Olivia White's Story

I am a female minority business entrepreneur, with a background in the healthcare industry. My passion for healthcare came from watching my mother caring for my grandma. I quickly realized that I wanted to be able to care for my mom, but with additional knowledge, I ventured into a nursing career. I have spent the past 2 years as a front-line nurse and dedicated a great deal of time to working with COVID patients. I have also served as a healthcare leader which allowed me to learn the skills needed to navigate the business. This exposure prepared me for challenges, learning excellent communication, adaptable people skills, and customer service. My skill sets will no doubt transfer to helping me grow and scale my business to attain success.

The knowledge gained in healthcare transcends to my background as an adjunct educator. This will continue in the business by collaborating with community organizers to offer services and educate the community on the varied health and preventative options that will be available.

I am a strong believer that the community is what you make it. As a result, the business will be providing employment within its community to assist in strengthening and expanding gainful opportunities for others.

After 15 years in the health care industry, I am transitioning to entrepreneurship, by offering IV hydration, COVID testing, and cosmetic teeth whitening. I have sought out coaching and guidance from experts to be able to sustain and maintain the business at a professional level. Your support will be greatly appreciated and my belief of paying it forward will continue with community events and preventative education. I am extremely appreciative of your support and look forward to my continued journey as an entrepreneur.

 
This loan is special because:

It supports the launch of a Black woman-owned business.

 
More about this loan

Business Description

The business is geared to offer IV hydration, COVID testing, and teeth whitening services to the community. The mission of the company is to provide education on preventative measures and wellness.

Some products and services will be IV hydration, (some of which are building immunity), COVID testing for individuals, groups, community events. We will also be offering cosmetic teeth whitening. All services come with a concierge option for convenience and reduced exposure to others. This will attract an upcharge/concierge fee.

What is the purpose of this loan?

I am applying for this loan to be able to launch a business that is geared towards building immunity on a community level, employing others in the community and providing education on preventative measures and wellness.

 
About Sade's Drip Bar & Wellness Spa

Industry: Health
Years in operation: New Business

Louis Fitzgerald’s Story,

After spending 15 years in government with the U.S. Military and the Department of Veterans Affairs, preparing taxes found me. I specialized in "Individual Tax Return" and have been providing these services for over 3 years. Motivated by my many interests, I prefer an ever-changing work environment. I am usually known for my ability to tackle tough problems and bring them to a successful conclusion. I can be resourceful, even when faced with obstacles. I am a self-starter and readily adaptable to many situations. I am energized by purposeful people. I enjoy working in the development and implementation of techniques and strategies required to differentiate, position for, and win new customers. I have an extensive background not only in what it takes to grow a business, but a strong background in preparing individual tax return.

An avid travel enthusiast, I grew up in South Florida and a former Marine Corps Staff Non-Commissioned Officer with a Master of Business Administration degree in Finance, an Undergraduate degree in Business Management, and a Certificate in Leadership.

I also would like to mentor other Veterans in the near future the same way I was able to take advantage of assistance provided by local SCORE chapters and Small Business Development Centers. It is my intention to continue being a small business owner for as long as I can, my tax practice is the realization of that dream.

 
This loan is special because:

It helps this business to overcome the challenges posed by the COVID-19 crisis.

 
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Business Description

I have owned and operated Louis Fitzgerald LLC DBA Sirplus Accounting for over three years now. The firm offer a full range of professional tax services but small enough to give you the individual attention that you deserve. Our services include tax preparation & planning, bookkeeping/write-up and audit assistance. I am pleased to announce we have completed another profitable tax season despite a challenging year. The hard work and preparation truly paid off during this historic year with COVID-19.

Regardless of the pandemic, I am excited about the details of our 2021 programs. From my conversations with most of our clients and surveys, we are putting together the strongest possible program to help us compete in our market! Some important points I’ve been focusing on when it comes to the Taxpayers Advance Loans:

• The no-cost option is critical • Options/Choices are a good thing • High approval rates are critical - set the bar on approval rates in 2021 • Higher loan amounts are very important, but not a main driver

I am also looking forward to continue to growing the business while social distancing. One of the many ways we’re planning on how to adjust for the upcoming tax season before January hits is to gather as much data as we can from our customers now. While we love the annual interaction with our patrons, we also know that many of them won’t feel comfortable sitting in our lobby for 25 minutes waiting to be seen. We’ll reach out to our clients as early as possible to be certain that any in-person interaction is as respectful of their time as possible. Collect updated IDs and other information that they can supply before their Employer or Government forms are mailed to them.

