INCREASE Community Development Corporation

Graduate Spotlight

2012-01-26T09:44:00.001-08:00

Ms. Carla Daniels, a 2009 graduate of our Developing the Business Plan course is the owner of HMG (His Mercy and Grace) Consultants, LLC. Her company assists adults with making wise parental and relationship choices. She also works with grades K thru 12 to develop leadership abilities that last a lifetime.

Ms. Daniels feels uniquely qualified to offer this type of assistance. She began her early adult years on state-assistance, and during these lean years, she became actively interested in welfare-reform. Her desire to make better choices and to offer hope to those who wished for the same opened the door for her to motivate others through speaking engagements. The empowering presentations she gave, in turn, led her to enter the world of academia to pursue a higher level of education earning both Bachelors and Masters Degrees.

She started HMG Consultants in 2000 and credits it as the reason she has become more involved with the central Ohio community. Through her informational and transformational workshops, her positive message has resonated with many who have turned their lives around by making better choices and creating positive legacies for future generations.

Her relationship with INCREASE CDC is a strong one. She has received two micro loans from us and is currently taking advantage of our Individual Development Account (IDA) program, which matches $2,000 when the participant saves $1,000. This past November, she was a guest presenter at our Passion to Profit Seminar. Click here to see her video from the event.

On a personal level, I asked Ms. Daniels to recommend a good book, one she had read recently. She quickly replied, “The Servant Leadership of Jesus Christ,” a book which has helped her in leading and serving others. When asked for her favorite quote, Ms. Daniels wowed me with, “Sometimes, you have to close your eyes to see clearly.” She explains that often our sight gets in the way of our vision. “To keep this from happening,” she says, “We must turn our visions from outward to inward.” We agree and will remember her words of wisdom (WOW).

As a graduate in this month’s spotlight, we wish Ms. Carla Daniels much increase in 2012 and beyond. For more information on Ms. Daniels and her company, HMG Consultants, LLC, please visit, Carla@hmgconsultants.com.

Looking Back...Looking Forward

2012-01-26T09:26:00.000-08:00

Now that we have kicked off 2012, it's vital to look back at the goals INCREASE CDC has reached in 2011 and to review our goals set for the New Year. Helping micro business owners grow their businesses by creating opportunities, finding new customers, providing new resources, and introducing new business concepts are a few of the accomplishments of which we are most proud.

Looking back, our signature event for 2011 was our first annual Entrepreneurs Conference & Expo held in October. This event drew over 125 business owners, funders, and sponsors who rated the event 4.5 out of 5 stars. The conference brought together business owners who were interested in growing and promoting their companies. Along with these business owners, several funding organizations also showed their support. In the end, all found we are interconnected to one another and to the communities we serve. Click here to see video footage from the conference. This year's conference is set for October. Stay tuned for details.

Secondly, we helped our customers by hosting our monthly INCREASE Community Business Network (ICBN) luncheons. In addition to solid networking and good food, the ICBN also provided informational presentations by motivational speakers who helped our clients adopt new growth strategies. These highly successful events represent our high level of excellence in helping our customers sustain and grow their businesses. We truly thank all of our supporters who helped make 2011 great.

As we gaze towards 2012, the possibility of achieving many new goals stares back at us. Relocating from our present address to a new facility tops our “To Do” list and will allow us to deliver our educational programs on-site. In addition to relocating, we plan to implement on-line webinars with timely information, so our customers may gain knowledge whenever and wherever they choose. We are committed to remaining customer-focused while increasing clients served, increasing awareness of our market, and increasing our partnerships. We believe 2012 will be a year of great increase, and we are pleased you will be sharing this journey with us. Fasten your seatbelts. It’s going to be an exciting ride.

