Nestled in the heart of Salt Lake City, within the walls of a charming old Victorian home, lies Kahve Cafe—a haven of Turkish hospitality and culinary delights. But behind this cozy cafe's success lies a tale of resilience, adaptation, and unwavering community support, all embodied by its owner, Elif Ekin. Resilience Amidst Challenges
Kahve Cafe receives UMLF Opportunity Grant
Economic Resilience in Salt Lake CityDespite the challenges, owning a business in Salt Lake City has been a rewarding experience for Elif and the Kahve Cafe team. The strong sense of community, where patrons feel like extended family, coupled with robust support from local business centers and chambers, especially for women entrepreneurs, fosters an environment conducive to success. Reflecting on the journey, Elif acknowledges the pivotal role of organizations like the Utah Microloan Fund (UMLF). Participating in programs like Banking on Women and attending classes, Elif counts the UMLF as an invaluable partner, providing guidance and resources as Kahve Cafe has navigated various stages of growth. As Kahve Cafe continues to flourish, it stands as a testament to Elif Ekin's determination, community collaboration, and entrepreneurial spirit that transforms challenges into opportunities. The grant not only acknowledges Elif's dedication and resilience but also underscores the community's commitment to nurturing and sustaining local businesses like Kahve Cafe during these uncertain times. Congrats Elif! Visit Kahve Cafe in Downtown Salt Lake City
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Salt Lake City's Community Grant Program has emerged as a beacon of hope for small businesses, artists, artisans, and nonprofits grappling with the aftershocks of the COVID-19 pandemic. Powered by funds from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and orchestrated by the Salt Lake City Department of Economic Development, this program has been instrumental in revitalizing the economic landscape. Among its beneficiaries is the Utah Microloan Fund, a 501c3 nonprofit and CDFI, which leveraged its grant to spearhead a transformative initiative. By channeling the majority of the grant towards a dedicated grant program for small business owners within Salt Lake City's boundaries, coupled with personalized business advising and financial evaluations, the UMLF will sow the seeds of resilience and growth through their newly created Opportunity Boost Grant. Helping Salt Lake City Small Businesses Bounce Back"The COVID-19 pandemic and related shutdowns were difficult for small businesses and artists, especially those from historically marginalized communities. Small businesses and artists are a fundamental piece of our community and economy, and the City is excited to support their growth and resilience. Many nonprofit agencies like the Utah Microloan Fund in Salt Lake City routinely work with small businesses and artists and know how to best support them. By awarding these agencies with grant funding for COVID-19 recovery programs, the City was able to support small business and artist communities that otherwise might have been difficult to reach.” Utah Microloan Fund, a resource for small business owners for 33 yearsSince 1991, the Utah Microloan Fund has made the dreams of entrepreneurs a reality. Serving as an esteemed SBA microlender, the UMLF has played a pivotal role in fostering entrepreneurship across Utah. Their mission is two-fold, to offer microloan funding to small business owners who have been overlooked or turned down by traditional funding and to deliver free business education throughout Utah's 29 counties. With a focus on empowering underserved communities, Utahns can count on the UMLF as a friend in business. In addition to microlending, the Utah Microloan Fund is proud to offer bi-monthly live virtual classes, a digital class library, and Banking on Women, an entrepreneurship program for women business owners to start or grow their own business. These educational offerings are designed to cover all aspects necessary to be a successful entrepreneur including business planning, financials, market research, HR, marketing, etc while also providing networking and collaboration opportunities with other attendees. In partnership with Westminster University and Synchrony Bank, applications are now open until May 12th for Fall cohorts of Banking on Women, offered both in person as well as virtually for rural counties. Partnering with Salt Lake City Economic Development
Opportunity Boost Grant CreationUsing the funds from the awarded grant, Utah Microloan crafted a grant program where each recipient is eligible to receive up to 20% of their original loan amount, capped at $10,000 per business, fostering a sustainable path forward. The remaining portion of the funds granted to the UMLF serve as a lifeline for administrative support, ensuring seamless program execution and empowering staff to conduct comprehensive strategy sessions with clients. This holistic approach showcases the UMLF's commitment to nurturing businesses with tailored resources and expertise, even tapping into external consultants when specialized industry insights are paramount. Eligibility of Small Owners invited to apply for the Opportunity Boost Grant:
Round 1 Awardees
Stay tuned for specific client features and who is selected for our next rounds of funding!
