Hartford Nonprofit Celebrates 50 Years Helping Small Businesses

HEDCO, Inc.

HARTFORD, CT — A nonprofit, small-business lending firm is celebrating 50 years of helping business owners work toward prosperity.

Hartford-based HEDCO, Inc.,aims to promote financial inclusion and economic empowerment, company officials said recently.

With the official anniversary date being March 25, HEDCO, located at 207 Main St., Hartford, has spent recent months and weeks looking back.

Over the past five decades, HEDCO, Inc. has disbursed more than 1,497 microloans, totaling more than $87,268,908, and 930 grants, totaling more than $10,689,787 to low-income entrepreneurs, small business owners, and individuals who lack access to traditional financial services.

One company doing well after HEDCO financing is Hartford-based "Head Over Berries," a smoothie, juice, acai bowl, and coffee shop located at 657 Blue Hills Ave., Hartford, as well as the famous "Parkville Market" food hall on Park Street.

"As we celebrate our 50th anniversary, we reflect on the incredible journey that has brought us here," said Kim Hawkins, president and chief executive officer of HEDCO.

"Our mission has always been to provide financial opportunities to those who are often overlooked by mainstream financial institutions. We are deeply grateful to our partners, supporters, and the communities we serve for their trust and collaboration over the years.

"While we are proud of what we have accomplished, we recognize that our work is far from

done," added Hawkins. "We will continue to innovate and adapt to meet the changing needs
of the communities we serve, ensuring that everyone has an opportunity to thrive."

For more information about HEDCO, Inc., 50th anniversary celebrations, visit www.hedcoinc.com or call 860-527-1301.