Business In Brief: 08/31/2008

August 31, 2008 12:00 am

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Deadline coming for heating assistance

LANSING -- Assistance with winter energy bills for low-income Michigan residents is available through the Michigan Home Heating Credit.

Officials with the Michigan Public Service Commission said the deadline for filing for this year's credit is Sept. 30. Eligible residents must have their homestead in Michigan, own or rent the home they live in and meet the state's low-income eligibility requirements.

The Home Heating Credit is funded by the federal Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program grant. Application forms are available by calling 1-800-827-4000.

Free business counseling available

TRAVERSE CITY -- Free, confidential business counseling is available from local chamber of commerce offices in Leelanau, Benzie and Kalkaska counties through a partnership with the Traverse Bay Economic Development Corp.

EDC senior business consultants Bryce Dreeszen and Kevin Jackson will hold regular office hours at the county chamber offices to assist with development of business and marketing plans, cash-flow projections, financing options and other topics.

The service will be available in Benzie County from 9 a.m. until noon every Thursday, with appointments available at (231) 882-5801. The Greater Kalkaska Area Chamber will offer the service on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month from 9 a.m. to noon, with appointments available at (231) 258-9103. In Leelanau, counseling will be available on the second and fourth Tuesdays each month from 9 a.m. until noon, with appointments available at (231) 271-9895.

EDC sponsoring lenders event

TRAVERSE CITY -- The Traverse Bay Economic Development Corp. will sponsor a "Meet the Lenders" event on Sept. 19.

The event will run from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Turtle Creek Casino & Hotel in Williamsburg offering information on non-traditional financing that's available to business owners and entrepreneurs. Topics will include funding available from the U.S. Small Business Administration, state local grant and loan financing, the USDA Rural Development programs and more.

The program is co-sponsored by the Michigan Certified Development Corp. and registration is available by contacting Bonnie Lackey at (231) 995-7101.