Step into the world of well-adjusted wellness with our Business of the Month spotlight on Vitae Chiropractic, the brainchild of the Utah native and backbone enthusiast, Dr. Crystal Glaser. Nestled in the heart of West Jordan, Vitae Chiropractic has been aligning stars and spines alike for almost a year now! Keep reading to learn more about this powerhouse women-owned business below. UMLF: Hi Crystal, we’re excited to interview you as our Business of the Month! Tell us about yourself. Crystal: "After a snowboarding crash, I was getting headaches and numbness in my hands. Nothing seemed to help. My wife and I had just started dating and she was tired of hearing me complain so she dragged me to her chiropractor. In just a few visits, he had me fixed up and doing exercises on my own with almost no pain at all. Since then, I have been able to manage migraines without medication through regular chiropractic care (and massage too). I decided to become a chiropractor shortly after my first visit and moved to Portland, OR to attend the University of Western States. After graduating with my Doctorate in Chiropractic, I had several positions in Alaska, Nevada, and Utah. During that time, I learned what I like and don’t like in practice and how to get the best results for my patients. After the pandemic cooled off, I knew it was time to use the skills and knowledge I had acquired to build my dream practice."
UMLF: For those not in the loop, tell us about Vitae Chiropractic and the services you offer.
Crystal: "Vitae Chiropractic combines multiple chiropractic techniques, customized therapeutic exercise programs, massage, and other modalities of care to help patients feel better, move better, and live better. My approach to patient care is based on my philosophy that a body in motion stays in motion. We are all in different stages of our movement journey and I try to meet you where you are to get you where you want to be." UMLF: What are your future goals for Vitae, and how do you envision it evolving? Crystal: "My short-term goals in practice include growing the office to a $20k/mo revenue by expanding my massage program and helping patients maximize their insurance benefits. I recently hired a 3rd massage therapist and a part-time employee. My long-term goal is to expand to a second and third location in the next 3-7 years while helping other chiropractors grow in their clinical expertise and move toward their business ownership goals. I hope to elevate the next generation of chiropractors." UMLF: Can you share a particularly rewarding moment or success story from your journey as a chiropractor and business owner? Crystal: "Vitae Chiropractic is coming up on one year in business which is a huge win. Year two will be even more exciting. I recently moved into a brand new 1250sf clinic that I got to design from the ground up. I absolutely love this new space and the potential I see every day I go to work." UMLF: How do you feel like the Utah Microloan Fund has helped your business? Crystal: "I was able to get funding from UMLF a few months ago, securing it with equity from my home. I maximized every dollar of that loan for everything from advertising, equipment, payroll, and rent. This funding has been vital to the continued growth of my practice and allowed me to take big steps toward moving into my own location." UMLF: Lastly, tell us a fun fact about yourself! Crystal: "My wife and I are about to finalize the adoption of our 7-year-old son. A new business and a new kid in just one trip around the sun has been quite an exciting journey!" UMLF: Congrats Crystal! 2024 is going to be an amazing year for you! Our featured business for the month of February is Al Najma Market in West Valley City. This unique establishment is not just an ethnic grocery store but also a Halal butcher shop. Offering a diverse range of products, the store caters to the culinary needs of individuals interested in African, Middle Eastern, Arabic, Eastern European, and South Asian cuisines. The owner, Ibrahim Abdalla, faced challenging circumstances when he fled from his homeland of Sudan, which was plagued by genocide, in 1998. After enduring years in a Jordanian refugee camp, he was granted admission to the United States in 2004. Ibrahim's determination led him to work hard, eventually becoming a U.S. citizen and establishing his own market. Located at 2665 S Redwood Rd, Al Najma Market provides a unique shopping experience for those seeking authentic products in West Valley City.
