The North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation (NCMDC) and the Greater Gardner Chamber of Commerce have announced a new partnership to bring additional micro lending resources closer to young companies in the Gardner area of Massachusetts.

The collaboration involves the NCMDC providing start-up and existing small businesses in the Greater Gardner area with access to its microloan financing programs, which provide loans of up to $150,000 to help businesses that may not meet the traditional lending standards.  The Greater Gardner Chamber of Commerce will provide the NCMDC with marketing support and a presence in their office for their loan officers to counsel potential clients.

“We’re really pleased to be able to partner with the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation on this loan program,” said Jim Bellina, President & CEO of the Greater Gardner Chamber of Commerce. “This is a great resource to support businesses and economic development in the greater Gardner area. The NCMDC’s track record and commitment to growing new and existing businesses in North Central Massachusetts have played an important role in our expanding regional renaissance.”

“Our microloan program has had a profound impact on our business community in North Central Massachusetts. We have a long and successful history of supporting small businesses with financial resources and technical assistance,” said Roy M. Nascimento, President & CEO of the North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation. “We are excited to partner with the Greater Gardner Chamber of Commerce to continue to help support the small and emerging businesses that are so important to the economic advancement of North Central Massachusetts.”

The North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation (NCMDC) is a non-profit corporation certified by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), and the U.S. Department of the Treasury under the Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) Program. The NCMDC works in partnership with local banks, credit unions, chambers of commerce and area nonprofits to support emerging microenterprises, small businesses, and community projects with loans and business assistance.  Since 1996, the NCMDC has granted over $6 million in loans to small businesses to help grow jobs and the economy in 26 communities in the North Central Massachusetts region.  In addition, these funds were leveraged with local financial institutions providing $21 Million of their funds and local investors and business owners providing another $3.2 Million. Thousands of new jobs have been created in the region as a result of the loans made.

Microloan programs have become increasingly important to the business community since the economic collapse in 2008 that put more restrictions on how banks can serve small business loans. Micro loans made by the NCMDC can be used for working capital, leasehold improvements, machinery and equipment, furniture and fixtures and refinancing of business credit card debt. Eligible businesses include manufacturing, retail, wholesale and service businesses usually having five employees or less at the time of application and meeting the definition of small business. The interest rates are flexible, but generally close to the current fixed market rate.

NCMDC loan officers will be available via appointment to serve the needs of new clients in the Gardner area. To schedule an appointment, please contact the NCMDC at 978.353.7607 or contact the Greater Gardner Chamber of Commerce at 978.632.1780.