Small Business Revolving Loan Fund Launched

Human Services, Inc. has launched a new Revolving Loan Fund to ignite small business start-ups or expansions. Applicants or their businesses must be located in Bartholomew, Decatur, Jackson, Johnson or Shelby counties.

The loan request must be considered “not bankable” by traditional lending institutions. Loan maximums are $7,500 for a start-up business and $20,000 for an expansion. 

Applicants will be required to participate in on-line training in personal and business finances and to submit a business plan. Mentoring from project partners, SCORE and the Indiana Small Business Development Center, will be available.

An array of uses of the loans is permitted, including equipment, furniture, fixtures, supplies, long-term capital such as accounts payable or purchase of inventory; short-term working capital; and purchasing an existing building

Not permitted are any illegal, immoral or unsavory enterprises; financial, investment or speculative businesses; real estate investment; gambling-related activities; purchase or improvement of land; political or religious activities, or refinancing existing debt. Businesses also must comply with zoning regulations.

The Revolving Loan Fund is a product of three grants:

· The Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority, which focuses on micro-businesses (5 employees or fewer) and low-income clients (annual income of $21,660 or less).

·The U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development, which focuses small business, albeit slightly larger (50 employees and $1 million in annual gross sales).

·Heritage Fund – The Community Foundation of Bartholomew County.

The grants encourage job creation and the development of entrepreneurs. 

Individuals interested in the program should call Human Services, Inc. at 1-800-296-8026.

News Release

Human Services, Inc. has several programs available for a short time.  These projects are funded through ARRA Community Services Block Grant dollars and are available to help families in their time of need for assistance.  To qualify families must be at or below 200% of the federal income guidelines, have experienced reduced work hours or have been laid off from a job. 

Families who qualify can receive one time assistance through our Economic Assistance program in the areas of emergency medical, dental, vision care.  Can receive help with rent and/or utilities, can receive help with work uniforms, shoes, safety glasses, and food assistance.  Families who receive assistance will be required to participate in financial literacy education sessions. 

Need help with tax preparation or want to learn more about the earned income tax credit?  Human Services, Inc. is doing taxes for families who are at or below 200% of poverty.  Don’t give your money away.  Let Human Services, Inc. file your taxes free.

Human Services, Inc. now has computer centers and live support to assistance families with applying for unemployment, job searches, writing resumes, applying for TANF and or food stamps.  The computer centers are now available at our offices located in Columbus, Franklin, Seymour, Shelbyville, and Greensburg.

It may be warm now, but winter will be here again before we realize it.  The agency is taking applications for home weatherization.  Applicants must apply for Energy Assistance to be eligible for weatherization services through the HEC program.

For more information or an appointment, call 812-372-8407 or your local Human Services, Inc. office.  The receptionist will link you to a Special Services Intake person.