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The grant, the latest micro-enterprise assistance grant will enable the center to purchase equipment and to cover tenant fit-up and marketing costs associated with its new business location in Fairfield, said the department.
“We’re delighted to help, and always excited to welcome a new business to Fairfield,” said Mark Barnhart, director of the Department of Community & Economic Development. “Small businesses such as Ballroom Dance Sport Center have long been the backbone of our economy, and the Micro-Enterprise Program has been a very useful tool in our small business development strategy.”
The Ballroom Dance Sport Center provides instruction in ballroom dancing to both children and adults. The center provides group classes as well as private lessons and special event dance parties.
Originally from St. Petersburg, Russia, owners Irina and Vladimir Gorshkov have competed professionally throughout the United States and Europe, and have been teaching ballroom dancing at their Westport location, Ballroom Elegance Studio, since 2002.
The Micro-Enterprise Assistance Program is funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). It is intended to provide entrepreneurs with training, technical assistance, and startup capital in order to create and sustain viable and productive small businesses in Fairfield.
The program seeks to strengthen and enhance these small businesses, with the ultimate goal of increasing employment opportunities for low- and moderate-income persons. In order to be eligible, applicants must be a recognized form of commercial enterprise that employs five or fewer employees, have its primary operations in Fairfield, and current on all tax obligations.
Since the inception of the program, the Town has assisted more than 45 small businesses.
“We’re very happy with the support that we have received thus far from the Town," said Vladimir Gorshkov. "We look forward to serving the greater Fairfield community for many years to come.”
For more information on the Micro-Enterprise Assistance Program, contact the Department of Community & Economic Development at (203) 256-3120.
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