Expensive, homely, out-of-style rainboots for kids? That idea is about as welcome as a rattlesnake at a square dance! Dakota Ridge owner Cheyenne Smith and her trusty sidekick COO Kylee Mecham said that dog won't hunt so the invention of cowboy rain boots was born. Keep reading to learn about our Business of the Month and what other surprises they have on the way! UMLF: Hi Cheyenne, we’re excited to interview you as our January Business of the Month! Tell us about yourself. Cheyenne: "Hi! So excited to be included! I am a mom first and foremost, but I also run a few businesses. Dakota Ridge being my passion project! I started my first business to try and find a way to supplement my income because I wanted to stay at home with my daughter instead of going back to the corporate game. I quickly realized I could freelance and make more than I was making at my corporate job." UMLF: For those not in the loop on the coolest kid's boots in town, tell us about Dakota Ridge and why you got started. Cheyenne: "I was working with all of these incredible startup e-commerce businesses and REALLY wanted to try to do it myself. I came up with the idea for DR because I could not for the life of me find rain boots that were cute and single color in my price range so I decided to search for cowboy boot rain boots but then realized quickly they didn’t exist for kids so decided to create them!" UMLF: We see you are also launching adult cowboy rain boots, any other exciting products are readers should know about? Cheyenne: "Yes! So we are currently crowdfunding here for our adult range, that has been our biggest ask by our customers so we are excited to kick those off! We are also working on new colors and designs hopefully to launch in 2024 as well as some partnerships with some brands you know and love! (shhh it’s a secret on who 😊)." UMLF: Okay we will keep it on the hush-hush! We noticed that you have an awesome give-back with every purchase on your website, tell us more about that. Cheyenne: "Yes! So we want to make sure that we are giving back to our local community and other communities that we touch with our sales. One major one is For the Kids! We love the team there and stand behind the mission they have of giving back to children who may not have the means for meals over the weekends away from school. We are also involved with the Western Sports Foundation and some of their events." UMLF: Entrepreneurship most definitely has its highs and lows. Can you tell us about a challenge you faced as a small business owner and how you overcame it? Cheyenne: "Not going to lie... I cried this morning haha! So, I think the biggest challenge for me is the constant expenditure of energy right now. We are a small startup with limited cash flow and it feels like we are constantly pushing forward through thick mud and gaining one step at a time but we are gaining momentum! I guess what I’m trying to say is that you work really hard and part of that is incredible and I wouldn’t want to do ANYTHING else.. but sometimes it feels like there is a lot of pushing with limited gain. I know it WILL come one day but some days it feels like I’m just exhausted. Now that said I love everything about the lifestyle of entrepreneurship. The flexibility, and the time it has allowed me to take with my daughter. The thrill of when it actually works.. everything is worth trudging through the sludge to get there. I have learned so much and eventually will be able to run through that sludge!" UMLF: We don't think there is a single entrepreneur out there who hasn't had some good cries so you are not alone! ❤️ UMLF: How do you feel like the Utah Microloan Fund has helped your business? Cheyenne: "Without the UMLF I would have not been able to afford my second round of inventory or expand into big kid sizes. They are single-handedly responsible for believing in me and my company and giving me the chance to prove that this is going to work! They allowed me to grow last year with the faith they put in me and I am forever grateful for that! UMLF: Lastly, what is one kid’s fashion trend you would love to go away in 2024? Cheyenne: "I mean kids are going to be kids and I know they are SOOO easy to get on but I hate crocs haha." UMLF: Haha we agree! Thanks Cheyenne! And deff keep us informed when the adult boots drop!
