Monthly news & updates from the Community Development Partnership
March 2017

A Note from Jay
       Twenty years ago this month, my spouse and I were in the midst of fulfilling our dream to open a restaurant in Provincetown . We had our eye on a property to buy. When we went to one of our great local community banks, they asked us for a business plan. We really didn't know what that was and
were referred to the CDP's business development center in Provincetown. There we found a helpful staff ready to lend support with one-on-one technical assistance and a host of workshops to help people like us turn an idea into a successful business.
 
       Providing education to meet the needs of small business owners and potential homeowners has long been part of the CDP's efforts to create opportunities for people to live work and thrive on the Lower Cape . Our educational offerings have grown and evolved to meet the every changing needs of Lower Cape residents . In this issue, you will learn about our new online First Time Home Buyer education, as well as a new workshop to help growers and food producers strengthen their marketing efforts .
 
       Many of you know the rest of the story - we opened CHESTER Restaurant on Commercial Street in May of 1997. It grew into the one of the most acclaimed restaurants on the Outer Cape. I am proud the CDP had a hand in our success and the success of so many other businesses in our community.
 
       As always, thank you for your interest and support,

Jay - short
Thank You
Your generous gifts are what make our work possible. Thank you for supporting our community!

Safe, Stable, & Affordable Housing
Thankful Chases Pathway
Preparing First Time Homeowners

One of the ways we're supporting local homeowners is through Homebuyer Education. Our goal is to ensure first time homebuyers are well prepared to be successful homeowners. In addition to our popular three session workshop, offered throughout the year, we now have an online course.

"We were seeing a gap for folks who couldn't make the in-person workshops,"  said CDP Business & Homeownership Programs Manager, Andrea Aldana. "Whether it be challenging work or school schedules, difficulty accessing childcare, or lack of transportation there were clear barriers preventing some individuals and families from attending."

To that end, we incorporated an online education model under the guidance of the MA Homeownership Collaborative and with financial support from The CCYP Giving Circle Fund of Cape Cod Foundation and Seamen's Bank. "Being able to enhance and expand how we deliver the course has been well received so far," said Aldana. Learn more about Online Homebuyer Education on our website
Strong Local Businesses 
Sharpening Technology Skills 

Technology is ever-present in our daily lives, and it is ev er-changing. As a result, it is essential that business owners stay up to date on the latest trends to stay in front of their current customers and find new ones. But as a small business owner, where do you find the time?

For the second year in a row, we're pleased to be a Partner Sponsor with Geek Girl TechCon Cape Cod to help bring this information to local business owners in a user-friendly way. This technology focused conference empowers women, men, kids, students, military, entrepreneurs, small business owners, companies and non-profits in technology with over 50 hands-on workshops, a Marketplace Exhibit area and a help desk. Each session offers practical tools and tips to incorporate into your small business and your life.

We're pleased to be able to offer a discount for those we know to attend. The conference is all day on Saturday, April 29th. You can find out lots more by following this link - http://capecod.geekgirltechcon.com. And if you decide to attend, use code CDP99 for your special rate. We'll be there, make sure you stop by and say hi! 
A Sustainable Future
Marketing for Farmers and Producers

For farmers and producers, the growing and production part of the business tends to be a pretty significant investment of time. For some, it can be challenging to find the resources to focus on marketing. Our upcoming Farmers' Market[ing] class is hoping to help with that.

"We regularly hear from the local farmers and producers we work with that they could use some support around their efforts to promote their businesses," says CDP Director of Economic Development, Glen Ohlund. "We put together this workshop to help inspire new ideas."

This evening workshop features four of the Cape's most industrious growers, makers, and sellers - each selected to provide unique insights and encourage new ways of thinking about the business of growing on the Cape. Topics include Leveraging Agritourism (Lucas Dinwiddie of Halcyon Farm); Making the Most of Every Market (Victoria Pecoraro, Wellfleet Chick Coop); Staying Connected Year Round (Milisa Moses, Salt Cellar Shop ); and Farm to (restaurant) Table (Ron Backer, Surrey Farms). Curating and facilitating the discussion is brand strategist, creative consultant and digital marketing expert, Angela Gaimari.

