August 2008

HDC/HP Technology & Training Center becomes Certiport Microsoft Certification Testing Center

Training for Business at HDC/HP Technology & Training Center

With students of all ages going back to school this month, the HDC and its partners are offering technology and training programs for the businesses and entrepreneurs in our area.  Thanks to the partnership between HP and the HDC, businesses are being offered technology training at affordable prices at the HDC/HP Technology & Training Center,

 September brings in a new schedule of training sessions focuses on QuickBooks, The Premier Business accounting system.  Sessions will be offered in QuickBooks Intro & Advanced, QuickBooks for Non Profits, QuickBooks Simple Start for smaller businesses (with free software).  The HDC/HP Center will again offer training & certification in Microsoft Office products, including Microsoft Office mini sessions on Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher and Outlook. We will also be asking our business community to suggest independent sessions and speakers on other business topics relating to business issues and information.  

 In August the HDC/Hp Technology & Training Center in Downtown Hammond became a Certiport Testing Center for Microsoft Office, IC3, and Adobe Certification.  This certification allows the training center to present these training programs and follow up testing for Microsoft Specialist Certification in each area of Office.  This fall we are presenting Microsoft Office Certification for PowerPoint and Outlook consisting of 6 weekly sessions, each, a review session and certification testing.

The HDC success is based on partnerships with other organizations and facilities.  One of our leading partners is the Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce who will be hosting their Business Expo on October 2, 2008 “Opportunity to Connect” and will be highlighting business programs, training and networking.  Recently, Indiana Tech University has moved into the building and is presenting, at the HDC/HP Technology & Training Center,  career-oriented undergraduate and graduate degree programs at an accelerated pace.

These partnerships and others that are developing are making business training and life-long learning available to our business community.  Please take advantage of these programs or visit us at our Resource Center located at 5246 Hohman Ave, downtown Hammond. For further information or to set up a consulting appointment for your business development please call:  219-853-6399 ex 105

 December 2007

 HP Comes to  Hammond  Development Corporation —Hammond   Development  Corporation Awarded Technology Grant to Improve Economic Development

Hammond, Indiana, August, 21, 2007 – Hammond Development Corp., a local nonprofit microenterprise development organization, is the recipient of the HP Microenterprise Development Grant worth more than $57,000 in technology equipment and cash. The HP technology combined with support services, business training courses and technical assistance will provide new and established small businesses in the community with much needed resources and training.

HDC was one of forty national recipients of HP’s Microenterprise Development Program grants, which provide small business assistance agencies with technology equipment, services and cash to spur entrepreneurship and economic growth in urban communities. HP’s philanthropic community investments combine the power of information technology with creative and effective partnerships to create economic and social value for underserved communities around the world. HP engages in public/private partnerships to invest in underserved communities and help bridge the digital divide.

“The possibilities for entrepreneurs to improve their businesses are multiplied when an organization such as Hammond Development Corp. can provide technical assistance with accounting software, training on entrepreneurship, web-based market research and the tools to launch a web site and e-commerce platform,” said Yvonne Hunt, Vice President, HP Global Philanthropy.

For 9 years, Hammond Development Corp. has provided local entrepreneurs with business training and support to improve the economic development in the Hammond Community. Hammond Development Corp. intends to use this technology to further build and grow community businesses. HDC’s Business Builders Program has offered the NxLevel curriculum since 1998. Over 468 students have completed the course, the most recent class graduating in June of this year.

Business Builders was established in 1998 to provide essential business development assistance to small businesses located in the City of Hammond. Managed by the Business Builders Program Director, the Program provides assistance in three key areas:

Entrepreneur training and business plan development assistance through the NxLevel Entrepreneur Training Course. The Business Builders Program recognizes business planning as the essential first step towards starting a business. Additional training relating to business issues and operations along with resources are also provided to the program participants.

Low cost funding through a low-interest Revolving Loan Fund in partnership with local financial institutions.  For further information about training or the loan program go to:
www.information@hammonddevelopmentcorp.com