{"id":1757,"date":"2022-02-15T06:19:08","date_gmt":"2022-02-15T06:19:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.mysetaside.com\/newsevents\/?p=1757"},"modified":"2022-02-15T06:25:23","modified_gmt":"2022-02-15T06:25:23","slug":"microloans-and-power-lunch-reservations","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.mysetaside.com\/news-and-events\/microloans-and-power-lunch-reservations\/","title":{"rendered":"Microloans and POWER LUNCH Reservations"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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\nMicroloan and POWER LUNCH Reservations <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/a>\n\n\n\n
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\nConnecticut District Office<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

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\nCelebrate Black Entrepreneurship <\/h1>\n\n\n\n
\"BBM\"
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\nSBA Administrator Isabella Guzman Observes Black History Month 2022<\/strong> <\/h2>\n

\n <\/p>\n

\n“At the SBA, we remain committed to breaking down barriers to accessing capital, networks, and markets and to bringing new investments and resources to Black communities across this nation. We\u2019re working each day to level the playing field for business owners who have\n been underserved and overlooked far too long.”<\/p>\n

\nRead Administrator Guzman’s full statement \nhere<\/a><\/p>\n

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\nBOOTS 2 BUSINESS – February 23 & 24 <\/h1>\n\n\n\n
\"veteran\"
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\nBECOME A VETREPRENEUR<\/h2>\n

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\nMembers of the Military, Veterans and Spouses are you interested in becoming a business owner or do you now own a business and want to grow?<\/p>\n

\nJoin us for a Boots 2 Business virtual webinar on entrepreneurship.<\/p>\n

\nVeterans have the character, discipline and skills needed to succeed as small business owners and entrepreneurs. <\/p>\n

\nBoots 2 Business is a two-step training program developed to introduce Veterans and transitioning service members to business ownership. This two-day workshop helps ensure that every participant has access to a standardized entrepreneurship training track and\n small business resources in their local communities. <\/p>\n

\nThe FREE program is available to Veterans of all eras, service members (including members of the National Guard and Reserve) and their spouses. This course is instructed by SBA and its partners, who are skilled business advisors.<\/p>\n

\nTwo day event – February 23rd and 24th<\/sup><\/strong><\/p>\n

\nRegister\n Here<\/a><\/h3>\n
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\nMicroloans in Connecticut – February 23<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
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\nThe SBA microloan program provides loans up to $50,000 to help small businesses and certain not-for-profit childcare centers start up and expand. The average microloan is about $13,000.<\/p>\n

\nWednesday, February 23rd<\/sup> 6pm<\/strong>, the Connecticut District Office will host a panel discussion with our specially designated intermediary lenders, chambers of commerce, partners and alliances who will share their experience in lending\n as well as their small business technical assistance.<\/p>\n

\nEntrepreneurs, small business owners and economic development specialist are invited to attend this FREE<\/strong> virtual event.<\/p>\n

\nFree\n Registration Here<\/a><\/h3>\n
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\nPOWER LUNCH <\/strong><\/h1>\n

\nThe Secret of FREE Business Advising<\/strong><\/h1>\n

\nMonday, February 28th, noon<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n\n
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\nAchieve your dream of business ownership and\/or remain competitive in an ever-changing economy with assistance from the Connecticut Small Business Development Center (CTSBDC). <\/p>\n

\nOur panel discussion of entrepreneurs, small business owners and counselors  will share their secrets to free counseling and free or low cost training on topics like raising capital, business plans, marketing, e-commerce, regulatory compliance, international\n trade and so much more. <\/p>\n

\nTake YOUR 1st step to finding YOUR CTSBDC advisor. <\/p>\n

\nPower<\/span> Lunch on Monday, February 28th,\n noon – 1pm<\/span><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\nPOWER\n LUNCH Reservation Here!<\/a><\/h3>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

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\nSuccess Story Spotlight – Hot Rod Caf\u00e9<\/h1>\n

