In celebration of Global Entrepreneur Week 2009, INCREASE Community Development Corporation will host two events that are designed to inform, empower, and connect the microenterprise community. Here are the details:
Tuesday, November 17 – “How to Start a Small Business”
--Cost: FREE!
--Location & Time:
Livingston Branch Library
3434 Livingston Avenue
Columbus, OH 43227
6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
--Description: Learn the basics of starting a business in this FREE information session presented by INCREASE CDC
Wednesday, November 18 – INCREASE Community Business Network Luncheon
--Cost: Free to members. $10 for non-members.
--Location & Time:
The Meeting Place
2215 Citygate Dr.
Columbus, OH 43219
11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
--Description: Small Business Owners and Entrepreneurs Unite! Meet, greet and eat with INCREASE CDC, its Business Network members, and other entrepreneurs in Central Ohio. Bounce ideas off each other, tell us what's going on in your company, find a new business partner/customers all while having a good time!
Saturday, November 21 – “How to Launch a Small Business” (Encore Presentation)
--Cost: FREE!
--Location & Time:
Columbus Main Library
3rd Floor Board Room
96 S. Grant Avenue
Columbus, OH 43215
10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Registration for these events is currently open to the public and can be completed online at www.increasecdc.org. To register by phone, please call (614) 476-1758. We sincerely thank you for your continued partnership, and look forward to seeing you there!
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Personal Finance Course Starts 10-27-2009! Registration is now open.
INCREASE Community Development Corporation is gearing up for the Fall edition of our FREE personal financial education course called “Credit Yourself: The Way to Financial Fitness.”
It is our mission to help central Ohio's valued communities achieve financial freedom through teaching and partnership. This fall's course will be designed to help students:
-- Learn the elements of personal financial planning and management in the Personal Finance 101 training course.
-- Control their money through the use of a spending plan.
-- Recognize the benefits of insurance and investments.
During the Credit Smart session in week three, students will receive a free copy of their credit report and credit score, which will help them to better understand the structure of a credit report. Certificates of completion will be provided to all students at the end of the course and each graduate will be honored at a formal ceremony with KeyBank sponsors.
Dates & Times:
-- 10-27-2009 to 11-24-2009 (Tuesdays only)
-- From 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
-- Columbus Main Library, 3rd Floor Board Room, 96 S. Grant Avenue, Columbus, OH 43215
Registration Details:
Interested applicants can register by sending an email with their name, mailing address and phone number to info@increasecdc.org. To register by phone, please call INCREASE CDC at (614) 476-1758.
Become an Ambassador:
Bring the INCREASE CDC Personal Finance class to your church, business, or organization by becoming an Ambassador. To become an Ambassador, please send your name, organization name and address, and a contact phone number to info@increasecdc.org.
Thank you in advance for your continued support.
It is our mission to help central Ohio's valued communities achieve financial freedom through teaching and partnership. This fall's course will be designed to help students:
-- Learn the elements of personal financial planning and management in the Personal Finance 101 training course.
-- Control their money through the use of a spending plan.
-- Recognize the benefits of insurance and investments.
During the Credit Smart session in week three, students will receive a free copy of their credit report and credit score, which will help them to better understand the structure of a credit report. Certificates of completion will be provided to all students at the end of the course and each graduate will be honored at a formal ceremony with KeyBank sponsors.
Dates & Times:
-- 10-27-2009 to 11-24-2009 (Tuesdays only)
-- From 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
-- Columbus Main Library, 3rd Floor Board Room, 96 S. Grant Avenue, Columbus, OH 43215
Registration Details:
Interested applicants can register by sending an email with their name, mailing address and phone number to info@increasecdc.org. To register by phone, please call INCREASE CDC at (614) 476-1758.
Become an Ambassador:
Bring the INCREASE CDC Personal Finance class to your church, business, or organization by becoming an Ambassador. To become an Ambassador, please send your name, organization name and address, and a contact phone number to info@increasecdc.org.
Thank you in advance for your continued support.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Small business loans available to Columbus, Ohio's suburban entrepreneurs
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 7, 2009
INCREASE receives $50,000 in stimulus funding to distribute as micro-loans to small businesses
(October 7, 2009, Columbus, Ohio) INCREASE Community Development Corporation, a Columbus-based nonprofit organization, has received $50,000 in stimulus funding from the Franklin County Board of Commissioners. The funds are to be distributed to small businesses located outside the city of Columbus, but inside Franklin County.
INCREASE has provided micro-loans to small businesses within Columbus, Ohio’s city limits since 1999. The funding obtained this month will help the nonprofit to further expand its current economic development and microenterprise development operations.