Interested or know someone who might be? Find out more and Register!   

Upcoming and Ongoing
Orleans Winter Farmers' Market
                                               
Each Saturday through April, local growers and producers bring their fresh, Cape-raised and produced foods and products to market in Orleans.

When & Where: Every Saturday through April from 9 AM to Noon at the Nauset Regional Middle School - 70 Route 28 in Orleans.
Housing Rehabilitation Program: Information Sessions  
                                              
We have sessions coming up to learn about opportunities available through the Housing Rehabilitation Program. Funds are available to eligible residents to pay for critical home repairs, like:

Roofing and Siding
Lead Paint Abatement
Minor Structural Repairs
Heating and Plumbing
Windows and Doors
Energy Efficiency Upgrades
   
Provincetown Council on Aging - Thursday, April 6th from 10 AM to 11:30 AM    Find Out More

Truro Council on Aging -
Wednesday, April 12th from 1:00 to 2:00 PM   Dennis Council on Aging & Senior Center - Tuesday, May 9th from 2:00 to 3:00 PM  Find Out More
SCORE
S CORE Business Counseling
                                               
Could your business use some extra guidance? Want to bounce business ideas off of someone? The CDP has arranged with Cape Cod SCORE to offer Individual Business Counseling with SCORE counselors right here in Eastham. Sign up today!

When & Where: Wednesday, April 12th from 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM (1 hour sessions).  CDP Conference Room - 3 Main Street Mercantile, Unit 8 in Eastham.
First Time Home Buyer Education 
Seamen's Bank logo

Workshop Sponsor
                                               
If you or someone you know is thinking of buying a first home (or even if you've started the process), our First Time Home Buyer Education is for you! During this 3-part workshop, participants learn about - credit health; budgeting; looking for, selecting & purchasing a home; home inspection; home energy audits; insurance protection; local resources.

Those who successfully complete the class are awarded a certificate of completion that may make them eligible for certain discount mortgage products.

When & Where: The workshop consists of three classes on the following dates - Monday, April 24th, Wednesday, April 26th & Monday, May 1st from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM at the CDP Conference Room - 3 Main Street Mercantile, Unit 8 in Eastham.

Thankful Chases Pathway
Affordable Housing Opportunities 
                                                
Affordable Rentals 
We manage 73 rental homes throughout the Lower Cape. Availability changes on a regular basis. Please contact our Director of Property Management at 508.240.7873 ×17 or email alice@capecdp.org. If you have questions and for more information.

Find Out More on Our Website

Housing Rehabilitation Program
Attention homeowners and landlords! Receive up to $35,000 for critical repairs to your home. Repairs include, but are not limited to roofing, heat, windows, siding, septic, lead paint abatement and energy efficiency upgrades. Get expert assistance on planning the work and work with quality licensed and insured contractors. Funding is limited and available on a first come, first serve basis. Opportunities in South Dennis, Wellfleet, Truro and Provincetown.



This Place Matters 
WOMR
our weekly radio & television show
   
Tune in
 92.1 WOMR & 91.3 WFMR    
 Wednesdays 12:30pm   
Also on Lower Cape TV

Join host Susan Lindquist & her guests to learn more
about people and places on Lower Cape Cod.
 
April 5th: Tom Vautin and Gwen Pelletier from the Brewster Ponds Coalition talk about the work their group is doing to preserve and protect Brewster's ponds. 

April 12th:
Marilyn Lariviere from Youth Street Reach  shares information about this program to connect youth to work with and for the homeless community on Cape Cod.  

April 26th:
Brenda Ridgeway and Rev. Anne Koehler, co-organizers of Food 4 Kids, join us to talk about how this important program is providing food for local kids
   
Click Here to Listen to or Watch Past Shows
 
If you have an idea for a guest or topic - Contact Moira
 
This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
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