More Lending Power, Clients in the News, Your Chance to Shape Govt Policy and more...
UCEDC Wins $1.4 Million Grant to Support Small Business Lending
We couldn't be prouder to announce that we've been awarded a $1.4 million grant by the US Treasury's Community Development Financial Institutions Fund (CDFI Fund). The award is in recognition of our lending activities in economically distressed communities.

This is our second consecutive award from the CDFI.  Last year we received $1.3 million and we're one of only two NJ organizations to get an award this year.

The grant will help us reach even further into communities where access to capital is often difficult to obtain. "Small business owners and entrepreneurs in these areas deserve a fair chance to succeed and we are committed to supporting their efforts through our loan products and mentoring services," says UCEDC President, Maureen Tinen.

Could you use $25,000 in inexpensive working capital? Worried about collateral? No problem, none required.

Learn more about our 3% Working Capital Loan Program and all of our financing options.

UCEDC Client Wins Rave Review from NYT
UCEDC loan client Limani Seafood Grill in Westfield recently earned a Very Good rating from the New York Times.  We're proud to have helped them expand to meet the demand for delicious dining.  (And we should know. Several of us are loyal patrons!)   

Read the review.  And visit Limani's website.
Get Ready for Small Business Saturday

If you own a retail business, you know how important the holiday season can be to your bottom line. Give yourself a huge boost by taking full advantage of all of the free features available from American Express at its Small Business Saturday site.

Stay Social with UCEDC

How do you prefer to get your small business news and information?  (Thankfully, you're still reading your email...). If you said 'social media', you're  part of a growing chorus of small business owners and entrepreneurs who like the brevity and immediacy of the platform.

That's why we recently took the leap and re-launched our Twitter and Facebook accounts, with frequent updates, tips and information that we believe will provide real value to you.

Give us a try and let us know what you think.

Like us on Facebook     Follow us on Twitter
UCEDC Expands Lending Territory to NY and PA

We're excited to announce that we recently received approval from   the Small Business Administration to expand our Microloan and Community Advantage 7a lending territory to New York City and Westchester County in NY and Philadelphia and Bucks Counties in PA.

That means we'll be able to help clients who may have expanded beyond NJ's borders as well as NJ lending partners who want to work with us on deals outside of the state. UCEDC continues to service all 21 counties in New Jersey.

UCEDC Loan Client Helps Georgia Dry Out After Hurricane Matthew

When Robin Hoy, co-owner of PuroClean Restoration Services in Cranford decided to take advantage of UCEDC's limited time offer of a 0% loan for women business owners (made possible by Investors Bank and the Tory Burch Foundation), she intended to use the proceeds to pay off more expensive debt.  

That was before Hurricane Matthew.  

Robin Hoy
With more  work than local vendors down South could possibly handle in the aftermath, the call for help went out nationwide for emergency restoration services. Robin was able to answer that call thanks to the working capital she had at her disposal from her UCEDC loan. She and her team traveled to Savannah and Tybee Island with three new industrial-strength dehumidifiers.

"Having access to working capital makes all the difference to a small business", says Robin.  "We were able to purchase the equipment we needed for the job and still had funds to pay off some existing debt.  What a boon to our cash flow!".

Want to be ready to take advantage of new business opportunities?
Consider our  3% Working Capital Loan Program.
Help Shape Government Policy on Small Business Lending

Ever wonder how government policy makers and elected officials get the information they need to make the decisions that impact your business every day?
 
Largely, they depend on business owners and entrepreneurs like you to voluntarily participate in surveys that focus on specific areas of concern.  Today, you have an opportunity to contribute to the national dialogue on access to capital by completing a short survey from the Federal Reserve.
 
This short survey will take approximately 9 minutes and will ask about business conditions, financing needs, and credit experiences. Summary results will be shared with you. Responses are confidential and will help to improve programs and services for current and potential small business owners. 

Bob Krill talks about Cape May Brewery
Bob Krill talks about Cape May Brewery
UCEDC Client Wins Manufacturer Award
 
We're proud to report that UCEDC loan client, Cape May Brewery, was  named NJ Manufacturer of the Year in the "Start-Up/Young Company" category by the NJ Manufacturers Extension Program at their recent celebration of National Manufacturing Day.

Listen to Bob Krill talk about the Brewery's growth and commitment to the local community.

Visit Cape May Brewery for a taste and a tour!
Find the Help you Need with our Business Resource Guides

Looking for a comprehensive directory of agencies and organizations that are focused on helping small businesses like yours?  Your search is over.

Check out our recently updated Business Resource Guides, available for all 21 counties in New Jersey.  You'll find a mix of federal, state, regional and local resources that can help you  with a broad array of business issues and opportunities.

Find the Guide you need.
Meet our Newest Team Member 

Our lending team just got bigger, the better to serve our clients! Say hello to Edwin Rosa, our new loan officer.

Edwin comes to us from the banking industry, where he held a variety of customer-centric roles for over 20 years. Now he's excited about helping a broader range of small businesses get the access to capital they need and deserve.

Edwin can be reached at [email protected] and 908-358-7731.
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Proud to support UCEDC and its efforts on behalf of small businesses