\nServing Wings and More!<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
\"Roderick\n

\nRoderick \u201cRod\u201d Cornish dreamed of returning to his hometown, New London CT, and becoming an entrepreneur. An interesting transition from his career in the financial services industry after earning his MBA.<\/p>\n

\nHowever, Rod, knew to be a successful entrepreneur would require more education and experience. After leaving his corporate positions, he studied culinary arts at Grasso Tech School and became an apprentice at a few local restaurants. Then, in 2005, with what\n he felt was a solid footing, he opened Hot Rod Caf\u00e9\u2019 on Bank Street, New London, CT.<\/p>\n

\nTrue grit and determination are Rod\u2019s best assets. After five strong years, he purchased a building on the Thames River and began expansion and renovations including an outdoor patio. Rod and Chef Carlos launched a promotion of their signature \u201cwings\u201d, including\n features on The Food Network, YouTube videos and an enhanced website. Nationally, the trend toward \u201cwings\u201d was growing and in Southeastern CT Hot Rod Caf\u00e9 was being recognized \u201cthe wing place,\u201d said Rod. <\/p>\n

\n2015-2018 were phenomenal for the business and the business was growing.  Rod hired a local architect to create a closed in rooftop patio among other renovations. He also chose to celebrate the success with his employees, which included an all-expense paid\n trip to New Orleans.  Rod believes \u201cgood leadership is showing gratitude to your team for their loyalty and hard work over the many years.\u201d Early 2020, with the vacation in the rear-view mirror, the team began planning for a robust 2020 including large local\n festivities such as Sailfest and St. Patrick\u2019s Day.  \u201cAll arrows were pointing in the right direction for 2020, I couldn\u2019t have predicted the COVID-19 pandemic and how it would change my business, force millions of other small businesses to shut down temporarily\n and pivot\u201d stated Rod.<\/p>\n

\nSolution:<\/strong><\/p>\n

\nHot Rod Caf\u00e9\u2019 was forced to shut down for three weeks due to the State of Connecticut Emergency orders. During which Rod says he heard rumblings about SBA\u2019s Paycheck Protection Program and quickly obtain the loan through Chelsea Bank.  Rod\u2019s first step was\n bringing back his employees then promptly pivot to take-out and online orders.  \u201cWe utilized a new app-based platform and next thing you know, boom we are back in business!\u2019 exclaimed Rod, \u2018curbside pick-up, and generous customers with tips helped get our\n team through those difficult times.\u201d<\/p>\n

\nImpact<\/strong>:<\/p>\n

\nRod knew that failure was never an option. When the first PPP ran out Rod was able to apply for a second round of PPP and other grants.  \u201cI have nothing but good things to say about SBA\u201d stated Rod who has utilized the federal relief programs PPP, Economic\n Injury Disaster Loan and the Restaurant Revitalization Fund grant.<\/p>\n

\nBusiness is trending up \u2013 going well. If not for the SBA Cares Act funding Rod stated that he like many other businesses would have had to consider shutting down, \u201cwith the assistance\/support of the SBA, I could see the light at the end of the tunnel.”<\/p>\n

\nNow, Hot Rod Caf\u00e9\u2019 is positioned well for 2022 as the corona virus restrictions subside. He and celebrity chef Carlos continue to develop their wings recipes, think creatively, and lean on mentors for advice. Rod aims \u201cto be the best food game in town and let\n our quality speaks for itself.”<\/p>\n

\nHot Rod Caf\u00e9, now in its 16th<\/sup> year, is well known for being an eclectic place for all people that enjoy wings, beer & atmosphere. Rod continues to dream, including growing the business to with a second location, \u201cthe entire Connecticut shoreline\n needs to taste these great wings!\u201d<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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\nMicroloan and POWER LUNCH Reservations <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
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\nConnecticut District Office<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

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\n\"u\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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\n

\nCelebrate Black Entrepreneurship <\/h1>\n\n\n\n
\"BBM\"<\/p>\n
\n
\n
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