On
December 23, 2005, Bradley Dossinger, Vice-President and Regional
CRA Officer for M&T Bank, notified Chautauqua Opportunities
for Development, Inc. (CODI) of the Charitable Contributions
Committee of M&T Bank's decision to support their business training
efforts in Chautauqua County. The committee awarded CODI a grant
of $7,500 that will provide continued sponsorship of CODI's
various economic development programs for small businesses. "CODI
is an excellent tool for sparking small business development in
Chautauqua County. M&T understands the importance of small
business growth and the resulting job creation to the regional
economy and proudly supports efforts such as this which help
entrepreneurs succeed", Bradley Dossinger, Vice-President and
Regional CRA Officer for M&T.
 Jane
Russo, Manager of the M&T Bank at Martins in Dunkirk, NY
presented the $7,500 check to Diane Hewitt, Director of Economic Development
for CODI, at their loan committee meeting at the Clarion Hotel in Dunkirk. The
mission g of CODI is to provide opportunities for new and existing
entrepreneurs to grow and invest in Chautauqua County be providing
lending capital by providing lending capital, training, and
technical assistance. To accomplish this mission, CODI offers
various programs, which include the following: the Chautauqua
Microenterprise Loan Fund (CMLF), the Chautauqua Women &
Minority Microenterprise Loan Fund (WMLF), and Building for
Business
Individual Development Accounts (IDA). Aside from
these programs, CODI also provides technical assistance and entrepreneurial
training. "With out the support of area
banks and other local funders, CODI would not be able to offer our
much needed business services in Chautauqua County. Business
training is an essential part of creating and sustaining a
successful business. We strive to offer the services and
education that entrepreneurs need. By awarding us this
$7,500 grant, M&T has played a vital part in our mission and
continued success. We are truly grateful for their repeated
support" says Hewitt.
This grant will allow CODI to continue to
offer business training and business development opportunities to
local small businesses. CODI's 8 -week entrepreneurial
training course, "Small Business Essentials", covers all
aspects of creating a business plan, in addition to determining if
being and entrepreneur is right for the participant. The
course is offered twice a year, once in the Spring and once in the
Fall, alternating between Dunkirk and Jamestown. The next course
will be held in the Dunkirk area in Spring of 2006. The
"Incubator Without Walls" Program offers free workshop, informational
sessions and "meet the professional" events that allow
area businesses to meet, network, ask questions and brush up on
their skills. The goal is to build a strong network of
microenterprises that can act as a resource and support to each
other. Area businesses are encouraged to contact CODI with
specific areas of interest to ensure the importance and relevance
of the seminars. If
you are interested in applying for a loan with CODI's Chautauqua
Microenterprise Loan Fund or have any questions about the various
programs offered, contact Diane Hewitt at 366-2334 ext 12.
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