We're going to let you know right now, that other Katsu restaurants just aren't going to cut(let) it when you're looking for the tastiest breaded bliss in Utah! Gordon Jung and his family are bringing delicious and authentic Korean delights to lunch and dinner near you. Keep reading to learn more about our December Business of the Month located in the heart of West Jordan! UMLF: Hi Gordon, we’re excited to interview you as our Business of the Month! Tell us about yourself. Gordon: “Hello, my name is Gordon Jung and I have lived in Utah for twenty-three years. In 2011, I opened Utah's first Korean bakery (Moon Bakery), bringing happiness to many people who missed Korean bread. In 2020, I opened Utah's first Korean pork cutlet restaurant (Katsu City) in Provo, giving many people a treat, and introducing Korean pork cutlets. Now the restaurant has moved from Provo to West Jordan and reopened.” UMLF: Katsu City has always been a hit with customers, tell us about what made you decide to open a restaurant. Gordon: “When there were no Korean bakeries in Utah, I opened the first Korean bakery in Utah with the help of UMLF, bringing joy to many people. This time, I knew that many Koreans living in Utah wanted to eat pork cutlet, but there was no proper pork cutlet restaurant, so I opened a store to introduce it to them and other people who wanted to know about Korean pork cutlet.” UMLF: What are some of your favorite items on the menu? Gordon: "Our restaurant has more than 10 menu items, but I especially like “King Katsu, Chicken Katsu, Curry Katsu, and Cheese Katsu.” Generally, other restaurants use dried breadcrumbs (panko) when frying pork cutlets, but at our restaurant, we do not use panko but instead bake the bread ourselves and make fresh bread crumbs to fry the meat, so the taste and quality are very different from dried breadcrumbs." UMLF: Do you see yourself opening more locations in the future?
Gordon: “No, we do not have a plan yet.” UMLF: Entrepreneurship most definitely has its highs and lows. Can you tell us about a challenge you faced as a small business owner and how you overcame it? Gordon: “Speaking of difficulties, of course, there are financial difficulties when sales are low. We thought there were a lot of Americans in Utah who knew Korea well. So we started letting them know about Katsu City, and they came to our store one by one. And as they introduced our store on social media such as Instagram and Facebook, the number of customers increased and we overcame financial difficulties.” UMLF: How do you feel like the Utah Microloan Fund has helped your business? Gordon: “In the process of preparing for Katsu City, I was able to receive timely help with capital shortages due to various inflation caused by the pandemic, which was a great help in opening Katsu City. They are always kind, responsive, understanding, and reasonable. I'm forever grateful for my UMLF team who helped us.” To visit Katsu City check out:
Native American Heritage Month, observed throughout November, is a time to honor and celebrate the rich and diverse cultures, traditions, and contributions of Native Americans. This month provides an opportunity for reflection, education, and appreciation, acknowledging the historical significance and undeniable resilience of Native communities. Celebrating Native American Heritage Month is not only an acknowledgment of Utah's past but also a commitment to building a more equitable and culturally informed future. Utah is home to approximately 60,000 Native Americans, representing more than 50 Tribal Nations, with eight being federally recognized. These Tribes are the Northwestern Band of Shoshone Nation, Confederated Tribes of Goshute, Skull Valley Band of Goshute, Ute Indian Tribe of the Uintah and Ouray Reservation, Ute Mountain Ute Tribe, San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe, Paiute Indian Tribe of Utah and Navajo Nation. Native history in Utah goes back even further to Ancestral Puebloans who inhabited the Four Corners region from approximately 200 to 1300 CE and left a significant archaeological and cultural footprint. Cedar Mesa, Hovenweep, and Bear Ears National Monument are all notable, can't-miss sites for this. The Utah Microloan Fund has a commitment to empowering Native and rural entrepreneurs through providing access to funding, free virtual business education classes, and connection to resources. A big part of our efforts is connecting directly with business owners where they are, and we participated in two awesome events to further this goal. The first of these was San Juan County Economic Development's Business Bootcamp in the beautiful small town of Blanding, Utah. Here, we engaged with local business owners, sharing insights and fostering connections within the community. The goal of the event was to connect businesses, entrepreneurs & those in start-up phases to the educational & financial resources they need to succeed. In attendance were organizations like the Governor's Office of Economic Development & Tourism, Utah MEP, Southeastern Regional Development Agency, economic development from Grand and San Juan counties, chamber representatives and government officials + more all to share our expertise. The UMLF was also invited to participate in the National Center for American Indian Development's Native Edge Institute. This institute, dedicated to fostering economic development in Native communities, provided attendees with valuable information on unlocking their exporting potential, leadership, cyber security, the APEX accelerator program, technical assistance, lastly loan programs and access to capital. Held in downtown Salt Lake City, it was an awesome day of learning and connection thanks to the National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development (NCAIED). For over 50 years, NCAIED has been helping Native tribes and businesses gain access to economic opportunity and growth. NCAIED is now the largest national Native-specific business organization in the nation.
