How to apply
What: New free program to help qualified low-income people get business management education to help start their own business
When: Class for session two forming now. The class schedule is: 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 6; 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 11; 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 18; 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 25; 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 3; 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 17; 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 1; and 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 8.
Where: Classes will meet at BizTech Center, 20 High Street, Hamilton
More info: Call SELF to apply at (513) 820-5016
Local people throughout Butler County who are unemployed or underemployed might be eligible for a free new program that gives low-income people a chance to start their own business.
Three area nonprofits — Supports to Encourage Low-Income Families, BizTech Center and Neighborhood Housing Services of Hamilton — have collaborated to offer the Butler County Microenterprise and Microloan Program. Not anyone can start a business despite their income, but qualified low-income people willing to put in the long hours to get their own business going can apply for an eight-week course on business management, said the leaders of each agency.
After the class is over, they must form an action plan of business goals and objectives to present to apply for a low-interest microloan of $500 to $3,500.
“All three of us have seen the need arise with that portion of the community,” said Marilyn Collmer, manager of BizTech. “Every one of us has seen an increase of these individuals coming through our doors, but we didn’t have a program to specifically target that population.”
Signups for class for session two are now. To apply, call Maria Sexton of SELF at (513) 820-5016.
The class is 6 to 9 p.m. five Thursdays and 6 to 8 p.m. three Tuesdays from Oct. 6 to Dec. 8. Classes will meet at BizTech, 20 High St., Hamilton.
The microenterprise and microloan program is an opportunity for each nonprofit to do what it does best.
“This provides a new opportunity for individuals who may be suited to self employment and who maybe have a business idea, that can help them become self employed,” said Jeffrey Diver, executive director of SELF.
SELF, Butler County’s Community Action Agency, served 18,000 low-income people last year, Diver said. It has a client base and will support people in the class to overcome barriers such as transportation, he said.
BizTech, a business incubator that offers discounted office space and other small business services, is the startup expert.
Neighborhood Housing will offer the loans based on its loan originating, serving and processing experience, said Lori DiStaola, executive director. Normally Neighborhood Housing offers home repair and improvement loans.
The collaborators under the lead of SELF have received a Community Services Block Grant of approximately $36,000 to fund the program through December, they said. They are applying for three other grants for more funding. The first session started Sept. 8.
Even though the main office of each organization is in Hamilton, the program is available to anyone qualified in Butler County.
Contact this reporter at (513) 705-2551 or clevingston@coxohio.com.
About the Author