CHATHAM — Starting a business has its share of challenges, and there are even more roadblocks for entrepreneurs who don’t know how to navigate the obstacle course.
To help make that transition as easy as possible, the Chatham Business Association is hosting its Microlending Day on Jan. 22.
The event will be held from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at the organization’s office, 800 E. 78th St.
“The benefit of Microlending Day is that it gives small businesses and entrepreneurs who wouldn’t normally have access to more traditional forms of capital an opportunity to sit with lenders who can take a more serious look at their need,” said Jason Swan, program manager.
He encouraged those interested in starting their own business to come out to learn more about the process and how they can get access to capital. Swan said that the Chatham Business Association has been a community resource for years.
Once it was able to develop a network of microlenders, it became easier to attract people. The organization helps business owners know which documents they need to get a loan. It refers them to banks and even assists with certification.
“We were bringing people into the office and doing some prequalification on this end and reviewing their application, collecting all their documents, doing the technical assistance and providing any other professional service referrals that they needed,” Swan said.
Business owners in the community know that the Chatham Business Association is a great resource, Swan said, adding that the founders 40 years ago ensured that it would always be the go-to place for entrepreneurs.
“Most of the resources that would be dispersed in other communities have kind of been consolidated in [the association] because it was born out of the very needs of the community itself,” he said.
To learn more about Microlending Day, or to register, call 773-994-5006.
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