I am looking forward to what we can accomplish next season. My goal is to secure financing so that we can purchase the necessary PPEs, office supplies, marketing material and hire a strong team.

What is the purpose of this loan?

Will help overcome some of the challenges posed by COVID-19 like longer hours with less appointments due to social distancing guidelines. Ability to provide PPEs to customers and employees during appointments. Will also help to continue to function and remain a vital faces of my local economies through this challenging period.

 
About Louis Fitzgerald LLC

Industry: Services
Years in operation: More than 5 years
Website: sirplusaccounting.com

Laverne Dorsey’s Story

My name is LaVerne and I want the best for our mothers. My KIVA project starts with my mother . Everything in this project is in dedication to her and the positive, inspirational, encouraging, and loving relationship we shared on the earthly plane for 64 years. My mother is still with me and the love that we shared could never die.

The mission and purpose of my project, Josephine’s Charming Oasis, named in honor of my other mom – my husband’s mother, Josephine is to provide safe, inspirational, well-appointed and encouraging environment primarily for all of our seniors.

During the last years of our lives together, it was became painfully necessary for my mother to reside in assisted living facilities. During this time I became aware of the woeful lack of excellent wellness-based facilities in our communities.

In the process of finding the best residence for “us” - because although I didn’t live there, I spent countless hours there with her – I visited many assisted living residences and gained an excellent picture of what existed in our local market. And I was dismayed. Most of these facilities, even with the most caring and professional staff, were mostly warehouses – gilded cages for the elderly. They are maintenance places where our precious seniors are managed, rather than encouraged and supported in the most expansive expression of their lives. Moreover, the dietary regimen for most of the residents was dismal. These diets are required to meet the minimal dietary requirements. Clinical studies indicate that remaining at the minimal end of nutrition recommendations contributes to nutritional deficiencies, which undermine immunity and lays a perfect foundation for dis-ease. Through experience caring for elders I completely understand and empathize that assisted living facility administrators are doing the best they can with what they have to work with. Although it was a heart-wrenching period in my life, In certain ways, I was fortunate that when my mother entered the assisted living facility, she was in hospice care, so the impact on her was minimal compared to the most active residents. I am in no way disparaging the heroic work of our assisted living facilities. Their dependence on the sick-care model necessitates the business decisions that they must make to continue to provide residence for some of the most vulnerable members of our communities.

This loan is special because:

It supports this passionate entrepreneur to expand their business.

More about this loan

Business Description

Josephine’s Charming Oasis is a permaculture wellness home for seniors, based on the Edencare® Model that values seniors, their contributions, and their lives. In the state of Florida, this business is formally designated an assisted living facility or adult family care home. Permaculture means redeveloping a relationship with the earth, the biosphere, and the connections that bring us closer to lives of tranquility, longevity, and quality. We value a high-quality physical, mental ,and emotional environment and a culture of wellness and radiant purpose.

We emphasize top quality nutrition, often garden- or farm-to-table. We focus on activities and events that allow each resident to be comfortable to explore aspects of themselves they may not have had time, space, or support to explore previously in their lives. Residence at Josephine’s Charming Oasis is an opportunity growth, no matter what phase of life we are in. These opportunities include creativity, entrepreneurship, research, technology and more. We consistently convey the value of each resident of our facility and provide them a comfortable place to bloom.

The KIVA loan would be used to implement and develop the permaculture nature of the residence and to develop programs to engage the local community, especially schools, social welfare, and faith-based organizations. It would also be used to purchase the necessary tools and equipment to establish the permaculture wellness garden, to acquire basic technology infrastructure: a computer, printer, some office supplies and to engage a microbusiness in beginning to develop the marketing strategy.

What is the purpose of this loan?

This loan will be used to develop the permaculture garden for Josephine's Charming Oasis Wellness Permaculture Garden and Residence. It is primarily for the conceptualization, design, implementation and the acquisition of equipment and tools necessary to establish the garden. It would also be used to provide marketing in the local community and the encouragement of multi-generational involvement in the permaculture infrastructure. We will also improve our technology infrastructure, specifically laptop computer and multifunction printer.

