Robert Liuzzi Manager - Business Assistance Center

In greater New Haven, many small-business owners have started to feel the strain of the nation's credit crunch in recent weeks, according to Robert Liuzzi, manager of the Business Assistance Center of the Greater New Haven Chamber of Commerce.'More small-business owners are coming in to ask for information on what to do and how to get more funding,' he says. 'I've seen quite a change in the last four weeks or so.There is definitely an economic slowdown and it is hitting the small-business owner, some of whom operate on very tight margins.'Liuzzi says lending institutions have tightened standards aggressively and are requiring business owners to invest a higher portion of their own money, carry a higher credit score than before, and put up more collateral.'There is money available if they need funding for the right reasons,' he adds.Liuzzi adds another piece of advice: 'The big thing right now is to maximize cash flow.

'We've had a tremendous response,' says Bob Liuzzi of this month's launch of the Small Business Academy, an eight-week program of lectures and information sessions designed to help aspiring entrepreneurs become successful.About 120 people already have signed up, says Liuzzi, manager of the Greater New Haven Chamber of Commerce's Business Assistance Center.'We're now building a waiting list,' he says. 'That in itself speaks to the need of the program.'

Robert Liuzzi203-782-4310bliuzzi@gnhcc.com