77.9 F
Cruz Bay
Friday, March 29, 2024
HomeNewsArchivesSeminar to Explain St. Croix Micro-Loan Program

Seminar to Explain St. Croix Micro-Loan Program

Aug. 5, 2004 – The availability of unsecured loans for up to $10,000 to start a new small business or stimulate an existing one on St. Croix will be explained at a seminar Thursday evening being sponsored by the St. Croix Chamber of Commerce.
The chamber is partnering with the Economic Development Commission, the Small Business Development Agency and the University of the Virgin Islands Small Business Development Center in presenting the Micro-Loan Seminar, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Cormorant Beach Club and Hotel.
Samuel J. Baptiste, chamber vice president for government affairs, said in a letter to chamber members that the seminar is aimed at providing current and prospective small business owners "information on the micro-loan program which has been designed and specifically funded for the business community on the island of St. Croix."
The program has been in effect for several months, Baptiste said, but "many businesses are unaware of its existence and other information about the EDC and SBDC." He said representatives from the SBDA and EDC will be on hand to provide information on this and other "opportunities that exist for you as a business owner."
For the micro-loans of up to $10,000, "there is no collateral required," Erica Williams, SBDA loan officer, said. Because of St. Croix's depressed economy and the need for businesses incentives, $2 million has been earmarked for the island program through a federal fund managed by the Public Finance Authority.
"This is meant to be a shot in the arm for St. Croix, to stimulate businesses profitability," Williams said.
Seminar participants will receive assistance in creating a business plan and will be able to apply for unsecured loans of $1,000 to $10,000. EDC, SBDA and SBDC personnel will explain the requirements for businesses to be considered and the loan process.
For further information, call the chamber office at 773-1435.

Back Talk

Share your reaction to this news with other Source readers. Please include headline, your name, and the city and state/country or island where you reside.

Publisher's note : Like the St. Croix Source now? Find out how you can love us twice as much — and show your support for the islands' free and independent news voice … click here.

Print Friendly, PDF & Email
Keeping our community informed is our top priority.
If you have a news tip to share, please call or text us at 340-228-8784.

Support local + independent journalism in the U.S. Virgin Islands

Unlike many news organizations, we haven't put up a paywall – we want to keep our journalism as accessible as we can. Our independent journalism costs time, money and hard work to keep you informed, but we do it because we believe that it matters. We know that informed communities are empowered ones. If you appreciate our reporting and want to help make our future more secure, please consider donating.