 
About K'IRISI GROUP

Industry: Services
Years in operation: 1 year - 3 years

Keily Vilcher's Story

My name is Keily. I am a client of the Florida Women's Business Center in Delray Beach, which helped me develop my business roadmap.

I finished school 1 month before the coronavirus started, I was very excited until we all got quarantined. I used to get 1 massage per month before the pandemic started, but when I stopped getting my therapy, I realized that I was more anxious than ever, I even got a panic attack without them. I remember that all spas and massage therapy companies were closed, and nobody wanted to get touched by non-family members. I knew people eventually would want all their services delivered to their houses even during the pandemic. I started talking to people about the benefits of getting massage therapy, especially during these times. Massage therapy not only releases toxins but also reduces stress, anxiety, body pain, and ultimately boosts the immune system which is necessary especially during the pandemic.

I also met with other massage therapists who lost their jobs, so I decided to make an impact by creating jobs for them and helping the community at the same time. I can say that my new business is growing slowly but steadily. I hired 2 virtual assistants and we get calls every day. I couldn't be happier, but I know there are more jobs I can create and more people I can reach in my area. My main goal right now is to create an app, onboard more therapists from different cities, and launch a marketing campaign in the more crowded cities in Florida.

I am a Psychologist and I know my services can become part of a lifestyle in our communities and workplaces.

 
This loan is special because:

It supports a female entrepreneur in expanding their business.

 
More about this loan

Business Description

Profere is a wellness company offering In-Home massage therapy and lymphatic drainage for post-op patients. Our providers are licensed and trained massage professionals. They bring all the equipment needed for a session, so the client doesn't have to worry about driving or exposing himself to the covid 19 virus. We do all the hard work while they enjoy their service in the comfort of their own homes, office, clinic, or hotel.

What is the purpose of this loan?

I am applying for this loan because I need the funding to pay for marketing campaigns and to hire more independent contractors for my business. My business can grow exponentially if I am able to hire more people and reach more clients within neighboring cities.

 
About Profere

Industry: Health
Years in operation: 1 year - 3 years
Website: bookprofere.com

Jennifer Embry's Story

For over a decade, I have been a home-based business owner, stay-at-home mom, and entrepreneur. During this time, I have had to hold meetings, interviews, and potential clients in various places from Starbucks to hotel lobbies. The overhead of having a brick and mortar, not to mention the time and cost of commute was too expensive and just did not make logical sense for me.

There are 2.5 million small businesses in Florida, with Covid-19 the number of home-based small businesses exploded as many had to leave their office spaces and work from home. In 2020, the number of entrepreneurs increased exponentially as well. This professional community deserves a professional space.

I have always wanted a beautiful office and reception for myself but couldn’t take the time and numbers make sense. When the world began to re-open, I noticed that there were so many people like me. Just like me, these professionals needed a professional business address to call home.

That’s when I decided to create The Enrich Mint, a shared space, that shares the expenses and creates a professional safe working/meeting environment for hosting clients outside of the home. It has helped me to truly separate business from personal and focus more on a productive creative space.

 
This loan is special because:

It helps this business continue to grow.

 
More about this loan

Business Description

The Enrich Mint is a culturally conscious shared office/co-working space that is community-centered, while connecting small business owners, underserved entrepreneurs, innovative startups, and creatives located in Miami, FL. The Enrich Mint is a super affordable shared space providing a professional safe working and meeting environment for when you need to host clients outside of your home or even want to work in peace.

We provide virtual offices, professional workspaces, meeting/conference rooms, Notaries, and a professional business address for those looking to grow beyond their home-based business. Our staff is a community of knowledgeable professionals that support with outstanding reception and technical support.

I started this business because of a need for an affordable part-time workplace. It has become a vibrant community drawn together with the purpose to collaborate, communicate, and grow through networking events, community activations, and educational programming.

What is the purpose of this loan?

The purpose of this loan will strengthen the foundation of The Enrich Mint by providing laser printers and additional workspaces so that current and future tenants can utilize the business center if they need to.

This loan will also contribute greatly to our marketing campaign and increase our internet and social media presence. With these funds and the expansion, we can also retain our reception and notary services.

 
About The Enrich Mint

Industry: Services
Years in operation: 6 months - 1 year
Website: theenrichmint.com

Jasmine Zamor’s Story

My name is Jasmine. I am a client of the Florida Women's Business Center in Delray Beach, which helped me develop my business roadmap.

