EADC offers a diverse set of programs representing a comprehensive approach to small business development with services targeted to:

• Those thinking about starting a business (pre-venture)
• Launching entrepreneurs
• Existing businesses seeking assistance to improve their profitability or sustainability.

We believe that micro-enterprise development in a community creates jobs. Every facet of our program is designed to improve the employability of residents, move individuals to self-employment, help business expand and prosper, and most importantly, to create jobs in our community.

Training and Technical Assistance

Training first-time and experienced entrepreneurs is at the core of the services EADC offers. We offer a varied range of classes for entrepreneurs, regardless of experience.

Our 12-week course will teach you the ins and outs of starting, or enhancing, your own small business. You will learn how to determine start-up costs, how to acquire information on and assess your competition, how to write the all-important business plan in order to get a loan, and how to concentrate your resources and efforts in the right direction. We emphasize marketing yourself, and how to make a winning business presentation. This class will open your eyes and get you started right. You will be encouraged and challenged by your instructors and classmates.

Other classes include an Advanced Micro Enterprise Class, designed for the business owners, or a graduate of the EADC 12-week session, one-day sessions on the basics of starting a business and session institutes focused on issues such as marketing, accounting and finance. 

One-on-One Counseling for Business Owners

In the fall of 2003, EADC began providing one-on-one business counseling to area businesses and entrepreneurs. This service provides current and prospective business owners with very specific advice and resources to address problems including cash flow, start up, access to capital, business plan development etc. This service is primarily offered to graduates of one of our classes, seminars, loan applicant or an existing business located or serving residents in our service area.

Access to Capital for Growing Businesses

Revolving Loan Fund

The East Athens Development Corporation's micro-enterprise Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) has been created for the purpose of providing capital to start-up and small businesses so that these businesses can create sustainable jobs and provide needed services. The RLF is specifically designed to provide capital to those that do business in areas that are typically underserved by traditional lending institutions.

The revolving loan fund is first and foremost for graduates of our micro-enterprise class (listed above). It can be used for business start-up costs or business expansion. We can help you get all the paperwork ready in order to apply for this loan. 

Referral Information

One of the important avenues to access to capital is referral and assistance with loan application. We can help direct our clients to funding sources including the ACC Revolving Loan Fund, ACCION, SBA and area lending institutions.

We also offer or participate in and/or sponsor job fairs and one-day seminars. Please check the calendar on our web site for more information.