InvestOhio: Win-Win for Entrepreneurs and Investors

2011-11-22T07:05:00.000-08:00

     Ohio has launched a $100 million tax program that benefits both entrepreneurs and investors. InvestOhio is a program seeking to spur investments in Ohio's 900,000 small businesses. The program offers a 10% income tax credit to investors who infuse new equity (cash) into companies having less than $50 million in assets and/or less than $10 million in annual sales.

     To take advantage of the income tax credit, investors are required to invest cash into a small business and then must retain ownership for a two- year holding period before the tax credit can be claimed. Small businesses benefit by the infusion of cash and are required to reinvest the cash within six months of its receipt. Small business owners must also retain the purchased property for the entire two-year holding period.

     InvestOhio has a two-part application process. Part One is the registration piece, which kicked off November 14, 2011. Part Two is the actual application process and begins the first week in December. For more information on this $100 million program to see if it's right for you, CLICK HERE, or call (800) 848-1300.

Passion to Profit

2011-11-21T11:45:00.000-08:00

On Saturday, November 19, 2011, INCREASE CDC in conjunction with Discover U Consulting hosted Passion to Profit. This half-day seminar presented information to working adults on how to best start a business while keeping their day jobs. Motivational speaker Carla Daniels, Owner of HMG Consulting, spoke to the attendees about clearly identifying their passions. Nikki Swisher, Owner of Magnetic Institute, spoke on easy ways to start a business in 30 days. Both ladies encouraged the audience to push through any obstacles that were preventing them from turning their passion into profit.

The seminar also included a panel discussion with four local intrepreneurs who shared their successes and challenges. The panlists whose companies represented the fashion, financial, landscaping, and marketing industries brought a personal touch to the seminar's topic and candidly responded to the moderator's questions. The seminar was a success with over 80% of the attendees saying they were extremely satisfied with the overall experience.

INCREASE CDC Welcomes New Team Member

2011-10-24T07:23:00.001-07:00

This month, INCREASE CDC welcomes Carmen D. Dandridge to our organization as our Community Outreach Coordinator (COC). As the COC, her tasks will include but not be limited to creating and fostering partnerships with community shareholders and increasing awareness and enrollment into INCREASE CDC programs. Carmen holds a double B.S. degree from Franklin University in Applied Communications and Organizational Leadership. Her professional background includes a 24-year career with AT&T/Lucent Technologies where she held a variety of positions from clerical to supervisory. She has completed her first year in the Ministry Training Center at Columbus Christian Center and wants to eventually become an evangelist. On a personal note, Carmen and her husband Byron have four daughters, one granddaughter, one grandson, and one doggie. Carmen believes she is perfectly fitted to our organization. We agree, and we are glad to welcome her to our team.

Graduate Spotlight: Sheila Marie

2011-10-24T07:17:00.000-07:00

Sheila M. Winston is the owner of SheilaMarie, LLC, a company specializing in outfitting the unique full-figured woman in unique denim fashions. Ms. Winston graduated from our Developing the Business Plan class in April 2011 and achieved one of her greatest successes with her dress shop's grand opening October 1, 2011. Ms. Winston's entrepreneurial vision has its roots in her childhood. As a middle-school student, she began designing her own clothes and her mother done the stitching. Before long, other students began to want the same look. She believes patience pays off which explains why her favorite quote is, "Anything made well is made slow." Ms. Winston currently uses social media, such as emails and Facebook to advertise and is looking to eventually create and maintain a website to promote her business. She runs her operation with the help of three volunteers, and she invites all to visit her shop at 2250 Mock Rd., Columbus, Ohio 43219 or contact her at (614) 290-3805. In addition to custom denim fashions, her shop offers accessories, jewelry, and difficult to find sizes in women's shoes. It's our honor to spotlight Sheila Winston this month, and we speak INCREASE over her and her entrepreneurial endeavor.

