WANT TO START OR EXPAND A
SMALL BUSINESS?

Confused about How to Get  Started???

Interested in Enhancing Your Existing Business . .

But Uncertain of Where to Seek Assistance????

WE CAN HELP!

Hundreds of entrepreneurs have participated in the
MAP (Microenterprise Assistance Program) since 1995.

What do they say? 

“...the instructors were great at what they do and were extremely knowledgeable.” 

“After attending the MAP, we were amazed at how beneficial it was.”

“The information is priceless.”

“(MAP) made me realize that I don’t want to start my own business
without being deadly serious about achieving success.” 

“The (MAP) helped us move to the next step.” 

“The program covered every aspect of business...” 

“...my questions were answered and I will change some ways that I conduct my business.”

“(MAP) put me in the right frame of mind.”

 “I like all the encouragement from everyone involved.”

“I am using what I learned already.” 

“...a great eye-opener.”

THE WASHINGTON COUNTY MICROENTERPRISE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (MAP) is administered by the Washington County Local Development Corporation.  

The PROGRAM is open to ALL Washington County PROSPECTIVE ENTREPRENEURS and EXISTING COMMERCIAL ENTERPRISES in Washington County having ten or fewer employees.    

THROUGH a COMBINATION OF CLASSROOM INSTRUCTION,    low-cost financing, resource materials,  a local support system, and  hundreds of other MAP graduates, you will have the  opportunity to acquire the skills and resources necessary  to achieve your business goals. And, it’s available right in your own back yard! Best of all, it’s FREE to businesses located in Washington County.

MAP is Composed of 3 Parts:

1. SEMINAR SEQUENCE

MAP consists of eleven weekly seminars given by experts in various fields, giving you the  opportunity to develop valuable business skills through hands-on training that is designed to assist you to:

·          Develop a Business Plan

·          Understand Marketing Basics and Advertising Principals

·          Provide Outstanding Customer Service

·          Determine Start-up Costs, Break Even Points and Pricing

·          Navigate through Legal, Tax and Insurance Issues

 ·          Set Up and Maintain Basic Bookkeeping

·          Choose the Best Options for Financing

We meet on Monday evenings at the Washington County Municipal Center on Broadway (Route 4) in Fort Edward from 7:00 - 9:00 PM.

2. MICROENTERPRISE LOAN FUND

MAP provides an opportunity for financing through the MICROENTERPRISE LOAN FUND administered by the Washington County Local Development Corporation.

MAP "graduates" who complete the seminar and complete a business plan can apply for  low-cost, flexible-term financing. In addition, the Washington County Local Development Corporation is available to assist with information on financing from other public and private resources.

3. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE

You will also have access to a variety of business assistance materials including reference books, business plan manuals, video tapes, telephone books, continuing education catalogues, magazines, newspapers, and an Internet reference listing.  And the WCLDC staff is always available to discuss your business ideas.

We can also direct you to other small business assistance programs sponsored by  ACC, Cooperative Extension, the Small Business Development Center,  BOCES, SCORE and neighboring counties. 

FOR AN APPLICATION OR MORE INFORMATION ON THE MICROENTERPRISE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM, PLEASE CONTACT: 

Mark Galough, Executive Director
Washington County LDC
Washington County Municipal Center
383 Broadway, Fort Edward, NY 12828

Ph: (518)746-2292; Fax: (518)746-2293

MGalough@co.washington.ny.us

www.wcldc.org

Classes fill quickly, so register today!

Contact us for the upcoming schedule.

Spring Session  -  from early March to late May

Fall Session  -  from mid September to late November