Micro LendingThe Community Development Partnership (CDP) is committed to supporting economic development within our community through programs and education that foster the start-up and growth of local businesses, including those that tackle the unique business challenges of the fishing and aquaculture industries, home-based businesses, artists and other crafts people on the Lower Cape. About our Lending ProgramThe Community Development Partnership (CDP) established the Micro Loan program with a grant from the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) through the Town of Chatham. Under the Micro Loan Program, the CDP provides loans to qualified businesses of up to $40,000. These loans can be used for working capital, real estate for the use of small business, and for machinery and equipment. Loan terms are normally up to five years. There are options to defer principal payments, amortize over longer periods or establish seasonal schedules as needed. Rates are competitive and will use the Prime Lending Rate as an index to assess loan rates. In addition to the Micro Loan program, the CDP also offers a short-term loan option. Up to $10,000 may be borrowed for a period of a few months to a year. Interest is paid monthly and principal is repaid at the end of the loan term. Success Stories:Photo Courtesy of Rich Eldred and the Cape Codder.
Visit Back Nine Cafe at the Captains Golf Course Website and see what bites are on the menu.
Visit Shine’s Website and see what this cute Harwichport boutique has to offer.
Mary DeAngelis, Clothing Designer & Wholesaler
DeAngelis was able to get some much needed funding through the CDP’s Micro Loan Program, as well as an introduction to SEED, who provided additional funding. DeAngelis used these loans to grow her business – purchasing a design studio in Provincetown and increasing her wholesale distribution from 2 stores to over 40. “I wouldn’t be anywhere if it wasn’t for the CDP. I am a true small business. I don’t want to leave the Cape. I use as many local resources as I can. I employ as many local people as I can. But if you’re a small business person and you don’t own property, there is no way to get money. The banks just won’t take a risk. The CDP is the only thing we’ve got.” View her website to learn more about The Mary DeAngelis Company. Eligibility CriteriaBusinesses must meet several criteria in order to qualify for our Micro Loan program. Please read through these criteria carefully before completing a loan application. Type of Business Existing and start-up manufacturing, retail, wholesale and service businesses having five employees or fewer at the time of application and generally meeting the definition of small businesses. Owners must demonstrate low or low-to-moderate income in accordance with Federal definitions. Location of Business The program provides assistance to small businesses in Harwich, Chatham, Brewster, Orleans, Eastham, Wellfleet, Truro and Provincetown. Jobs Creation Requirement The small business has to demonstrate the potential for job creation, especially jobs which would be available to low- and moderate-income individuals. Jobs creation compliance will be monitored by the CDP semi-annually. Management Capacity The small business has to demonstrate management capacity and/or willingness to accept close management consultation and technical assistance throughout the life of the loan, if necessary. Use of Funds Micro lending funds from the Community Development Partnership can be used to finance, in general, any customary capital or operating needs of the business with the exception of:
Financing Gap The small business has to demonstrate the lack of adequate capital or loan funds to fully finance the business needs and must have been rejected by a bank. Loan Application ProcessIn order to process your business loan application in a timely manner, the following documents need to be submitted for a completed loan package:
In addition, the following documents may need to be submitted, depending on the status of your business. Start-Ups:
Existing Businesses (if not included in your business plan)
The CDP provides Technical Assistance to applicants in developing the loan application, including a business plan and financial projections. Contact us for more information or to schedule an appointment. Loan DecisionsDecisions on loans will be made on the basis of the following:
For more information about the Community Development Partnership’s Micro Loan Program, please contact Pam Andersen, Business and Credit Program Manager, at (508) 240-7873 ex 18 or via email. ResourcesMA Small Business Development Center Small Business Development Center Last updated: January 10, 2013 |
|
Back Nine Cafe –
“Nick and I would just really love to say that we have been honored and blessed to have met everyone at the 
Shine Boutique – You might not have been into Shine Boutique yet but if you drive down Route 28 in Harwichport you will have seen the 2 mannequins that show off her latest styles and promote her small retail store.
As a first time business owner Kerry O’Brien Berto did not qualify for traditional bank funding and was referred to the 
Mary DeAngelis has achieved tremendous success as a clothing designer and wholesaler, but she says she wouldn’t be anywhere without the Community Development Partnership’s Micro Loan Program. “I was working out of my house and driving around in my car to visit stores and show them my goods. I knew that if I was going to get my business off of the ground I needed to be showing at the New York trade shows, where buyers from boutiques and stores all over the country come to purchase goods.” But DeAngelis knew it was going to take more than creativity and drive to get to New York – it was going to take money. She wrote a business plan and approached all of the local banks, but was always turned away due to lack of collateral. “Every bank turned me down. I went everywhere, but they wouldn’t give me the time of day.” Then a friend told her about the Community Development Partnership. 
|