The Hamilton Microfinance Group was busy connecting with the community this semester.
In October, the group attended an event at Handshake City in Utica, an initiative that transformed a long-abandoned piece of land into a container park where commerce and community can come together, holding events where vendors can interact with the Utica community. The group had the chance not only to learn more about this initiative but also to meet community stakeholders and prospective clients.
In November, the Microfinance Group traveled to The Center, Utica’s refugee center, which assists newly arrived refugees and the broader immigrant community. Group members not only had the opportunity to learn about The Center’s critical mission but also to discuss future collaboration initiatives.
Later in the month, the group met with Ryan Miller at the thINCubator, which, as Utica’s only business incubator, promotes entrepreneur development. Here, the group had the opportunity to discuss ways to work together.
The Hamilton Microfinance Group is a student-run, microlending organization that seeks to increase economic growth and opportunity in the Greater Utica area by providing small business loans to individuals who may not qualify for traditional bank loans. Through the use of loans rather than grants, this organization helps entrepreneurs establish credit histories and borrowing power. To learn more, please visit hammicro.org or contact micro@hamilton.edu.