Entrepreneurs Conference Receives Rave Reviews

2011-10-12T09:44:00.000-07:00

It's official. The first Entrepreneurs Conference & Expo held October 6, 2011 at the Concourse Hotel was a smashing success. The mood was festive and anticipatory as the conference welcomed over 130 attendees, 25 business exhibits and a motivational keynote address delivered by Jordan Miller, CEO of Fifth Third Bank. During the lunch hour, Stacey Haney encouraged entrepreneurs not to give up during bad times by sharing her entrepreneurial experience. Mr. Miller followed with the recommendation to revisit the business plan when moving forward with new ventures, products and services.

“The event was absolutely a blast,” stated Deon Cromwell of Ohio MBE. “It exceeded my expectations 100%. It was also good to meet other people in the business community and to network with entrepreneurial-minded individuals who are striving for success.

“I enjoyed it!” said Bob Allen of Dale Carnegie who was the presenter of the Master the Selling Process session. “I had a lot of fun and I hope the people that were in my group did as well.

Owner of Cookie Town World shared the same sentiments and was glad to find the information about the conference in the Ohio MBE. “I didn’t plan on coming, but I’m glad I did.”

INCREASE CDC appreciates the support of Fifth Third Bank for helping make this year’s event such a success. Stay tuned to www.increasecdc.org for updates on next year’s conference.

CLICK HERE for Conference Videos

Nominees Announced for the 7th Annual Micro Entrepreneur Awards

2011-03-25T12:00:00.000-07:00

(May 25, 2011, Columbus, OH ) INCREASE Community Development Corporation (INCREASE CDC) is proud to announce that twenty-four nominees will be recognized at the Seventh Annual Micro Entrepreneur Awards sponsored by Huntington Bank. The event will take place on Thursday, April 21, 2011 at Columbus Christian Center Church located at 2300 North Cassady Avenue and will feature Kenny McDonald of Columbus 2020 as the keynote speaker.

Each year, Central Ohio business owners with five or fewer employees are nominated by the community and selected by a panel of judges to receive an award for their success and growth in business, professionalism and community involvement.

"Being nominated alongside so many great local brands is a great honor,” says Timothy Wolf Starr, owner of Small Business Beanstalk.

INCREASE CDC will also recognize the entrepreneurs and students of their Training program. One successful graduate will be presented with the Alumnus of the Year award.

“Starting and managing a business is not an easy task,” says Deonna Barnett, Program Manager of INCREASE CDC. “Hosting an event like this is a way to keep the business owners in our community motivated and inspire others to follow in the footsteps of successful entrepreneurs.”

One award recipient will be selected by the community for the Community Choice award through an online voting process. Anyone can select an entrepreneur of their choice by visiting www.increasecdc.org between March 27^th and April 9^th.

The event will kick off with a networking hour and reception. Businesses and organizations can participate by reserving a booth for the networking hour or by becoming a sponsor and providing product donations for the award recipients.

Kenny McDonald to Speak at 2011 Micro Entrepreneur Awards

2011-03-21T08:31:00.000-07:00

(May 21, 2011, Columbus, OH ) INCREASE Community Development Corporation (INCREASE CDC) welcomes Kenny McDonald of Columbus 2020 to speak at the Seventh Annual Micro Entrepreneur Awards sponsored by Huntington Bank. The event will take place on Thursday, April 21, 2011 at Columbus Christian Center Church located at 2300 North Cassady Avenue.

As the leading officer behind the new economic development initiative, Columbus 2020, McDonald will explain what the project could mean for entrepreneurs and small business owners in central Ohio.

McDonald’s keynote address will precede the presentation of seven awards to business owners with five or fewer employees for their success and growth in business, professionalism and community involvement. One additional recipient will be selected by the community for the Community Choice award through an online voting process set to take place between March 27^th and April 9^th at www.increasecdc.org.

“This event has always played a key role in our efforts to strengthen communities through entrepreneurship,” says Bill Carter, Executive Director of INCREASE CDC. “We appreciate McDonald’s support in this endeavor.”

