A business development specialist for Chautauqua Opportunities for Development Inc. will speak at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 27, at the James Prendergast Library about help available for individuals who meet eligibility requirements and want to start or expand a home-based business.
Presenter Carol Ford will focus on the Cottage Industry Program and touch on other business services such as technical assistance, business lending, and entrepreneurial education provided by Chautauqua Opportunities, Inc.
A cottage industry is defined as a home-based rather than factory-based business, such as baking goods at home and selling to area restaurants. Spending on gas and other work-related expenses may be less, but start-up costs such as Internet service, electricity, equipment purchase and advertising might seem prohibitive.
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Carol Ford
The Cottage Industry Program allows someone to learn business skills and benefit from a savings match of up to $500 through a Cottage Industry Individual Development Account so they can reach monetary goals faster and get an at-home business started.
To be eligible, individuals must live in Southern Chautauqua County, meet guidelines for income or net assets and complete a $40 training course.
"Participants can use their funds toward one large savings goal, such as business startup costs, or to make withdrawals for a number of smaller, related goals," Ms. Ford said.
The mission of CODI is create partnerships to promote and create economic independence through business development and opportunities for Chautauqua County residents.
The presenter has worked with CODI for more than six years and helped many people start and run their own small businesses. She is a certified economic development finance professional whose experience includes teaching business essentials classes to budding entrepreneurs.
Her presentation Nov. 27 is free and open to the public. For more information, call Ms. Ford at 661-9430 or the library at 484-7135. The Prendergast Library is located at 509 Cherry St., Jamestown.