Community Economic Development Fund President Donna Wertenbach was the guest speaker at the monthly Chamber of Commerce Gathering Place breakfast Friday morning.

Local business owners and Chamber of Commerce members gather the third Friday of every month at the New York Pickle Deli to network, eat breakfast and discuss topics affecting small businesses.

Community Economic Development Fund is a private, non-state funded economic development company that works with small businesses.

"We work with small businesses who need capital to get going," Wertenbach said. "We are the lender of last resort."

Wertenbach said that her company gets loans for businesses that the banks turn down. Then, the Community Economic Development Fund works with the business until the bank can work with them again.

"As soon as you are ready to go back to the bank, we will send you back. We are here to help support you."

Wertenbach said 97% of businesses pay back their loans. She added that each company is given a small business loan counselor to help them during the process.

The Community Economic Development Fund also offers workshops where local business owners can learn about what is going on in Connecticut that affects them.

Wertenbach's energy and fire impressed all the Chamber of Commerce members in attendance.

"I thinks its the most dynamic presentation we have had in the last year," said Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Paul Carr.

The Gathering place costs $10 to cover the expense of food and beverages. For more information, contact the chamber at (860) 258-7633 or visit their website.

For more information about the Community Economic Development Fund, visit their website.