COLUMBIA HUDSON PARTNERSHIP
MICROBUSINESS PROGRAM
Columbia Hudson Partnership is an alliance of the city and county economic development
organizations in Columbia County.
The Partnership
is dedicated to providing small business owners with the tools they need to grow and prosper.
Our MicroBusiness
Program helps the small business owner three ways:
• A MicroBusiness seminar series on the basics of running a business
• One-on-one technical assistance
• MicroLoans of up to $35,000 for eligible loan applicants
Whether you are running a business now or just thinking about launching one, the MicroBusiness Program can help you grow and prosper.
MicroBusiness Seminar Series
Offered twice a year, this 8-week series covers topics ranging from bookkeeping basics to marketing strategies to writing a business plan.
Any Columbia County resident who owns a business employing five people or less, including the owner, or who is thinking about starting a business, is eligible for this seminar.
Please call the Partnership to request an application. The $150 course fee is refunded upon completion in the form of either a one-year membership in the Columbia County Chamber of Commerce or a gift certificate to an office supply store. Alternative sources of funding are used where income is limited or the person is handicapped.
The class size is small, and participants have ample opportunity to network. Instructors come from throughout the area, and many are entrepreneurs themselves.
One-On-One Technical Assistance
The Partnership works with business consultants who have expertise in accounting, marketing, computer systems, employee management and other areas of concern to small business owners. The consultants act as mentors to the entrepreneur, providing individualized assistance in one or more of these areas. This technical assistance is available to all MicroBusiness graduates at no charge.
MicroLoans
Loans up to $35,000 with interest at or below market rate are available to both existing and start up businesses. Funded by the U.S. Small Business Administration, the repayment period is determined on a case by case basis. Preference is given to applicants who have successfully completed the MicroBusiness Seminar Series.
MicroLoan funds can be used for working capital, or to purchase equipment, inventory, supplies or furniture. The funds cannot be used to acquire land or buildings. Please call the Partnership to find out about other restrictions.
To obtain an application, please call the Partnership at 828-4718. A business plan is required for start up businesses.
Columbia Hudson Partnership
4303 Route 9
Hudson, NY 12534
(518) 828-4718
Fax: (518) 828-0901
