Funded in part through a grant award with the U.S. Small Business Administration. |
What is PRIME?
PRIME is a program of the Small Business Administration that offers free help to new and small businesses to help them grow and succeed. The nonprofit International Institute of Boston (IIB) is offering PRIME in 2009 – 2010, and perhaps beyond.
| UPCOMING CLASSES
Boston Class
Tuesday and Thursday evenings, 6-9PM
April 20th - May 6
Lowell Class
Saturday and Sunday, 10 am – 6 pm
April 24th – 25th
Somerville Class
2 Saturdays, 10 am – 6 pm
May 8th and May 15th
Boston Class
Tuesday and Thursday evenings, 6-9PM
June 15th – July 1 |
What kinds of services does PRIME offer?
PRIME offers training, coaching, and business support services, as follows:
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All clients take a mandatory 20 hour class covering profit-and-loss, marketing, sales, cash flow and time management. The class will be offered on different days and times throughout 2009 and 2010.
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All clients also receive one-to-one business and market planning assistance from a coach. This typically happens weekly or biweekly, in person or via telephone. If possible, we match you with someone with a lot of experience in your industry.
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Additionally we offer auxiliary business services including graphic design, Website design and marketing services. We are pleased to offer free small business legal assistance from the premier Boston law firm Ropes & Gray.
Wow! How much does it cost to participate?
All II-provided PRIME services are free. There may, however, be charges from 3rd party vendors (e.g., web hosting services, printing, or the state clerk for corporate registrations) for which you will be responsible.
Who is eligible?
Massachusetts residents only, unfortunately. (Those in other states can check this document to see who in their state offers PRIME.) Please keep reading for other eligibility criteria…
What if I live in Massachusetts but outside of Boston?
You are welcome to apply, although classes will be held in Boston (One Milk Street, a 2 minute walk from the Downtown Crossing and State Street T stops), so you must have a way of coming in for those.
Is there an income qualification?
Yes. PRIME is open to people whose household income is lower than the 80% of the HUD Area Median Income (AMI). The Boston-Cambridge-Quincy cutoff is below – if your gross adjusted household income (from your 1040) is lower, you income-qualify (but still must meet other requirements). Other towns will have different numbers, so when you apply we would need to check the specific numbers for your town.
Household Size
(from your tax return) |
Household Income Limit
(80% of AMI for Boston-Cambridge-Quincy)
(Gross Adjusted Income from Your Tax Return) |
1 |
$46,300 |
2 |
$52,950 |
3 |
$59,550 |
4 |
$66,150 |
5 |
$71,450 |
6 |
$76,750 |
Any other eligibility requirements?
Yes. We seek to enroll people who are serious about their business success, and also serious about completing all of the training and coaching. You can demonstrate seriousness by:
(1) having a realistic, achievable business idea;
(2) some business experience (especially in your chosen field), and/or
(3) having started your business planning. You will also be asked to show that you can spend at least 20 hours a week participating in the program or otherwise working on your business.
I have business experience – or – I’ve already taken a business course. Do I still have to take the class?
Yes.
Will there be homework?
Yes – mainly related to business and market planning. Homework is mandatory.
When will the classes be offered?
We are currently scheduling classes for January, 2010, and beyond.
How soon can I get the free coaching and other services?
After you’ve taken the class and completed the homework.
What are my responsibilities and obligations if I participate? Along with participating in classes and coaching, all clients are required to participate in 3 5-minute telephone surveys 6 months, 12 months and 18 months after program.
Can I participate if English isn’t my first language?
Yes! Contact us and we will work to find translation and interpretation services. Our staff speaks more than twenty languages.
Are your facilities accessible?
Yes. Contact us in advance of the information session and we will make all possible accommodations.
I’m a business person, graphic designer, Website designer, etc., and want to volunteer for PRIME. Can I?
Absolutely! Please contact us at PRIME@iiboston.org
How do I get started?
Sign up in advance for an information session, at which you will learn more about the program, and, if you wish, fill out an application. All sessions held at II’s offices at One Milk Street, 4th floor (a 2-minute walk from the Downtown Crossing and State Street T stops).
To sign up, please email your name, contact information, business idea AND the time and date of the session you wish to attend to prime@iiboston.org . Please arrive at the session on time and bring proof of Massachusetts residency and household income (e.g., 1040 tax return) with you.
Whom do I contact for more information?
Ryan McDonnell or Hillary Rettig, PRIME business coaches, The International Institute, PRIME@iiboston.org (preferred) or 617-695-9990 x151.
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