Thank you to both organizations for inviting the UMLF to participate in your essential events and giving us the chance to learn, teach, and participate. To learn more visit the below links: Hip hip hooray, the PROG Development Center is now open! The PROG Development Center is without a doubt, an absolute labor of love. For almost two years the PROG team has been brainstorming how they could enact innovative solutions that will catalyze systemic change for the community and searching for the perfect location. Now the fruits of their labor have come to fruition and we couldn't be more excited for this wonderful asset located in the heart of West Valley. Their team is simply....wonderful! Their efforts in bringing this project to life are admirable and you can tell how much they care. Beth, Diana, and Franque have deeply engaged with community and resource partners to make sure they intentionally designed their programming and you can feel that throughout the center. "Thanks to the hard work and support of each individual, Youth Advisory and Steering Council members, colleagues, and partners, the PROG Foundation is now offering youth in the Greater West Valley City a space to access the technology, education, and development opportunities they desire.” – Beth Martial, Director of the PROG Development Center. So who is PROG? What does the center entail? The PROG Foundation, the non-profit founded by PROG Holdings, Inc. is the force behind this exciting new center. The PROG Holdings Foundation was created to improve lives by increasing access to technology, education, and development that enhances socioeconomic opportunity. With the opening of the PROG Development Center, the Foundation has a welcoming space for young adults in the greater West Valley City area to access in-person and hybrid programming, initiatives, and other offerings designed to develop the skills and resources necessary to help positively shape their futures. What does that look like? PROG provides support for high school graduation, access to higher education, linkages for workplace preparation and enriching employment opportunities, and connections to community resources. Through community-based participatory partnerships, the Greater West Valley City youth and local leaders are working across sectors to bring this to life. How can you get involved?
Now open is the long-awaited Fayette Merc, in you guessed it, Fayette, Utah! Located in the heart of Sanpete County, business owner Breanne Mashek and her family opened a locally-focused mercantile that is a must-stop spot on your next trip. Keep reading to learn more about this new shop located at 9 N. Main St in the old ZCMI! UMLF: Hi Breanne, we’re excited to interview you as our Business of the Month! Tell us about yourself. Breanne: "I'm Breanne Mashek, I’m a serial entrepreneur, mom to two teenagers, wife, and caregiver to my dad - a Vietnam veteran living with dementia. My family and I moved to Utah almost two years ago after traveling throughout the West during Covid. We were looking for a place to start writing our family’s next chapter and here we are in the middle of Utah.“ UMLF: Can you tell us why you chose Fayette and how you came up with the idea for the Merc? Breanne: "We chose Fayette because of this house! (and that it was an acceptable distance my husband Zach felt he could commute to work up North). We looked at just one other property because this one stole all of our hearts and checked all the boxes we were after, so why complicate the search? We wanted a small rural community, a little bit of acreage to dream up big things with, and easy access to the great outdoors which we get to utilize and admire daily. The home’s history and charm really sold us, our house is part of a former ZCMI building, so The Merc has always been a part of Fayette’s history. The decision to revitalize the old and bring it into the 21st Century was a natural one. Utilizing my previous entrepreneurial knowledge, I started doing the work to bring it to reality.” UMLF: What are some of the products you will be featuring in the shop? Breanne: "We are meeting with local producers in Sanpete County and the surrounding areas to get regenerative beef, pork, and chicken (that is, meat raised responsibly on pasture that is good for the soil and better for our health). We also have pasture eggs, homemade baked goods, smoothies, home-brewed kombucha, high-quality skincare items, and convenience snacks that are free of “natural flavors” and seed oils. Hyper-local wherever possible, and just really tasty food that is really good for you.” UMLF: Do you have any long-term goals for the Merc that you can share with us?
