CCRA Approved as Technical Assistance Provider by the Small Business Administration

CCRA Approved as Technical Assistance Provider by the Small Business Administration

The South Florida District Office of the Small Business Administration has approved the Central Community Redevelopment Agency (CCRA) as a Technical Assistance Provider (TAP) under the SBA Community Express Loan Program. The CCRA is the first, and only, SBA approved Technical Assistance Provider in Manatee County. This designation will allow the CCRA to fulfill the technical assistance requirement of applicants for the Community Express loan at its newly formed Central Economic Development Center (CEDC).

Technical Assistance has been recognized by both the National Community Reinvestment Coalition (NCRC) and the SBA as crucial to the success of small businesses. As a result, the Community Express program includes a specific technical assistance component. Borrowers must receive pre- and post-loan closing technical and management assistance from local non-profit providers and/or from participating lenders. Community Express lenders may also consider this technical assistance as a collateral enhancement.

The Community Express is a pilot SBA loan program developed with the NCRC. Under the pilot, an SBA Express like program is offered to pre-designated geographic areas serving mostly low to moderate income areas. The program also includes technical and management assistance, which is designed to help increase the loan applicant's chances of success.

The Community Express loan proceeds may be used to establish a new business or to assist in the operation, acquisition or expansion of an existing business. Business owners may manage and leverage resources by accessing counseling on debt management and other critical areas of business at the CEDC.

Now that CCRA has become the certified Technical Assistance Provider in Manatee, they have the ability to assist small businesses and entrepreneurs with the Community Express loan requirements. This is a major step in the economic development process at the CEDC as it adds an additional dimension for businesses to access legitimate technical support.

In partnering with the Community Express Lenders, The Central Community Redevelopment Agency and SBA can now assist borrowers with two fundamental aspects of an entrepreneurial effort - counseling and capital. For more information on qualifying for CEDC services, and how they can assist you, call (941) 744-2362.

Old Main Street Bradenton,
Florida 34205
Phone: (941) 744-2362
Website: www.bradentonccra.com

Article in Bradenton Herald about Boot Camp Bradenton Florida

Boot Camp boosts businesses
Posted on Tue, Oct. 18, 2005

KURT D. SCHULTHEIS Herald Staff Writer
BRADENTON - Tony Medina has owned Road Tech Automotive for 10 years, but he doesn't consider himself a business owner. Click here to read the full Article

The CCRA, which also applies for grants and other funding, is now touting itself as a one-stop shop for providing technical assistance and one-on-one counseling for clients who need help with an existing or future business. Through its economic development center, the CCRA also offers homebuyer workshops and other classes.

The CCRA's new center at 2002 Martin Luther King Ave. E. has a room set up for business workshops. Four computers with Internet access and marketing software complement a room filled with videos and books that offer business tips.

There are also offices set up for credit counselors and financial counselors, which can be contracted out by the CCRA to meet with clients who need their help.


For information on the City of Bradenton's Central Community Redevelopment Agency,
call 744-2362 or
visit them at 2002 Ninth Ave. E. Bradenton Florida
Website: www.bradentonccra.com

Central Community Redevelopment Agency Bradenton Florida

Central Community Redevelopment Agency

The City of Bradenton created the Central Community Redevelopment Agency (CCRA) in July 2000 with the CCRA boundaries running in target areas between 6th Street West and 27th Street East. The authority to establish the CRA is enabled by Sections 163.330-163.45 Florida Statutes.

Jerry L. West, Director
101 Old Main Street Bradenton,
Florida 34205
Phone: (941) 708-6200
Fax: (941) 708-6258
Website: www.bradentonccra.com