The Lewis County Economic Development Council is presenting a free seminar from noon to 1 p.m. Tuesday for anyone interested in starting a small business and those who have a small business and need financing.

    The seminar will be presented at the EDC office in Chehalis, 1611 North National Ave. Pre-registration is not required.

    The seminar is a joint presentation of the Washington Small Business Development Center and the U.S. Small Business Administration, Seattle District Office. It is hosted by David Baria, a business advisor for the EDC and the Washington Small Business Development Center network.

    Baria will be joined by Roger Hopkins, business development specialist from the Seattle SBA District Office, and Tani Gunn, manager of The Lending Network. Hopkins will lead the discussion about loan requirements, terms, collateral, and limitations on the use of SBA-guaranteed funds. Gunn will discuss the information lenders are looking for from borrowers.

    The Lending Network is a community-based lender providing financing to businesses that help diversify employment and create or retain family wage jobs in the local area. Loans are made to those who do not otherwise have the ability to fully finance their project, or that need more flexible terms to make their project financially feasible.

    The WSBDC is part of a national network of counseling and training centers partially funded through the SBA.

    In Lewis County the EDC also supports the program. The SBA is a federal agency providing financial and business development assistance to beginning and expanding small businesses.

    For more information contact Roger Hopkins at (206) 553-7082 or David Baria at (360) 748-0114