Breanne: "We hope to create a community hub where people can meet and enjoy good food together, having farm-to-table dinners and breaking bread while the stars come out at night. Long term, we’d like to start a community garden where we can collectively raise and grow more of our own food together. I see this place as the beginning of creating a secure food network in our county where there are a lot of people interested and invested in the wellness of one another.” UMLF: How has the local community responded? Breanne: "There is a lot of buzz around The Merc’s opening, so I think people are excited. We get people stopping by a lot who have some tie to this place and we love hearing and collecting their stories of what they loved about this place when they were growing up. So more of that, and now with good food while they visit!” UMLF: Entrepreneurship most definitely has its highs and lows. Can you tell us about a challenge you faced as a small business owner and how you overcame it? Breanne: "This is the first business venture I’ve started that included asking for funding. I was super intimidated and almost let the hurdle of asking squash my dream. Rather than giving up, I started asking a lot of questions to people in my community, people in banking who are really good with numbers and spreadsheets, and attending UMLF’s online classes and orientations. Basically, building a network of competent and caring individuals who are on our team and want to see us succeed.” UMLF: How do you feel like the Utah Microloan Fund has helped your business? Breanne: “It’s been nothing but encouraging and educational. We couldn’t have started this without their help and belief in our vision. We’re super grateful and excited for this new adventure!” To stay in touch with Breanne and visit the Fayette Merc check out:
Our October Business of the Month shines a spotlight on Jolly Circle, a comprehensive bike shop situated in the heart of Springville, Utah, owned by entrepreneur and avid biked Griffin Park. At Jolly Circle, the love for cycling merges seamlessly with a commitment to providing top-notch service, making it a go-to destination for cycling enthusiasts. Whether you're a seasoned rider or a novice exploring the world of biking, Jolly Circle offers a diverse range of services and products, catering to all your biking needs. Keep reading to discover the remarkable journey and offerings of this thriving hub for bike enthusiasts. UMLF: Hi Griffin, we're excited to interview you as our Business of the Month! Tell us about yourself. Jolly Circle: My name is Griffin Park, I'm 27 and I was raised in Springville, Utah, where my bike shop is located. I have been pursuing a degree in exercise science at UVU for the past 4 years as I've been starting and running this business. I love to ride bikes, although I don't get to do it as much as I'd like. I love to ski and be outside. My wife and I just had our first kid, so it's been an adventure trying to grow a business while in school and now with a baby in the house. But I've enjoyed it a lot and I've grown quite a bit. UMLF: Can you tell us about the history and founding of Jolly Circle? What inspired the name and concept behind your business? Jolly Circle: “I started racing bikes at 10 years old, I got a job in a bike shop the day I turned 15 to help me afford to continue racing. In 2017, I was still working in a bike shop in Orem, but I started to do bicycle repair in my neighborhood on the side for some extra money. I did this each year, and it grew each year. In the Spring of 2020 I was doing enough work for me to quit my other job and do bike repair full time here in Springville. Up until 2020 I was doing everything mobile, driving my car around with a tool box and a bunch of parts, fixing bikes at peoples houses. In 2020 I was able to get a little shop space, and make it more of an official business. My idea was to make bikes and bike repair more accessible to people who weren't "bike savvy". Sometimes bike shops can come off a little intimidating/snobby, looking down on those who ride cheaper bikes, or don't know much about bikes. I wanted to have a bike shop that anyone would feel comfortable walking into. My dad was a pretty big influence in my passion for bikes. He started training with me at 9 years old and helped me start racing. When I was young, he created a team with me and some of my buddies, called Jolly Circle Racing. Jolly Circle is the street my dad grew up on, and it kind of became a family brand at that point. I named the shop after that, because that is where I got my start with bicycles.” UMLF: What are some of the services you provide in addition to bike sales? Jolly Circle: “We fix all