Executive director Bill Carter says that the funding will be ready for distribution to the public by Monday, October 26, 2009. Interested parties should apply as early as possible as loans will be granted on a first-come-first-served basis. The suburban loan program will cease when funding is exhausted.
In order to qualify, applicants must:
-- Have a qualifying business plan.
-- Have a business that operates outside Columbus city limits, but inside Franklin County.
-- Meet the organization’s prescribed underwriting criteria, including satisfactory credit history. (Applicants with unsatisfactory credit histories may be approved with a qualifying cosignor).
-- Sign a promissory note with INCREASE CDC stating that they agree to pay back the funding within a mutually determined time frame.
Applicants who need assistance with developing a formal business plan should contact INCREASE to obtain information on the nonprofit’s training programs. The organization also funds a matched savings plan under a separate program for applicants interested in launching new businesses or returning to college.
For more information about INCREASE Community Development Corporation’s micro-loan program, please contact program manager Christopher Babbs at (614) 476-1758. A full roster of INCREASE’s programs can be viewed online at www.increasecdc.org.
INCREASE Community Development Corporation
3146 Agler RoadColumbus, Ohio 43219
Phone: (614) 476-1758
Fax: (614) 476-3645
cbabbs@increasecdc.org
http://www.increasecdc.org/
INCREASE Community Development Corp. (INCREASE CDC) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life in Central Ohio through Education, Entrepreneurship, and Economic Development. Since 1999, INCREASE CDC has trained hundreds of aspiring entrepreneurs on business planning and financial literacy and started or expanded over 80 businesses throughout Central Ohio. INCREASE CDC is funded by the Ohio Department of Development, Ohio CDC association, Franklin County Department of Economic Development, and most Central Ohio banking institutions.
# # #
Sunday, October 4, 2009
2009 Business & Community Resources Expo a Success
After several months of planning, we at INCREASE are proud to have presented more than 50 of our valuable partners at this year's Business & Community Resources Expo. Hundreds of central Ohioans gathered at the Aladdin Shrine Center to respond to our call to make knowledge their "stimulus package."
The evening began with thirty minutes of networking, followed by an informative presentation by Empowering Personnel titled "What is Your Passion." Attendees then filled the Aladdin Room for a lively small business panel discussion that featured Niels Hansen of Hansen Creative Services, Mary Jenkins of Christians Overcoming Cancer, and successful venturist Cordell Dillon. Lamar Love of Wealth Systems LLC capped the evening's break-out session schedule with an engaging presentation on how real estate investing can help create wealth in any economy.
Among the list of attendees were American Income Life, the Columbus Chamber of Commerce, the Hispanic Chamber of Columbus, Consumer Credit Counseling Services, M/I Homes, the National Center for Urban Solutions, the Ohio Department of Development, the Small Business Administration, and the South Central Ohio Minority Business Council.
We were also extremely proud to welcome our friends from the banking industry including WesBanco, US Bank, Telhio Credit Union, National City, Huntington, and Charter One Bank.
Our partners in the small business arena were well-represented by Broadview Security, Favor Magazine, Leap Graphics, Lia Sophia Jewelry, MSB Service Plans, Peggy's Monogramming, Praise Reporter, Precision Mortgage Group, LLC, Q-Kardz, Shades of My Race Designs, TechColumbus, The Meeting Place, Titus House, Unique Services LLC, Yoli, Your Family Accounting & Tax Service.
We would like to extend a special note of thanks to Costco for its generous donation of supplies, and to Inner Health Chiropractic for the invaluable ten-minute massages it provided to the friends of our organization.
The next major event at INCREASE will take place during National Entrepreneur Week in the month of November. Please stay connected for further details.
The evening began with thirty minutes of networking, followed by an informative presentation by Empowering Personnel titled "What is Your Passion." Attendees then filled the Aladdin Room for a lively small business panel discussion that featured Niels Hansen of Hansen Creative Services, Mary Jenkins of Christians Overcoming Cancer, and successful venturist Cordell Dillon. Lamar Love of Wealth Systems LLC capped the evening's break-out session schedule with an engaging presentation on how real estate investing can help create wealth in any economy.
Among the list of attendees were American Income Life, the Columbus Chamber of Commerce, the Hispanic Chamber of Columbus, Consumer Credit Counseling Services, M/I Homes, the National Center for Urban Solutions, the Ohio Department of Development, the Small Business Administration, and the South Central Ohio Minority Business Council.
