BY STACEY JONES
The Greater Sudbury Public Library will be presenting Information Sessions for the Stepping Stone Program Linking Credit with Community.
Entrepreneurs looking for business training, or support to start or expand a small business, can take the Stepping Stone Program to get a head start.
The Stepping Stone Program is an alternative self-employment program and business training program based on the peer-lending model which promotes team building and group co-operation. It provides training and allows you to start or expand your business without taking on huge debt.
Martha Cunningham Closs, program co-ordinator, says the program has been running for four years.
?We want entrepreneurs to achieve a successful quality of life,? she said.
During the program, entrepreneurs will learn skills about computers, inventory, business planning, marketing and promotions, cash flows, bookkeeping/accounting and much more.
They will take part in a peer circle. It consists of four to seven people who will take into account the entrepreneur?s character and commitment in order to get approved for a loan.
?The peer circle has an advantage over the bank,? says Cunningham Closs. ?Depending on the stage of the loan, they can approve between $1,000-$3,000 through the program.? .
According to Cunningham Closs, approximately $29,000 in loans have been given out so far, and there are eight circles formed in Sudbury.
?There are a number of participants who stick together after the program. They use the group as a network support group, use each others services and expertise and share their knowledge,? she said.
Cunningham Closs says the program can help in all types of businesses from fixing computers to novelty shops and many more.
?This is something we want to continue offering,? she said. ?It helps those who might not be able to get loans from he bank. We want people to succeed by making loans manageable and ensuring people are not in huge debt. They are small steps towards success.?
To learn more about the Stepping Stone Program, visit the site at http://www.geodesudbury.org/ or phone 670-8920.
