Business Development Program

Job and Business Development Eligibility

Enrollment in the Job & Business Development (JBD) program is limited to persons whose income does not exceed 150% of poverty for the preceding 90 days. Preference is given to single parents enrolled in the W-2 program, dislocated workers, persons with disabilities, and those workers who have recently lost their jobs.

Available Services ADVOCAP's Business Specialists will provide technical assistance as needed to help enrollees start or expand a business. Technical assistance can include - but is not limited to the following:

• Business Plan Development
• Marketing Plan Development and Implementation
• Loan Application Assistance
• Additional Financial Resource Development
• Managerial Evaluation
• Referral Services
• Loan Preparation
• Employee Recruitment Assistance
• Completing applications required by various state and federal agencies for identification numbers, sellers' permits and various tax forms

For more information about ADVOCAP's Job & Business Development Program contact:

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Business Development Loan Fund
ADVOCAP is designated by the United States Small Business Administration and the USDA as a lender for the Micro Loan Programs.

Eligibility
Preferred applicants will be persons with limited incomes who own or are forming a small business. For most loans, income will be measured at 150% of the Federal Poverty guidelines or less during the previous 90 day period. Other applications will be considered based on the applicant's capacity and commitment to create well paying jobs for low income persons.

Loan Guidelines

• The business or proposed business must be located in Green Lake, Fond du Lac or Winnebago Counties.
• The applicant must have a good credit record and have no liens or judgments against them.
• Loan proceeds may only be used for inventory, supplies, furniture, fixtures, machinery, equipment and or working capital. Purchase of real estate is not eligible.
• The preferred amount of loan request should be between $2,000 and $15,000 and for a term of not more than 5 years.

*If granted, ADVOCAP would have first lien position on all assets acquired with loan proceeds. Applications will be reviewed and considered based on their overall merit.

For more information about ADVOCAP's Business Development Loan Fund contact: The Business Development office in your county.

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Wisconsin Common Market
Wisconsin Common Market is online small business mall featuring clothing, accessories, art, jewelry, specialty food and more. Shop for home decorating items such as painted furniture, antiques collectibles or locate that "shabby chic" piece to complement your decor. Find jewelry and art created by local artists and fine crafts people.

Wisconsin Common Market: Linking Wisconsin's small businesses to you. Check out some of ADVOCAP's small business clients at this great website.

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Rural Business Development Loan Fund
Eligibility
Preferred applicants are low income persons who own or are expanding a small business. Income will be measured at 150% or less of Federal poverty guidelines during the previous 90 day period.

Other applicants will be considered based on their capacity and commitment to create well paying jobs for low income persons.

Loan Guidelines

• Priority is given to expansion activities and new businesses creating new jobs.
• Loans up to $15,000 may be provided for business expansion or new businesses creating new jobs and for a term not to exceed 5 years.
• The loan proceeds may be used only for working capital, inventory, supplies, machinery and/or equipment building materials.
• Interest rates are fixed for term of loan. Collateral may be pledged to secure all loans with ADVOCAP.

Loan applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Loan application documents must be obtained from ADVOCAP Business Development Department.
• Applicants may request technical assistance completing the application and supporting documents.
• Completed application that includes business plan and thorough financial plan must be presented in person to an ADVOCAP Loan Officer.
• All owners of the business must provide written personal guarantees for the amount of the loan.
• Borrowers must enroll and participate in the ADVOCAP Job and Business Development Program.

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Refugee Business Development
Customized, no-cost assistance to qualified refugees who are interested in starting or expanding their own business. Available Services Assistance includes, but is not limited to the following topics:

• Financial Feasibility
• Sales Plans
• Business Plans
• Business Loans

For more information about ADVOCAP's Refugee Business Development Program contact:

Ger Xiong
19 W. First Street
Fond du Lac, WI. 54935
gerx@advocap.org
920-922-7760

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Work N Wheels Program What is the Programs Purpose?
To assist participants with vehicle loans to purchase reliable, affordable transportation, which allows them to solve their transportation needs, build a better credit rating, access greater employment opportunities, retain employment and increase self sufficiency.

Who is Served?
Working individuals and families earning less then 200% of the Federal Poverty Rate

Where is this Program Offered?
Winnebago, Calumet, Fond du Lac and Green Lake Counties

For More Information call
Sue Pomplun
1-800-323-0150

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Funds for Fines
What is the Programs Purpose?
ADVOCAP has established a loan fund to help low income individuals pay fines that would otherwise cause them to lose their employment.

Who is Served?
Under the Funds for Fines loan initiative, loans are made for traffic citations and parking violations that have resulted in suspension or revocation of drivers license or vehicle registration. Fines for risky behavior such as DWI are not eligible.

Where is this Program Offered?
Winnebago, Calumet, Fond du Lac and Green Lake Counties

For More Information call
Sue Pomplun
1-800-323-0150

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Funding Sources Services of the Business Development Program are funded in part by:

• U.S. Department of Health and Services, Office of Community Services and Office of Refugee Resettlement
• U.S. Department of Agriculture
• U.S. Small Business Administration
• Wisconsin Department of Commerce
• Wisconsin Community Action Program Association (WISCAP)
• Private donations