Open House Highlights Loan Program Launch

nwi-sbdcAccion Chicago’s loan offerings through the SBA Microloan Program will be outlined at a launching event from 8:30 to 10 a.m. Tuesday June 26 at the Purdue Technology Center of Northwest Indiana, 9800 Connecticut Drive.

Accion Chicago, the Northwest Indiana Small Business Development Center and the U.S. Small Business Administration team members will detail eligibility requirements for the Lake and Porter County loans. Speakers include Gail Gesell, SBA Indiana District director, Lorri Feldt, NWI SBDC regional director and Jonathan Brereton, Accion CEO, as well as region community members who will share their experiences.

There is no cost for the event, but registration is required. To register, visit www.nwisbdc.org, click on seminars and events, the event and follow instructions or call (219) 644-3513.

Effective May 2012, Accion is an SBA Microlender Intermediary in Indiana, which allows it to make small business loans at rates as low as 8.87% for qualified borrowers.

The SBA's Microloan Program was developed to increase the availability of smaller business loans to prospective small business borrowers. Under this program, the SBA makes funds available to nonprofit intermediaries, like Accion, which in turn make loans to eligible borrowers.

For more information about Accion’s small business loan requirements and how to apply, visit www.accionchicago.org. Serving seven counties in the region, the NWI SBDC offers no-cost assistance for entrepreneurs starting or expanding their businesses. Through one-on-one consulting, the NWI SBDC helps guide small businesses toward their goals by offering referrals, workshops, training opportunities and other essential business tools. It is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the Small Business Administration, the State of Indiana and other local partners.

For more information, visit www.nwisbdc.org.