West Haven businesses attending any of the Fall courses in Milford or Meriden will receive the discounted CEDF/Partner rate, just register as a partner organization.

“Understanding Business Finances to Maximize Your Profit”- Learn how to keep the necessary records for your small business and how to set up functional record keeping systems.  Discussion will include understanding financial statements, making income projections and different accounting methods that work best for your business.

“Introduction to QuickBooks”- Please note that the prerequisite to this class is the successful completion of “Understanding Business Finances”.  Participants will receive hands-on instruction in a small group setting.  The class fee includes a copy of QuickBooks 2008 software. Please be aware that demand for this workshop is high and registrations are accepted on a first come, first serve basis.

“Tax Related Issues for Small Business”- Every business owner needs to know the tax issues associated with owning a small business in Connecticut.  Learn about the different kinds of taxes affecting your business and about your filing responsibilities and deadlines.  Our certified CPA instructors will help you understand your reporting and compliance responsibilities and answer questions about payroll taxes, sales tax and personal property tax.

“How to Use Marketing to Profitably Generate More Leads for Your Business and Start 2011 with a Full Pipeline”- 
At this workshop you will learn:
How to Develop a Strong Hook for Your Products
A Way to Overcome Buyers’ Concerns in Purchasing Your Products
How to Build a Great Marketing Campaign Producing Many Leads
The Simple Steps to Writing Ads That Sell
Common Advertising Errors to Avoid
The Secret to Having Your Own Unlimited Marketing Budget
Ways to Profitably Market Your Products
How to Increase Profits using Marketing Time vs. Service Time
How to Get More Leads from Your Networking

This two-session workshop will be presented:
When: On two Mondays – January 24th and 31st, 2011
Workshop 6:30-9:00 pm
Where: CEDF, 965 Main Street, Meriden, CT 06450
Presenter: Certified Business Coach Bob Kademian, ActionCOACH Milford
Fee: $20.00 CEDF Clients          $30.00 Other CT Businesses

To register for classes or for additional information, please contact Rina Bakalar, Institute Director, at r.bakalar@cedf.com  or 203-235-2333 ext. 2040 or visit the CEDF website www.cedf.com  to download course information and registration forms.

Micro Loan Guarantee Program for West Haven Business Owners

In conjunction with the City of West Haven, CEDF offers flexible financing to new and existing businesses within our community that are looking to expand.  CEDF provides the loan and the city provides a 30% guarantee. This guarantee is particularly helpful to start up businesses that need a greater degree of flexibility in obtaining a loan.  In addition, the small businesses get a reduction of 1% on their interest rate.

Eligibility:
Business must be located in West Haven

Special benefits to borrower:
provides 30% guarantee that serves as collateral
lowers the interest rate by 1%

For more information about CEDF’s small business loans, please contact Scott Arnold, Loan Specialist, at s.arnold@cedf.com or 203-235-2333 ext. 2020 or visit the CEDF website www.cedf.com.

Business Plan Writing Assistance
For free business plan writing and revising assistance, please contact Ken Kollmeyer, Business Development Specialist, at kollmeyerkes@ccsu.edu or 203-392-5196 or visit the SBDC website www.ccsu.edu/sbdc for more information on their services.

Online Training Workshops:
Click Here

For more information and updates from the City of West Haven, please contact the Planning and Development office at 203-937-3580.

For a printable information sheet, click here.