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Welcome to the Rural Enterprise Development
Corporation
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Our mission here at the REDC,
is to create and maintain local employment,
especially for low/moderate income persons,
support community development, and build a
sustainable local economy.
REDC through its LEAP program provides
business training, technical assistance, and
loans to small businesses and
microenterprises in Columbia, Luzerne,
Lycoming, Montour, Northumberland,
Schuylkill, and Sullivan Counties. LEAP will
help you get a business loan, even if you
had difficulty qualifying for bank
financing. (However we encourage you to try
your local bank first.)
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Business Training
Introductory and intermediate level business
training classes - specifically designed for
LEAP participants are offered at convenient
times. These non-credit classes usually
include 48 hours of instruction. Instructors
discuss principles of marketing, management,
finance, accounting, taxes, insurance, and
business law. The goal of the classes is to
provide participants with the theory and
knowledge necessary to develop an effective
business plan - the road map for your
entrepreneurial strategies and tactics.
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Technical Assistance
Graduate business administration students
and senior-level undergraduate students form
Bloomsburg University's College of Business
are available to help you with your venture.
As consultants, students provide technical
support in areas such as market research,
financial analysis, strategic planning and
computer support. They also contribute new
ideas and provide a fresh comprehensive view
of your small business's operation.
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Small Business Loans
REDC/LEAP participants may acquire small
business loans at competitive rates and
affordable terms. Through our revolving loan
fund, we provide loans for new business
startups as well as business expansions. We
will lend as little as $500 and as much as
$25,000, or even more depending on the
nature of your business, credit history,
etc. Applicants for small loans do not need
to have extensive business records. We do,
however, require collateral on loans of
$5,000 or more. A business plan and credit
history are required on all loans.
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Peer Networking
Discussion between individuals with common
interests and concerns always has great
potential. Conversing with peers can be
informative, revealing and may even lead to
rewarding business relationships. Therefore,
REDC encourages its LEAP participants to
join and participate in independent peer
networking associations. Associations can be
Chambers of Commerce, Local Business
Associations, or groups formed by the
participants themselves. These groups serve
as forums in which participants may seek
support and discuss small business problems,
solutions, and progress.
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