Ever since I was a little girl playing with my dolls, I dreamed of becoming a hairdresser and a successful one. As a black woman with a heavy accent at that time, it was not easy at all to complete hairdressing school in America. I endured a lot of discrimination, but I pursued my dream despite being kicked out twice. Now my dream has come true, I am the proud owner of a hair salon.

 
This loan is special because:

It supports a Black female entrepreneur in expanding their business.

 
More about this loan

Business Description

Haircutter Plus is a salon that performs a broad range of beauty services, from cutting hair to performing scalp treatments. Typical duties include shampooing, cutting, and styling hair, providing hair treatments, including deep conditioning, permanents, hair coloring, and weaving. We provide men and women with services to clean, condition, strengthen, cut, style, and color their hair.

We plan to promote the business by focusing on local advertisements, social media, building a website and an app to better reach out to customers. We will also offer them discounts and other deals to keep them from coming back to our salon.

What is the purpose of this loan?

The loan would be used to market my business, creating a business website to reach more clientele. I would also use the funds to hire employees. I would be able to create more jobs for single parents and create income within my community.

 
About HAIRCUTTER PLUS

Industry: Retail
Years in operation: 6 months - 1 year

Isaac Sanchez's Story

I have been working for 8 years to find the cheapest way to produce electric power, and I found one way. After making several tests, I conclude I found one way to produce GREN ENERGY with a machine able to produce all power you need without using fossil fuel and no pollution produced. And After 5 five years approximately the equipment pays itself and from this moment the power produces is free.

I am from Venezuela, and I came here to the USA in year 2,000, looking for new horizons for my family and myself. Here in the US, I have more than 50 innovations, but this one is one of the best because I will help a lot of people around the world.

 
This loan is special because:

It helps this business continue to grow.

 
More about this loan

Business Description

With my company, I will build a big factory to produce our power generator, not only in the USA but the entire world because different peoples in different countries have need of power. Many people even don't know the electricity. We have created a system called FE Feedback Energy, which is able to generate electric power without using any kind of fossil fuel.

By creating factories, we will create sources of employment. We certainly believe this kind of power generator will help the life on our planet reducing global warming and environmental pollution.

What is the purpose of this loan?

I will buy many parts of my power generator system, to finish the functional prototype. And some backup to emergencies cases.

 
About IPS

Industry: Wholesale
Years in operation: 1 year - 3 years
Website: internationalpowersupply.us

Haneefah Cobb's Story

My name is Haneefah, I am a client of the Florida Women's Business Center in Delray Beach, which helped me develop my business roadmap. I'm a native of Newark, New Jersey. I have a BS in Mathematics and the Computer Science University of South Carolina, two graduate degrees from the University of Phoenix, including Information Systems (Management and Logistics). I have a host of certifications both focused on my personal and business growth.

I was a Freight Operations Specialist for UPS and a public-school educator teaching Mathematics, Computer Science, and Global Trade & Logistics. I have over 20 years of experience in operations, supply chain, logistics, and education. I developed skills in brokerage, domestic/international, sales, inventory management, imports/exports, and customer service. In 2014, my dreams of starting my own transportation business began, and since April 2019 that has been my focus. I want to build a corporation that demonstrates teamwork, value operations, education, training, and organizational development, that is focused on excelling and providing the best customer service and products. My goals and dreams are to travel, heighten my transportation business in freight, supply chain, and logistics, and moving freight for other companies. I want to be an OSHA Instructor and provide certification to individuals and corporations.

I am a results-oriented and dedicated individual. I believe I express, tact, and diplomacy. Throughout my life, I have learned that the ability to be flexible can mean the difference between success and failure. What makes me different?

• Self-motivated, ambitious, and dependable.

• Demonstrate poise and confidence.

• Establish excellent rapport with others.

• Can quickly identify needs and problems and then provide solutions.

• Ability to learn and utilize new skills to improve performance.

• Contribute to successful completion of all things in a timely manner.

• Consistent and organized.

 
This loan is special because:

It supports a female entrepreneur in expanding their business.