kinds of bikes, and sell all kinds of bicycle accessories. We also offer bicycle maintenance classes, as well as coaching for young bike racers. We also still do mobile bicycle repair, but now we pick up the bikes and bring them back to the shop for repair.” UMLF: How has the local community responded to your shop? Are there any memorable customer stories you'd like to share? Jolly Circle: “The community has been amazingly supportive of our shop. So many of our customers tell us that they love to support local businesses. We have a great turn out for our community rides when we hold them. My favorite thing is when we have a kid who gets a new bike from us, or gets their bike fixed with us. The moment they hop on the bike and start smiling is so cool to see.” UMLF: Utah is obviously known for its beautiful landscapes and outdoor activities. How does Jolly Circle contribute to promoting biking as a recreational and transportation option in Springville? Jolly Circle: “We host community rides on a semi regular basis. This year we have tried to pick routes that highlight unique or cool things about Springville, like our Art Museum and our many parks. We also try to help the riders to learn new safe routes to navigate the city by bike. I also have plans this winter to create a cycling map of Springville, showing which roads to utilize for transportation by bicycle, and which to avoid. Riding a bike out on the roads, as transportation, for errands, or to commute to school or work can be kind of intimidating. The map will hopefully build some confidence in those who want to make riding a bike a bigger part of their life.” UMLF: Entrepreneurship most definitely has its highs and lows. Can you tell us about a challenge you faced as a small business owner and how you overcame it? Jolly Circle: “Starting the business in 2020 had its benefits and its drawbacks. It was extremely hard to get our hands on any new bikes, or to even get any accounts opened up with any bike brands. This was due to the extremely high demand for bikes at this time. I also didn't have a large sum of money to put in a large order of bikes, so the bicycle distributing companies did not want to do business with a smaller shop like us. It was also hard to get parts for repairs, because the supply of parts was so strained at that time. In response to this, we focused really hard on repairs, and fixing broken parts, rather than replacing them with new ones. It turned out to be a great thing for the shop, because we were able to bring in a good amount of revenue through repairs, without having to go heavily into debt bringing in a huge order of bikes. It definitely forced me to be ok with the business growing a little slower, which was a good thing with me also being in school full time.” UMLF: How do you feel like the Utah Microloan Fund has helped your business? Jolly Circle: “UMLF helped me to take the next step into becoming a full service bike shop. UMLF allowed me to have opportunity to bring in a full order of new bikes to sell, in addition to the opportunity to renovate a new shop location. Both of these things have helped my business grow quite a bit, and will allow my business to continue to see great growth over the next few years. I'm very grateful for UMLF and for how easy they've been to work with.” To stay in touch with Jolly Circle visit:
A Night of Glamour and Achievement: Women's Business Center of Utah's 23rd Annual Summer Social9/11/2023 The 23rd Annual Summer Social hosted by the Women's Business Center of Utah (WBCUtah) was a night to remember! The night came to life in a vintage Hollywood-themed celebration filled with delectable hors d'oeuvres, silent auction, and an inspirational honor for Becca Hofmann, Northern Entrepreneur of the Year. It was also a night to celebrate the ongoing success of the Women's Business Center of Utah and all of the amazing work they do for women entrepreneurs throughout the state. Stepping into the event was like stepping back in time to the golden age of Hollywood. Our venue for the evening was the beautiful historic Monson Center. The event was held in the Ivory Ballroom, creating an elegant atmosphere that set the stage for an evening of glamour and celebration. WBCUtah provides individualized business counseling and coaching, extensive training and workshops, guidance in accessing capital, opportunities for networking and community building, an arsenal of business resources, and specialized programs designed to address unique entrepreneurial challenges. Additionally, the center advocates for policies supporting women-owned businesses, fosters mentoring relationships, and offers online resources for accessibility. WBCUtah is dedicated