In a ceremony at the office of United States Senator Scott Brown, Guard Support of Massachusetts presented its first low-interest business loan to a Worcester company founded by a member of the Massachusetts National Guard.
Machado Consulting, an IT services company operated by National Guard member Major Helder Machado, received a $40,000 low-interest loan from the non-profit Guard Support's Entrepreneurs' Funding Program for an expansion plan that includes hiring a service-disabled Guard veteran.
"The men and women of the Massachusetts National Guard make great sacrifices to protect and defend our nation, and I congratulate Guard Support of Massachusetts for assisting these brave warriors and their families through programs offering financial support for both the individuals and their small businesses," said Senator Brown, a lieutenant colonel in the National Guard.
Machado Consulting provides IT services for small and growing businesses, providing network reliability and high-quality, responsive service for a flat fee. Helder Machado founded his business in 2001 in the basement of his home. Machado, a Major with the 151 Regional Support Group based in Framingham, has doubled the size of his business annually.
"We plan to again double in size this year, but we could not do that without the help of Guard Support. Aside from the low-interest loan, Guard Support has provided access to business experts and advice that has been priceless," said Machado.
