Business Builders Program
Business Builders
The business builders program can help you turn your business vision into reality. Whether you’re a potential entrepreneur or an existing business owner, we can help you create and strengthen a successful business endeavor through:
entrepreneurial training courses
support network
revolving loan fund
Entrepreneurial Training CoursesOur unique combination of education, counseling, and networking provides the best most comprehensive non-university business training course available in the state of Indiana.
Some of the topics include:
Preparing a business plan
Finding funding for your endeavor
Keeping your finances in order
Organizing and managing your business
Researching opportunities to market your business
Methods for becoming successful businessperson
You’ll also have the opportunity to gain experience via:
Networking opportunities with local business leaders and participants
Prominent guest speakers
One on one business counseling and support
Comprehensive textbooks, workbooks, and resources guides
For more info on entrepreneurial training courses contact us.
Support Network
The Hammond Development Corporation has a network of volunteer business professionals available to help your small business succeed. Many of these volunteers are small business owners and operators who have faced challenges of their own when launching and expanding their businesses. Other experienced professionals available to assist you are:
Marketing professionals
Certifies public accountants
Attorneys
If you believe the Support Network can help your business grow, please contact us.
Revolving Loan Fund
The Business Builders Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) was created through a grant from the Empress (now Horseshoe) Casino for the purpose of assisting in the development of minority and women owned businesses. The maximum amount of funding available to any applicant or business venture is $20,000.(more in partnership with other organizations)
Applicants must meet the following guidelines:
Business must be at least 51% women or minority owned
Business must be located within the city of Hammond
Applicant must submit a written business plan
Loan Categories
Fixed Asset Financing - Term of 5 Years
Note: Real Estate purchases may be extended to a term of 10 years. Fixed asset financing includes, but is not limited to real estate, equipment and furniture.
Start-Up Funding - Term of 5 years
Note: First 6 payments can be interest-only for start-up funds. Start-up funding includes, but is not limited to fees, dues, utilities and supplies.
Inventory or Accts Rec - Term of 90 days
Working Capital Inventory or accounts receivable working capital is a line of credit to accommodate needs.
*The Business Builders Program also provides loan packaging for the SBA Micro-Loan Program and the Community Express Funding Program