Pete Hoekstra

USDA

Washington, Oct 28 -

The U.S. Department of Agriculture and U.S. Rep. Pete Hoekstra, R-Holland, have announced a series of seminars to educate the business community about the Business & Industry Guarantee Loan Program offered through Rural Development.

The recent release of funds through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) has brought an unprecedented opportunity to Michigan.

“In the current difficult economic environment, it is more imperative than ever to leverage opportunities to create jobs and economic growth,” Hoekstra said. “I encourage community leaders in West Michigan to attend the USDA seminars to learn how they can benefit from the program.”

Target Audience:
· Commercial Lenders
· Banking Leaders
· Community Leaders
· Economic Development Officials
· Business Owners

Discussion Topics:
· State Funding Goal -- $57 million of Guarantee ARRA Funds
· Eligible Areas
· Eligible Projects
· ARRA Enhancements
· Application Process
· Underwriting Criteria

The dates and locations are as follows:

Thursday, Nov. 5
10 a.m. – The Starting Block, 1535 Industrial Park Drive, Hart
1 p.m. – Fremont Public Library, 104 E. Main St., Fremont

Thursday, Nov. 12
9 a.m. – JSJ Corporate Offices (Sherwood Room), 700 Robbins Road, Grand Haven

Tuesday, Nov. 17
11 a.m. – Michigan Alternative and Renewable Energy Center, 200 Meridian Drive, Muskegon

Tuesday, Dec. 1
9:30 a.m. – Herrick District Library, 300 S. River Ave., Holland

“The seminars are an exciting opportunity to help the West Michigan economy,” said Lisa Epple of the USDA. “Please mark your calendar for the workshop nearest to you. We hope to see you there.”

All of the events are free and open to the public.

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