We were also extremely proud to welcome our friends from the banking industry including WesBanco, US Bank, Telhio Credit Union, National City, Huntington, and Charter One Bank.
Our partners in the small business arena were well-represented by Broadview Security, Favor Magazine, Leap Graphics, Lia Sophia Jewelry, MSB Service Plans, Peggy's Monogramming, Praise Reporter, Precision Mortgage Group, LLC, Q-Kardz, Shades of My Race Designs, TechColumbus, The Meeting Place, Titus House, Unique Services LLC, Yoli, Your Family Accounting & Tax Service.
We would like to extend a special note of thanks to Costco for its generous donation of supplies, and to Inner Health Chiropractic for the invaluable ten-minute massages it provided to the friends of our organization.
The next major event at INCREASE will take place during National Entrepreneur Week in the month of November. Please stay connected for further details.
Saturday, September 12, 2009
INCREASE offers in-depth grant writing training
After the request for additional training in Grant Writing, INCREASE CDC has collaborated with grant writer, Lela Boykin, to instruct a four-week grant writing course that will begin on Saturday, September 19th. The classes will be held at Franklin University's Westerville Campus from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM.
Those who register for this 4 week course will receive the following information in a detailed format on the corresponding class dates: September 19, 2009-- Learn how to introduce your organization to a funder; how to describe your project and get the funder's attention!
October 3, 2009-- Sell your organization and make a case for funding!
October 17, 2009-- Tell funders what you want to do, how you will do it, and how you know you've done it!
October 31, 2009-- Develop a budget that funders will accept!
The cost for this course is $100 ($25 per class) but if you register and pay before September 18th, the cost will be discounted to $80.
Contact us at INCREASE for more details.
Those who register for this 4 week course will receive the following information in a detailed format on the corresponding class dates: September 19, 2009-- Learn how to introduce your organization to a funder; how to describe your project and get the funder's attention!
October 3, 2009-- Sell your organization and make a case for funding!
October 17, 2009-- Tell funders what you want to do, how you will do it, and how you know you've done it!
October 31, 2009-- Develop a budget that funders will accept!
The cost for this course is $100 ($25 per class) but if you register and pay before September 18th, the cost will be discounted to $80.
Contact us at INCREASE for more details.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Personal Finance Classes Starting Soon-- Enroll today!
Just a reminder that the fall session of INCREASE CDC personal finance class starts September 15, 2009. Class schedule is as follows:
September 15, 2009 - October 13, 2009
(REGISTRATION OPEN)
Time: Tuesdays, 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Location: Livingston Branch Library, 3434 Livingston Avenue, Columbus, OH 43227
September 18, 2009 - October 16, 2009
(REGISTRATION OPEN)
Time: Fridays, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Location: Columbus Main Library, Main Auditorium, 96 South Grant Avenue, Columbus, OH 43215
October 27, 2009 - November 24, 2009
(REGISTRATION OPEN)
Time: Tuesdays, 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Location: Columbus Main Library, 3rd Floor Board Room, 96 South Grant Avenue, Columbus, OH 43215
Contact INCREASE for more details.
September 15, 2009 - October 13, 2009
(REGISTRATION OPEN)
Time: Tuesdays, 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Location: Livingston Branch Library, 3434 Livingston Avenue, Columbus, OH 43227
September 18, 2009 - October 16, 2009
(REGISTRATION OPEN)
Time: Fridays, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Location: Columbus Main Library, Main Auditorium, 96 South Grant Avenue, Columbus, OH 43215
October 27, 2009 - November 24, 2009
(REGISTRATION OPEN)
Time: Tuesdays, 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Location: Columbus Main Library, 3rd Floor Board Room, 96 South Grant Avenue, Columbus, OH 43215
Contact INCREASE for more details.
Monday, August 31, 2009
"Vision" event informs dozens of attendees...
On August 29, INCREASE CDC hosted more than 40 central Ohioans in search of resources to help them achieve their personal visions. The scope of resources requested included debt management tools, business plan assistance, small business loans, and more.
Executive Director Bill Carter led the session by presenting a power point that highlighted INCREASE's services. The engaged audience then met with one of four counselors to discuss how INCREASE can help them reach the next level in their personal and professional lives.
If you missed this event and would like to talk about our venture capital resources, small business development assistance, business plan assistance, personal financial planning, or other services, please contact Mr. Chris Babbs at (614) 476-1758.
Executive Director Bill Carter led the session by presenting a power point that highlighted INCREASE's services. The engaged audience then met with one of four counselors to discuss how INCREASE can help them reach the next level in their personal and professional lives.
