The Hamden Economic Development Corporation (HEDC) recently received a $5,000 Economic Development grant from United Illuminating for a continuation of the Business Assistance Center (BAC) to be located at BOROUGH496, the Hamden Business Incubator.
“Small businesses are critical to generating economic growth and opportunity in our region,” said Frank Reynolds, president and CEO of UI and SCG. “We are pleased to have this opportunity to help the Business Assistance Center provide small businesses with support and resources they need to thrive and grow.”
The BAC was most recently a part of the Town of Hamden Economic Development Program. As funds ran out, the HEDC was able to secure the funds for the relocation of the program. Since Government Center has been closed for over 10 months, the BAC struggled to attract new clients. By locating at the Hamden Business Incubator, the program will offer more flexibility for meeting times. They also offer a training room for workshops within COVID guidelines.
“Our plan is to work in partnership with Hamden’s new Economic Development Director and to supplement the Town’s technical assistance program. We are very grateful to United Illuminating for seeing the importance of small business support”, stated Dale Kroop, Executive Director of HEDC.
The Business Assistance Center started in 2005 as part of the Town of Hamden’s three-year economic development program, the BAC has served nearly 400 clients over the last 15 years. The BAC provides business counseling services assisting start-ups and newer businesses in preparing business plans, help with cash flow analysis and help in many other areas, Bookkeeping, Human Resources, IT, etc.
Richard Pearce has directed the BAC since its inception and will continue his direction as its coordinator. Mr. Pearce is the Managing Member of Evolution Enterprises, a business consulting firm in Hamden. “I look forward to continue working with clients throughout Hamden whether live, through Zoom type formats or at their place of business”, stated Mr. Pearce.
For further information about the Business Assistance Center, contact Richard Pearce at 203-248-3677.
For further information about the Hamden Economic Development Corporation go to http://www.hamdeneconomicdevelopment.org/
or contact Scott Jackson at
HamdenEDC@outlook.com