Since the CCDC's inception in 1982, it has created more than 6,000 permanent jobs in Mecklenburg County, primarily through the federal 504 loan program.
"We try to create one job for every $35,000 loan," Executive Director Fred Miller says.
CCDC helps small businesses ranging from day care centers to manufacturers. Its mission is to promote
opportunities for job creation through economic development lending, utilizing the Small Business Administration's 504 loan as its core program.
The 504 is the economic development program of the
SBA. It is a fixed asset-financing program for expanding small businesses. Through this program the corporation provides loans to small businesses in Charlotte-Mecklenburg.
In addition to jobs the corporation has created, it has also processed more than $48 million in loans and increased county payroll additions to more than $81 million.
The corporation also helps entrepreneurs start businesses. A loan officer from the CCDC provided Bernetta Powell with the financing she needed.
"One of the greatest rewards for doing my job is being able to promote entrepreneurs and help them become successful," Miller said. Powell has been named Minority Business Woman
of The Year, an award given by the Minority Business Development Center of the Year.
"The success of my customers help keep me motivated to do my job," Miller said.
Powell says that Miller and the CCDC have been helpful in getting her business off the ground. "I think the CCDC is an excellent gateway to the SBA. They spent time with me and other banks," said Powell.
Powell says Millers goes beyond the call of duty. "Occasionally Fred will stop by and see how we are doing. "He doesn't have to due that. He does things that are not included in his
job description. He is a good guy and he takes business to heart," Powell said.
"He was instrumental in the whole loan process. Fred did a lot of the worrying for me."
The local entertainment business is another benefactor. "Creative Loafing has an annual listing of the 10 Best Entertainment Places in Charlotte. Six of those places have been financed by
the 504 Loan," Miller said.
Miller says that he is proud to work for a corporation that gives so much to small businesses.
"It is almost impossible to convey how proud I am to be back at the CCDC, it is a great organization to be part of," Miller said.
