Technical Assistance

Grants to Local Communities to Provide Money to Buy or Fix Up Homes or to Pay for Rent

Called the Home Investment Partnership Program and referred to as Program #14.239 in the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance, this program expands the supply of affordable housing, particularly rental housing, for low and very low income Americans; (2) to strengthen the abilities of State and local governments to design and implement strategies for achieving adequate supplies of decent, affordable housing; (3) to provide both financial and technical assistance to participating jurisdictions, including the development of model programs for developing affordable low income housing; and (4) to extend and strengthen partnerships among all levels of government and the private sector, including for-profit and nonprofit organizations, in the production and operation of affordable housing. To identify if there are programs in your area, contact your local office of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

Visit: www5.hud.gov:63001/po/i/netlocator/

25000 Loan Serves As First Step Towards Business Ownership

Prospective business owners looking to set up shop in Washington DC’s Ward 7/Marshall Heights area have strong support from the Marshall Heights Community Development Organization (MHCDO). The MHCDO provides, often at no cost, entrepreneurial and business training, one-on-one small business counseling in its Business Information Resource Center, technical assistance with loans, legal, accounting and other business-related areas, and special loan packaging, and loans ranging from $10,000 to $25,000. The group will also perform market research and assist with the development of print advertisements and other materials to promote the entrepreneur’s business. Marshall Heights Community Development Organization, 3939 Benning Road, NE, Washington, DC 20019, 202-396-1200

Visit: www.mhcdo.org

Help for Farmers and Ranchers to Conserve Natural Resources

Click For How to apply for small business grants

Entrepreneurs Can Get Their Loan Payments Back

Flexible small business loans, training, and technical assistance are available to start-up businesses in Garret County, MD. The county’s Community Action Committee administers a comprehensive Microworks program for those looking to start a business. Microworks makes loans ranging from $500 to $15,000 and offers deferred repayment schedules. A portion of each payment made on time will be put into a reserve fund that will be refunded to the borrower upon total repayment of the loan. Technical assistance and educational services for participants include entrepreneurial training courses and seminars, networking meetings and opportunities, design and production of print materials, marketing and advertising plan creation, tax preparation, financial counseling, business plan preparation, and access to a complete lending library. Contact: Garrett County Community Action Committee – Microworks, 104 E. Center Street, Oakland, MD 21550. 301-334-9431

Visit: www.garrettcac.org/