If you live in one of seven communities in Allegheny County and operate a business or would like to, you might qualify for a $10,000 loan to boost your entrepreneurial aspirations.
Individuals who live in Braddock, Clairton, Duquesne, Homestead, McKees Rocks, Rankin or Wilkinsburg meet the first requirement for a loan through the Sanders Microenterprise Development Initiative, a division of the Minority Enterprise Corp. of Southwestern Pennsylvania. The loans may be used to acquire, expand or start a business. Applicants must also receive technical assistance through the program.
The Sanders initiative also offers free entrepreneurial and life skills training in Wilkinsburg, Duquesne and McKees Rocks, and applications are being accepted for those sessions.
The Minority Enterprise Corp. is developing business resource centers in community libraries in the seven communities, offering research materials and demographic information. The MEC plans to offer Internet access as well.
Entrepreneurs interested in applying can visit the loan assistance office at 1601 Penn Ave. in Wilkinsburg. How to reach: MEC, www.minorityenterprise.com or (412) 434-5881
Ray Marano
