1. Area Five Agency on Aging and Community Services Independent, not for profit agency governed by a volunteer board of directors Dedicated to assisting our clients in retaining their dignity and independence for over 28 years Provide over 25 programs to assist income-eligible individuals and families from newborns to senior citizens Healthy Families, Step Ahead, Family Development, Senior Employment, In-Home Services Comprehensive Programs. Each program compliments, enhances others

2. Small Business Incubator Program Started in 2000 Why Business Development? Strengthen economy in our communities Cass County behind state average in small business formation Small business development is often overlooked by local economic development Small business is where most jobs are created Changing economy small business plays a critical role

3. Funding Started with $60,000 for loan pool Formed 3-person loan committee Technical assistance funds as well Other funding Program income

4. With/Without Walls? Without walls for now

5. Business owners need more than money Created a “Process” Education component/screening Mentoring Partnerships

6. Process for Start-ups Consultation Orientation 8-week class (feasibility and business plan) Business Plan Loan application

7. Process for Existing Businesses Class or Technical Assistance Loan application Business summary Presentation to loan committee

8. Partnerships Business Solutions Group of Cass County Economic Development Foundation (LEDF) Chamber of Commerce Area Five Logansport/ Chamber of Commerce

9. Other Partners Community Organizations Business Development Organizations: SBDC, SCORE Chamber of Commerce Service Providers (legal, financial) Media Business Owners Lending Institutions Economic Development Area five City

10. Special Projects SUCCEED Downtown Business Owners STARS Technology project

11. Outcomes $310,000 loaned to small businesses Average $1200.00 savings per client based on savings with lower interest rate 560 hours of technical assistance directly to business owners