 
More about this loan

Business Description

HLC Freight & Logistics LLC is a friendly owned and operated courier and messenger service in Boca Raton, FL, that has been a newly found business whose focus is serving the surrounding areas as of 2019. Our companies’ model is “Dare to be Different”. We specialize in same-day delivery, next-day delivery, and package delivery service. As a new professional courier service in Florida, we describe ourselves as driven, resourceful, efficient, and mission-driven. As a professional courier service, our team of professionals is experienced in prompt delivery of time-sensitive documents, bulk freight, and packages. Sometimes documents need to be transported quicker than using standard mail. If deadlines need to be met or confidential material needs to be transported, call on HLC Freight & Logistics in Boca Raton, FL using our variety of services for your best option! We are committed to providing our clients with the highest quality of service while transporting the client's product.

What is the purpose of this loan?

This Kiva loan would help us with:

* Buying equipment: Laptop (computer), Printer, Navigation System (GPS Tracker), Pallet Lift Jack (manual or electrical), Convertible Hand Truck, Pallet Truck Scale, Dollie, Moving Cart

* Purchasing Inventory: Steer Wheel Lock, Tire and Rim Lock, Office Supplies, Flashlight, Extension Ladder or Folding Step Ladder, Stationary Platform, Basic ratchet and socket set, Box Cutters, Air gauge, and hose, Work Cloves, Aluminum Tape, Wirecutter and electrical tape, Small Toolbox (variety of pliers/wrenches), Shelving and Storage, Shipping Supplies, Safety Products (etc first aid kit, fleet safety kit, traffic cones, and reflectors)

* Marketing

* Hiring employees

 
About HLC Freight & Logistics LLC

Industry: Transportation
Years in operation: 1 year - 3 years
Website: hlcfreightlogistics.com

Fritzlade Narcisse’s Story

I have been in business since 2011, but I failed to correctly manage my business, build business credit and stay on top of things. I was so focused on work I missed out on business management. I am now working on the foundation of the business even though we took a major hit because of covid we are working our best to get back on track.

 
This loan is special because:

It supports a Black female entrepreneur in expanding their business.

 
More about this loan

Business Description

When I first started this business I started to help people reunite with their families and also help them maintain their status in the United States. Many of my clients are from Haiti they come to my office seeking help to bring their family to the United States.

What is the purpose of this loan?

I am applying to help people maintain their status in the United States and bring their loved ones here to the US. I need funds to buy office equipment and build a website.

 
About Narcisse LLC

Industry: Services
Years in operation: More than 5 years

Fione Ricketts’ Story

My name is Fione. I am a client of the Florida Women's Business Center in Delray Beach, which helped me develop my business roadmap. I previously worked for Connection Enterprise for the past 3 years before resigning to start my endeavor as an entrepreneur. I started in the Finance department as a clerk and a temp employee only to be hired on full time in my first 3 months. I was able to demonstrate my drive for getting work done efficiently and accurately, and my ability to learn new tasks quickly with little guidance. Not long after being hired full time I pursued an opportunity in the Accounts Payable department. Less than a year after being hired on to the Accounts Payable team I was promoted to Senior Accounts Payable Specialist.

I have a passion for working hard and have always given 110% in all aspects of my life. I realized as I progressed in Corporate America that you are not always rewarded or compensated according to the effort that you give. This led my desire to want to build something for myself without limitations or boundaries. I come from a family of mechanics, my father and brother back in my home country of Jamaica are both mechanics and I grew up spending uncountable hours around cars. As a young adult, I spent countless hours on the road with a family relative as he worked as a transportation driver for an appliance company. During those trips, I heard stories about the freedom that came with Over the Road Trucking and the opportunities it presented for drivers. This lasting impression, along with my desire for entrepreneurship has fueled my passion to create FDR Logistics.

 
This loan is special because:

It helps a female entrepreneur kickstart her business.

 
More about this loan

Business Description

FDR Logistics is a Transportation and Logistics company dedicated to providing reliable services to our customers. We will transport any goods or products in need of transportation from one location to another location. These products will include such items as produce, plants, hazardous materials, and retail goods.

FDR Logistics will provide safe, on-time, claim-free capacity at cost-effective pricing through a Third-Party Logistics arrangement for businesses that need on-demand services. By using this arrangement, FDR Logistics can capitalize on the extensive network of customers already available to the Third-Party Logistics Company without having to spend capital to obtain new customers.

What is the purpose of this loan?

The money will be used towards a down payment for a Semi-Truck to kickstart our business.

 
About FDR Logistics LLC

Industry: Transportation
Years in operation: 6 months - 1 year
Website: fdrlogisticsus.com