716-410-5213
Fax
716-363-6453
Primary Services
Business Assistance Centers, Business Consulting Services, Microenterprise Development/Support, Microenterprise Financing, Minority Business Development, Minority Business Financing, Organizational Consultation/Technical Assistance, Small Business Development, Small Business Financing
Description
A certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) established in 2003 as the economic development arm of Chautauqua Opportunities, Inc. (COI).
CODI is committed to fostering entrepreneurship and small business growth by providing training, technical assistance, and access to loan
capital—particularly for microenterprises that are unable to obtain traditional financing. Our clients often face significant barriers such as limited credit history, insufficient collateral, or a lack of business experience.
CODI addresses these challenges through robust technical assistance, including:
- Business Loans and Lines of Credit to new and existing businesses to help with equipment, inventory and operating expenses. CODI offers both Micro (up to $5,000) and Term ($5,000 - $50,000) products.
- Microenterprise Assistance Program (MAP) grants up to $25,000 to businesses in partnership with the Chautauqua County Partnership for Economic Growth.
- Business of the Week promotional social media posts to increase local businesses awareness at no cost.
- A 14-hour Small Business Essentials training course that covers Basic Business Structure, Internet Business Basics, Defining Your Customer, Target Marketing, Finances and Bookkeeping.
- CODI’s Home Appliance Loan Program provides consumers with affordable financing terms as an alternative to predatory rent-to-own establishments. (See separate listing for program)
CODI is committed to fostering entrepreneurship and small business growth by providing training, technical assistance, and access to loan
capital—particularly for microenterprises that are unable to obtain traditional financing. Our clients often face significant barriers such as limited credit history, insufficient collateral, or a lack of business experience.
CODI addresses these challenges through robust technical assistance, including:
- Business Loans and Lines of Credit to new and existing businesses to help with equipment, inventory and operating expenses. CODI offers both Micro (up to $5,000) and Term ($5,000 - $50,000) products.
- Microenterprise Assistance Program (MAP) grants up to $25,000 to businesses in partnership with the Chautauqua County Partnership for Economic Growth.
- Business of the Week promotional social media posts to increase local businesses awareness at no cost.
- A 14-hour Small Business Essentials training course that covers Basic Business Structure, Internet Business Basics, Defining Your Customer, Target Marketing, Finances and Bookkeeping.
- CODI’s Home Appliance Loan Program provides consumers with affordable financing terms as an alternative to predatory rent-to-own establishments. (See separate listing for program)
Hours
Monday-Friday, 8:30am-4:30pm.
Eligibility
Varies by program; call or visit website for more information.
Service Area: Chautauqua County.
Service Area: Chautauqua County.
Intake Process
Call or walk in.
Program Fees
Vary depending on program.
Languages
Spanish available.
Handicap Accessible?
Yes
Date of Official Change
Oct 06, 2025
Contacts
Peg Ortel (Primary)
Systems Compliance
portel@chautopp.org
716-366-333 x1246
Molly Hultberg
Business Development Specialist,
mhultberg@chautopp.org
716-661-9430 x2298
Michael Michalski
Sr. Accounting Manager
mmichalski@chautopp.org
716-366-3333 x1231