City offers MicroEnterprise Assistance Program

Do you have a really great idea for a business or an existing business that is ready to expand? The City of Geneva is proud to announce the Microenterprise Assistance Program (MAP) that could provide you with up to $25,000 for growing your business venture. Starting January 28, 2015, applications will be accepted for both start-up businesses and existing businesses who currently employ five or fewer employees. Grant funding will be available city-wide for up to (7) interested parties. “The City is excited to offer the MAP for the third time. Small businesses are important contributors to Geneva’s economy. They produce innovative products and services, provide jobs, and assist the City in being uniquely urban,” said Sage Gerling, Director of the Office of Neighborhood Initiatives. The business owner must contribute 10% of the project cost in cash, and applicants must complete an approved business ownership or entrepreneurial program. Prior to the submission of an application, participants must also attend a one-on-one business mentoring session with the City’s small business counselor to develop a business plan. The City of Geneva Microenterprise Assistance Program is a Federally-funded program administered by the City of Geneva’s Office of Neighborhood Initiatives. Its primary objective is to assist in the establishment and expansion of small businesses and the creation of new jobs.