Archive: Business & Technology

Alternatives Impact, the 501(c)3 affiliate of Alternatives Federal Credit Union, announced that Tompkins Trust Company is a sponsor of Alternatives’ Business CENTS program again this year. Business CENTS (Community Enterprise Networking and Training Services), is a resource center, offering classes and workshops, individual consultation and coaching, and many other services for entrepreneurs at all stages of the planning process.

Thousands of local aspiring entrepreneurs, of whom 60% are women, 10% are self-identified minorities and 70% are low to moderate income, have learned to write viable business plans and become “loan ready” since the program began in 1995. Currently led by Business CENTS Director Leslie Ackerman (pictured), the program serves more than 300 people annually.

As a longtime champion of small business, the Tompkins Trust Company is again supporting Alternatives’ community development program to provide our local community with all possible resources to build sound and robust businesses that contribute to a thriving local economy.

According to Ursula Russ, Vice President, Marketing Sales Manager, “The Trust Company recognizes Alternatives’ efforts to foster aspiring business owners who may go on to greater local ventures – our support of CENTS makes sense!”

In addition to sponsorship from Tompkins Trust Company, the Business CENTS program is supported in part by Alternatives Federal Credit Union, the Empire State Development Corporation CDFI Program and through individual gifts to Alternatives Impact, the 501(c)3 not-for-profit affiliate of Alternatives Federal Credit Union.

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