[EastSideHBG]

Council schedules sessions on city small-business loans

Sunday, February 06, 2005
BY JOHN LUCIEW
Of The Patriot-News

Harrisburg City Councilwoman Linda Thompson wants to get the word out that there's money available to help start or expand city businesses.

Thompson announced that she will host a series of workshops to inform business owners how to apply for loans under the city's Community and Economic Development Block Grant Program.

In past years, the city's $3 million CDBG program has focused on improving Harrisburg's housing. This year, Thompson said she fought for $200,000 to be set aside for small business loans.

The so-called micro loans of up to $20,000 will go to businesses to help revitalize specific neighborhoods.

"Business development is one of our main bedrocks to grow our local economy and create job growth, which aids in restoring most of our inner city neighborhoods," Thompson said.

Workshops are scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Feb. 17 at the Neighborhood Center, 1801 N. Third St., and at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 24 at Mount Pleasant Hispanic Center, 301 S. 13th St.

For more information, contact City Council at 255-3060.