INCREASE CDC has trained over 700 individuals in their training program and helped start and expand over 250 businesses in Central Ohio. INCREASE CDC is a non-profit organization funded by the Ohio Department of Development, Franklin County Department of Economic Development, Ever Increasing Life Ministries, Ohio CDC Association, and most Central Ohio banking institutions.

Alumni Spotlight: Interview with Shelby Frederick

2011-01-19T09:32:00.000-08:00

Shelby Frederick
Shelby Frederick is the owner of Healing Oasis Total Body Therapy located at Salon Lofts in Pickerington, Ohio. She graduated from the INCREASE CDC Developing the Business Plan course in 2009 and has since been on the move.

INCREASE: When did you decide to start a business in massage therapy?
Frederick: Back in 2007.

INCREASE: Do you have a specialty?
Frederick: Yes. Healing Oasis specializes in deep tissue massage with a focus on relieving pain and stress.

INCREASE: What made you start this business?
Frederick: I have a passion for helping people.

INCREASE: How's business going? What's new?
Frederick: Business is good. I'm currently in the process of accepting medical insurance.

INCREASE: Who inspires you?
Frederick: I would have to say my parents. They have always supported me 100% even if they weren't sure about an idea. They have always encouraged me to reach for my goals and give it a try.

INCREASE: What advice would you give to new entrepreneurs?
Frederick: Make sure you have a business plan. Just like the Bible says: "Write the vision and make it plain".

Learn more about Shelby Frederick and Healing Oasis Total Body Therapy by visiting www.healingoasis.abmp.com.

Expo this week via @constantcontact

2010-10-11T13:02:00.000-07:00

Expo this week via @constantcontact

INCREASE CDC to host 2010 Business & Community Resources Expo

2010-09-21T09:55:00.000-07:00

(Columbus, Ohio, September 21, 2010) INCREASE Community Development Corporation (INCREASE CDC) will host more than 400 small businesses, non-profit organizations, corporate sponsors, and resource seekers at the 2010 Business & Community Resources Expo. The event, sponsored by the WesBanco Bank, City of Columbus Equal Business Opportunity, U.S. Bank, TechColumbus and PNC will take place on October 14, 2010 at the Aladdin Shrine Center located at 3850 Stelzer Road.

This year's Expo is designed to help small businesses as well as central Ohio residents grow their professional networks and to tap into resources available in their local communities. The organizers have worked diligently to attract presenters who are able to offer valuable information to aspiring entrepreneurs, existing small businesses and others looking to increase their knowledge about the central Ohio community. The event, which still has sponsorship opportunities and booth space available for businesses and community agencies, will also serve as a networking opportunity for sponsors and business owners in attendance.

“Our focus of this event is on small businesses and their development,” says Deonna Barnett, Marketing Manager of INCREASE CDC. “By supporting our small businesses with information and resources, we can continue to contribute to the economic development in the central Ohio community.”

Businesses and non-profits are strongly encouraged to take this opportunity to engage with Central Ohio by showcasing their services. Sponsorship and registration opportunities for the Business & Community Resources Expo will remain available until Friday, September 30, 2010. Booth space starts at $100.

INCREASE CDC has trained over 600 aspiring entrepreneurs on business planning and financial literacy and has started or expanded more than 100 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.

Come to the March luncheon and learn “The Formula for Success!”

2010-02-25T13:59:00.000-08:00

Are you looking for a way to expand your contact base, generate ideas, and gain new customers? If so, come out to the INCREASE Community Business Network Luncheon.

The next INCREASE Community Business Network Luncheon will be held on Wednesday, March 24, 2010 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. This month’s speaker will be Bryan Sirak of Columbus Coaching. The topic will be "The Formula for Success."

From Bryan Sirak’s bio:

Bryan has extensive experience and a background in sales, sales management as well as the restaurant industry. He spent 10 years in restaurant management and 15 years in advertising sales and management. While Serving as President of the Central Ohio area of a direct mail company, Bryan started the branch and agrresively grew it fom just himself to two branches generating $3 million plus in revenue. This included numerous sales people as well as administration staff.

