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HARTFORDBUSINESS.COM | GIVING GUIDE 2022 21 WHO ARE YOU HELPING, AND HOW? Since 1975, HEDCO has provided low-cost loans and small business ser- vices to small businesses owned by women, minorities and other under- served community members all over Connecticut. Through our Business Resource Center, HEDCO offers no-cost resources, including business assessments, credit and financial counseling and educational workshops, training programs (such as OSHA training). We also provide incubator spaces with access to critical business equipment and services — like fax machines, printers, a receptionist, desks and meeting spaces — for small business owners who cannot afford an office while starting up. TRIUMPHS Every year, HEDCO receives support from various funders, including foundations, government agencies, and both individual and corporate donors. The financial support we receive helps us provide indispensable resources to small businesses and entrepreneurs across the state, as well as some non-profit organizations in the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving's area. Through the support of last year's donors, HEDCO was able to service more than 30 loans and assisted over 350 people through all of its provided resources, as well as its first-ever fundraising event. FUNDRAISING EVENTS/OPPORTUNITIES Join us on Saturday, September 16, 2023, for 'TAKE A BITE OUTTA HEDCO,' a showcase of some small businesses that have received support from our organization throughout our memorable and consequential 48-year histo- ry! Attendees can sample and purchase an array of local foods and goods, as well as learn about what some of their neighboring small businesses have to offer. To learn more about this event, follow HEDCO on social media @hedcoinc And if you're interested in learning about sponsorship opportunities or other ways to donate to the organization, call Cat Clark, HEDCO's business development grant writer, at 860-527-1301 (extension 215) or email her at catherinec@hedcoinc.com. "I started out not wanting help; I wanted to be self-sufficient. I didn't have peers to ask about starting a business and I needed a network. HEDCO taught me how to borrow, to get help, build a business and establish credit. I'm always thinking about how I can improve. I don't think I'd be standing if HEDCO didn't believe in us. I never had to explain when I needed a check. I never felt humiliated that I needed help." Sasa Harriott, Harriott Home Health Services, Hartford HEDCO, INC. MISSION: We promote and encourage the economic development of small businesses and organizations through Connecticut, and help establish, grow and develop small businesses in Hartford. 207 MAIN STREET, 4TH FLOOR, HARTFORD, CT 06106 | (860) 527-1301 | WWW.HEDCOINC.COM ABOUT US Year established: 1975 Annual revenues: $2,719,541 Total number of employees: 12 GEOGRAPHIC SERVICE AREA(S): All of Connecticut's 169 towns and cities, but with a focus on the Greater Hartford region. TOP FUNDING SOURCES • Other: 38% • State and municipal funding: 30% • Foundations: 20% • Federal funding: 10% • Individuals: 1% • Corporations: 1% BOARD OF DIRECTORS Kim Hawkins President & CEO Eric M. Bauer, Vice Chair Bank of America Marianne Stowell, Treasurer Berkshire Bank Wayne Benjamin, Assistant Treasurer Georgetown Associates, LLC. Edward J. Samorajczyk, Secretary Robinson & Cole, LLP. Paul Perakos, Assistant Secretary, TD Bank Julio Mendoza, Chair, Nominating Committee, Spanish American Merchants Association Ana Alfaro, Board Member Eversource Energy David M. Cabezas, Board Member Patriot Bank, N.A. Michael J. Casparino, Board Member People's United Bank Donald Chapman, Board Member, Rebuilding Together Hartford, Inc. Dante Fazzina, Board Member Salisbury Bank and Trust Company Jeff Hubbard, Board Member, Liberty Bank Sheila S. Hummel, Board Member, State of Connecticut, Department of Economic and Community Development Andreas Kapetanopoulos, Board Member, NBT Bank Alan Lazowski, Board Member LAZ Parking Nicholas Seminara, Board Member, The Travelers Companies, Inc. Pauline Yoder, Board Member Capital Region Council of Government STRUCTURAL IMPEDIMENTS Many of our clients are discriminated against when they first reach out to other lending organizations, based on factors including their race, ethnic- ity, income status or business location. HEDCO prides itself on not judging a business (whether a start-up or long-standing) on these attributes. We let the facts guide our decision as to whether we believe someone should receive support from our organization, examining their business plans, projections and other materials. And if a business owner is just not quite there with their materials, we partner with them to prepare and offer the resources they need to succeed. Barbara Randolph, Board chair Edward Jones HEDCO, Inc.'s 47th Anniversary Celebration, June 16, 2022