One-stop shop features nine organizations, more than a dozen programs

The Dorchester County Economic Development (DCED) office will host a free financing workshop – Securing Business CASH: Capital, Acquisition or Start-up Help – on Thursday, July 18, 2013, 10:00 a.m. to Noon at the Dorchester County Career and Technology Center. Designed for all types of enterprises – from entrepreneurs and new businesses to established or expanding companies – the two-hour workshop will present financing program options, opportunities, and technical assistance from nine organizations with more than a dozen programs.

“The CASH workshop is part of Dorchester County’s ongoing economic development outreach to provide a bridge between business owners and the many service providers and resources designed to strengthen our private sector,” said Keasha Haythe, DCED’s Director, adding, “we are fortunate to have subject matter experts from nine outstanding organizations convene at one time to make it easier for business owners and entrepreneurs to learn what targeted financing programs may be suited to their enterprise.”

Financing programs targeting rural, technology, agriculture, and minority business enterprises will be presented. Program specialists from each organization will be on hand to address specific questions and provide technical assistance.  Presenters include Maryland Technology Economic Development Corporation, Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development, Eastern Shore Entrepreneurship Center, Meridian Management Group, Maryland Capital Enterprises, Anne Arundel Economic Development Corporation, Maryland Agriculture Resource-Based Industry Corporation, Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development, and USDA Rural Development.

Featured programs include: USDA Industry Guaranteed Loan Program and their “Rural Energy for America” Program, Technology Commercialization Funds, Revolving Loan Funds for business expansion and creation, Linked Deposit Program, Maryland Capital Access Program, Microenterprise Loan Program, Video Lottery Terminal Fund, and the Neighborhood Business Works Program

The two-hour workshop will feature brief presentations on each financing program followed by concurrent roundtable discussions led by organizational representatives where participants can meet in small groups about specific programs. A free networking lunch follows the roundtable at Noon to provide attendees with additional opportunities to connect directly with finance program representatives and one another.

Securing Business CASH is presented in part by Maryland Capital Enterprises and Eastern Shore Entrepreneurship Center. For information and reservations, email info@ChooseDorchester.org or call 410-228-0155.