The INCREASE Community Business Network luncheons are free to business network members and $10 for non-members. The event will take place at The Meeting Place, which is located at 2215 Citygate Dr, Columbus, Ohio 43219.

RSVP by calling 614-476-1758 or by sending an email to info@increasecdc.org.

Event: INCREASE Community Business Network Luncheon

Date & Time: Wednesday, March 24, 2010... 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Location: The Meeting Place, 2215 Citygate Dr., Columbus, OH 43219

Cost: FREE for members, $10 for non-members

The next “How to Start a Business” workshop will take place on March 16, 2010

2010-02-25T11:55:00.000-08:00

The next “How to Start a Business” workshop will take place on Tuesday, March 16, 2010 at the Main Library in Columbus, Ohio.

In this workshop, participants will learn where to find the taxation and business registration documents needed in order to launch a legal business in the state of Ohio.

This workshop is free to the public, very informative, and a must for all aspiring entrepreneurs. Space is limited, so reserve a seat today. For more information, call 614-476-1758 or send an email to info@increasecdc.org.

Date & Time: Tuesday, March 16, 2010 ... 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Location: Columbus Main Library, 3rd Floor Boardroom, 96 S Grant Ave, Columbus, 43215

Online Voting Now Open for 2010 Micro-Entrepreneur Awards

2010-02-18T12:17:00.000-08:00

We have enabled online voting capabilities for those wishing to vote for this year’s micro-entrepreneur award recipients. After receiving nominations from the community, INCREASE CDC will honor seven (7) micro-entrepreneurs at its annual awards ceremony. Additionally, a well-deserving graduate of the INCREASE CDC business planning training program will be named Alumnus of the Year. The categories for the 2010 Micro-Entrepreneur of the Year Awards include:

1. Consumer Service & Trades
2. Health
3. Technology
4. FIRE: Financial, Insurance & Real Estate
5. Media & Entertainment
6. Non-Profit
7. Retail

Of the 40 nominations submitted in 2009, 24 finalists were chosen. INCREASE CDC received more than 800 online votes, and with those ballots, narrowed the list to seven names. When the votes were tallied, the organization recognized seven well-known community leaders including Pamela Lowery of Favor Magazine and Roland Tyler of Roland’s clothing.

Online votes for the 2010 Micro-Entrepreneur of the Year Awards will be accepted through Saturday, March 27, 2010. Duplicate votes will not be counted. The date, time and location for this year’s event are as follows:

This year’s award ceremony will take place on Thursday, April 22, 2010 at the Aladdin Shrine Center, which is located at 3850 Stelzer Rd., Columbus, Ohio 43219. There will be a networking reception from 5:00 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. The award ceremony will take place from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Admission is $10.00.

INCREASE CDC supports Global Entrepreneurship Week

2009-11-12T11:39:00.000-08:00

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!

Personal Finance Course Starts 10-27-2009! Registration is now open.

2009-10-20T10:04:00.000-07:00

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.

Small business loans available to Columbus, Ohio's suburban entrepreneurs

2009-10-07T11:29:00.000-07:00

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.

Christopher Babbs
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.
# # #

2009 Business & Community Resources Expo a Success

2009-10-04T10:21:00.000-07:00

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.

INCREASE offers in-depth grant writing training

2009-09-12T10:22:00.000-07:00

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.

Personal Finance Classes Starting Soon-- Enroll today!

2009-09-10T10:24:00.000-07:00

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.

"Vision" event informs dozens of attendees...

2009-08-31T10:27:00.000-07:00

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.

What's Your Vision? Let us help you discover it!

2009-08-25T10:26:00.000-07:00

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?

INCREASE recognized for internship program excellence

2009-08-13T10:40:00.000-07:00

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.

INCREASE CDC's Fall Calendar of Events

2009-08-01T10:45:00.000-07:00

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.