If you missed this event and would like to talk about our venture capital resources, small business development assistance, business plan assistance, personal financial planning, or other services, please contact Mr. Chris Babbs at (614) 476-1758.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
What's Your Vision? Let us help you discover it!
What's Your Vision? Is it to start a business? Do you want to own an empire? Are you envisioning a debt-free life? Whatever it is, write it down!
Write the vision with the help of INCREASE CDC. Join other Central Ohio entrepreneurs and small business owners this Saturday, August 29th at Columbus Christian Center Church located on 2300 N. Cassady Ave. in Columbus, OH.
Learn more about how we can help you in business planning, personal finances, grant writing and other investment opportunities. Orientation starts at 12 noon and is free to the public.
Start now to "Bring Your Vision Into Focus" http://www.increasecdc.org/.
What's your vision?
Write the vision with the help of INCREASE CDC. Join other Central Ohio entrepreneurs and small business owners this Saturday, August 29th at Columbus Christian Center Church located on 2300 N. Cassady Ave. in Columbus, OH.
Learn more about how we can help you in business planning, personal finances, grant writing and other investment opportunities. Orientation starts at 12 noon and is free to the public.
Start now to "Bring Your Vision Into Focus" http://www.increasecdc.org/.
What's your vision?
Thursday, August 13, 2009
INCREASE recognized for internship program excellence
On August 14, 2009, INCREASE CDC was acknowledged for participating as a worksite employer in the STEM LA (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics in the Linden Area) program.
With dedication and committment from Batelle, St. Stephen's Community House and the Greater Linden Development Corporation, Linden high school students were provided the opportunity to work six weeks for an area business in this internship program funded by Batelle.
"My experience was great," says Kiambre Jones, office intern for INCREASE CDC. " They taught me business skills and prepared me for the real world."
Chris Babbs, INCREASE CDC supervisor to Jones shares his experience: "It was a great opportunity to give back to the youth in our community and to assist with their professional development. I look forward to participating next year."
In an effort to continue impacting youth in Central Ohio, INCREASE CDC will also serve as a worksite for two additional interns from the 2009 Summer YouthWorks! initiative. The City of Columbus, Franklin County and COWIC JOBLeaders have partnered together to support this initiative funded by the American Recovery & Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) by connecting 2,500 youth and young adults to meaningful internships. The interns will begin work on August 31st.
For more information about the STEM LA program, contact the St. Stephen's Community House at 614.294.6347. For the Summer Youth Program, contact COWIC JOBLeaders at 614.559-5052.
With dedication and committment from Batelle, St. Stephen's Community House and the Greater Linden Development Corporation, Linden high school students were provided the opportunity to work six weeks for an area business in this internship program funded by Batelle.
"My experience was great," says Kiambre Jones, office intern for INCREASE CDC. " They taught me business skills and prepared me for the real world."
Chris Babbs, INCREASE CDC supervisor to Jones shares his experience: "It was a great opportunity to give back to the youth in our community and to assist with their professional development. I look forward to participating next year."
In an effort to continue impacting youth in Central Ohio, INCREASE CDC will also serve as a worksite for two additional interns from the 2009 Summer YouthWorks! initiative. The City of Columbus, Franklin County and COWIC JOBLeaders have partnered together to support this initiative funded by the American Recovery & Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) by connecting 2,500 youth and young adults to meaningful internships. The interns will begin work on August 31st.
For more information about the STEM LA program, contact the St. Stephen's Community House at 614.294.6347. For the Summer Youth Program, contact COWIC JOBLeaders at 614.559-5052.
Saturday, August 1, 2009
INCREASE CDC's Fall Calendar of Events
The fall calendar at INCREASE is as follows:
August 29th - INCREASE CDC Orientation
September 9th - INCREASE Community Business Network Luncheon
September 14th - Developing the Business Plan course begins
September 15th - Personal Finance PM course begins
September 18th - Personal Finance AM course begins
September 19th - NEW! Grant Writing course begins. Learn more at orientation on August 29th or call INCREASE CDC at 614.476.1758.
October 1st - Business & Community Resources Expo
See something you like? Register today! Call 614.476.1758.
August 29th - INCREASE CDC Orientation
September 9th - INCREASE Community Business Network Luncheon
September 14th - Developing the Business Plan course begins
September 15th - Personal Finance PM course begins
September 18th - Personal Finance AM course begins
September 19th - NEW! Grant Writing course begins. Learn more at orientation on August 29th or call INCREASE CDC at 614.476.1758.
October 1st - Business & Community Resources Expo
See something you like? Register today! Call 614.476.1758.
