Since the fall of 2011, SELF and our partners have provided free business training for 212 aspiring entrepreneurs and 150 of these have graduated from the micro program,” she said. “We have assisted 58 business launches or expansions and 47 of these businesses are still in operation.”
In 2016, SELF served 40 entrepreneurs who enrolled in the Microenterprise classes, Palen said. Of those, 26 participants graduated, nine new businesses launched, three businesses expanded and eight loans were awarded, she said.
“This program is an economic development initiative for Butler County,” said Jeffrey Diver, executive director at SELF. “We are pleased to provide this opportunity for low-income entrepreneurs with viable business ideas.”
SELF will host three Sessions of the Butler County Microenterprise and Microloan program in 2017 with the next class session starting from 6 to 9 p.m. Feb. 22 in Hamilton. A spring class will also be offered in Middletown.
For more information or to register, call Jerry Brown at 513-820-5023 or e-mail jbrown@selfhelps.org.
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