A Word from Jay...

For the first time in nearly 30 years, we did not hold an Annual Meeting last year – one more casualty of the coronavirus pandemic. The Annual Meeting serves as an important gathering for the CDP where we update our community on the accomplishments of the past year. We also elect new Board Members and Officers for the coming year.

This year we will hold our Annual Meeting via Video Conference on Thursday, April 22, 2021 from 5:30pm to 6:30pm. I know that over the past year most of us have spent way too much time on Zoom and have attended more virtual events than we ever hope to again. However, I hope you will join us for this important gathering in the life of the CDP. And we need your help to achieve a quorum so that we can elect Board Members and Officers for the coming year.

Each year we recognize outstanding leadership in community service with the Gwen Pelletier Award. This year we honor Vicki Goldsmith who retired after serving as Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity Cape Cod after more than two decades of service. And we will honor former CDP loan clients, Sunbird Kitchen in Orleans with the Norm Edinberg Award for Excellence in Entrepreneurship.

I look forward to seeing you April 22^nd and celebrating another year of leading the Lower Cape in building a diverse year-round community of people who can afford to live, work and thrive here.

Small businesses are vital to the Lower and Outer Cape economy. Not only do they provide employment for year-round residents, many offer much needed services to the community. Earthstar Play School, founded by Nola Glatzel in 2019, helps to help address the region’s need for early education and childcare.

Nola grew up on the Outer Cape, but left home to attend school at Sarah Lawrence College just outside of New York City. Although she spent four years teaching in the city, she never felt connected. “A lot of people like living there, but it wasn’t really for me,” she recalls.

Peter Hocking

Artist, Provincetown Commons, CDP Advisory Council

Peter Hocking is many things. An artist, teacher, activist and writer, Peter also serves as the President of the Board of Directors of the Provincetown Commons and most recently was appointed to the CDP’s Advisory Council. Although Peter lives in Truro, much of his energy is spent in Provincetown immersed in seeing through a vision of creating a community space for artists.

As a child Peter spent many summers in Wellfleet visiting his mom’s cousin. “I was 13 years old, riding my 10 speed around the Outer Cape, and I had a revelation that I wanted to be an artist,” Peter recalls. “I felt a deep connection to the landscape… I wanted to be an artist -here.” While his parents weren’t overly supportive, stating simply that there were no jobs to be had on Cape Cod, Peter was determined to paint, and he ultimately pursued his undergraduate degree at the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD).

Join us for our 29th Annual Meeting as we acknowledge the organization’s achievements over this difficult year.

We will honor exceptional members of our community with our two annual awards. This year the Gwen Pelletier Award will be given to Vicki Goldsmith who served as Habitat for Humanity of Cape Cod's Executive Director for nearly twenty years.

We will take a look at what the CDP has accomplished over this past year, and learn about some exciting plans for the future. In addition, new Board members and officers will be elected.

Funds are limited and will be distributed on first come, first serve basis. Loans can be used for rent, utilities, staffing, inventory, or costs to pivot your business due to COVID-19.

The Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG) program was established by the Economic Aid to Hard-Hit Small Businesses, Nonprofits, and Venues Act, and amended by the American Rescue Plan Act. The program includes over $16 billion in grants to shuttered venues, to be administered by SBA’s Office of Disaster Assistance.

Eligible applicants may qualify for grants equal to 45% of their gross earned revenue, with the maximum amount available for a single grant award of $10 million. 

For a full list eligibility requirements, or to fill out an application go to SBA.gov. Grant application opens on April 8th.

If you need assistance with the application, or deciding if this program is right for you. Schedule and appointment with Pam Andersen, Director of Business and Credit Programs.

The CDP is hosting two housing Peer Group meetings. These meetings are an informal discussion space for municipal officials and town staff who are involved in or interested in housing production on the Outer Cape.

These peer groups provide a forum for town officials and staff, board and committee members, and housing professionals to share resources and updates from their towns.

Outer Cape Peer Group - April 13th, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Lower Cape Peer Group - April 15th, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

There is no cost to attend but registration is required. Both meetings will be held remotely via Zoom meeting.

This is a free event, but registration is required. The training will be held remotely on Friday, April 16th from 10:00 - 11:30 AM

The CDP continues to offer all trainings, workshops, technical assistance sessions, and appointments virtually.

We remain committed to serving our business clients and our community. Staff is working both remotely and from the office. While we are not taking in-person meetings at this time, we will continue to meet with clients via phone or zoom.

Its the start of a new year and whether you need assistance preparing for tax season, QuickBooks help, or guidance on making a a business plan for 2021, the CDP is here to support you.

Director of Business and Credit Programs Pam Andersen is available for free small business help over the phone or via Zoom. Find a time that fits in to your schedule so you can get the assistance you need to prepare your business for success this year!

Click the link below to schedule a 30 or 60 minute appointment!

Attorney Melanie O'Keefe from the law firm La Tanzi, Spaulding and Landreth will be hosting free 30-minute consultations to answer questions related to small business law including:

Dates: April 13 and May 11

Time: 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM

Where: Via phone call

To book your FREE 30-minute consultation call or email Marina at

WE CAN - 508-430-8111 or marina@wecancenter.org

If you or someone you know is interested in receiving weekly updates from our Business and Credit Program that are targeted to small businesses, please sign up for our Inside Scoop.

Thank you for supporting the CDP's response to the