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 National Network Services’ Small Business Development Program will host a seminar, “Getting Opportunities for Your Future” at 10:30 a.m. Jan. 30.

The seminar will introduce businesses and organizations to funding resources and assistance and the steps to applying for federal grants and loans.

The keynote speaker will be Bruce Pleasant of USDA Rural Development’s business and cooperative programs.

Bank of America representatives will discuss loans, and Small Business Development representatives will be available to help set up businesses, including tax IDs and articles of incorporation.

Schenk & Torrence Insurance Group of Allstate is this year’s sponsors.

Through its Small Business Development Program, nonprofit National Network Services works with small businesses, organizations and nonprofits to locate and apply for grants and low or noninterest loans. Most grants are for business start-ups and expansion, salary and procurement of supplies and equipment.

Once funding is received, the nonprofit also assists businesses in tracking the funds, as required by many grants, and other business services, such as the creation of business cards or Web sites.

The organization is working with Guilford, Forsyth, Randolph and Davidson counties and has assisted more than 200 organizations and businesses.

“We’re trying to double or triple the number of businesses we helped in 2009,” said Patrick Lucas, the nonprofit’s president and CEO.

“This year we want to offer more start-up funding for businesses,” said Francine Pinnix, the nonprofit’s director. “A lot of businesses come to us with no money. If you don’t go through the program and go somewhere else, you pay a lot of money for just a business plan. But if you come through the program, you get a business plan, get grant assistance and business set-up.”

Basic membership fee is $34 and $49 for an advanced membership.

The organization’s office is at 1912 Eastchester Drive, Suite 106F. Applicants must set up appointments. No walk-ins are accepted.

To make an appointment, contact Small Business Development at 802-1149, (866) 774-0662 or admin@nationalnetworksvs.info.

Contact E.A. Seagraves at 883-4422, Ext. 241, or elizabeth. seagraves@news-record.com