to fostering the success and growth of women-owned enterprises in Utah through its multifaceted and evolving support ecosystem. If you haven't visited utahwomenowned.com or listed your own women-owned business on there, we know what you're doing today! The highlight of the night was the recognition of Becca Hofmann as the Northern Entrepreneur of the Year. Becca's journey showcased the potential of entrepreneurship and the impact of organizations like WBCUtah. The event also offered a valuable networking opportunity, bringing together entrepreneurs, business leaders, and professionals to share ideas and strengthen the community of female entrepreneurs in Utah. The night celebrated entrepreneurship, success, and the remarkable achievements of women in Utah. It was a shining example of how a supportive community, mentorship, and perseverance can pave the way for women to excel in the business world. Can't wait for next year! To learn more about how the Women's Business Center of Utah can help your business, visit https://wbcutah.org/ to learn more! We're excited to feature Wandering Jade Mobile Bar as our September Business of the Month. Owner Amberdee Miller can bring the party to you, no matter the occasion. Keep reading to learn more about her journey in opening Wander Jade and why you need to book them for your next shindig! UMLF: Hi Amberdee, we’re excited to interview you as our Business of the Month! Tell us about yourself. Amberdee: "About me, I'm a single mother of 3 amazing humans. My oldest is 23 and she is also an entrepreneur, she has an Etsy shop that sells handmade products. My son followed in my footsteps and is a Law Enforcement Officer, and I have a 13-year-old at home still. She is the spicy one. She is involved in cheer at her school and keeps me on my toes. I have been a Law Enforcement Officer for 13+ years. I have worked as a Task Force Officer with the FBI, completed SWAT school, and trained as a CVSA examiner (Computer Voice Stress Analyzer, used for truth detection). I enjoy camping, fishing, and hunting. I spent a lot of time with my Dad and Grandpa in the shop building projects and learning how to use all the tools. I do a lot of DIY projects at home. I fail a lot and sometimes I get it right. Now I am the proud new owner of Wandering Jade!" UMLF: Your trailer is so cute! Tell us about how you got the idea of Wandering Jade and what your services are. Amberdee: "I found this quote on Tiktok and it explains me pretty accurately "If I'm being completely honest, I don't think that there's anything I couldn't do at least half decently, I was born with the "how hard could it be gene" which is incredibly helpful and very delusional." I love to build and create. I can retire in a few years and wanted to have something I could do after I retire. I was a bartender before I worked in Law Enforcement. I loved it. So I bought a horse trailer and decided to see if I could build a mobile bar. I learned how to weld, how to use auto paint, I learned all about working with metal and wood, and so much more. I had a lot of support from friends and family. I completed Jade in July after working on it every day for 5 months. It was a lot of failure and trial and error. I'm so proud of the finished product. We have a mobile bartender service with licensed and insured bartenders, we have 2 pop-up bars that can be used in almost any setting, and we have Jade. She is a 1985 Horse trailer converted into a mobile bar. We offer cocktail planning, tasting, custom menu signs, and everything you need for a bar except the liquid. We also offer rental of the trailer for the customer to serve whatever they choose. We do an Italian Soda Bar at the farmers market and have rented to a local bakery to use for an expo show. We believe our clients deserve hand-crafted cocktails made by licensed bartenders, rather than coolers and a creepy uncle bartending." UMLF: Does this work for non-drinkers as well?
Amberdee: "Yes! We have done several events with non-alcoholic options. Soda Bar, Italian Soda, Hot Coco as well as a snack bar or just a photo shoot. We can also do soda bars for corporate events, or construction sites." UMLF: Do you have any favorite memories so far of events you’ve been at? Amberdee: "We served at a wedding in Bear Lake this summer and it was an amazing experience. The couple were from the East Coast and planned a destination wedding. They were so kind and the crowd was really fun. We learned a lot!" UMLF: Entrepreneurship most definitely has its highs and lows. Can you tell us about a challenge you faced as a small business owner and how you overcame it? Amberdee: "The biggest challenge so far has been the balance of work and home life. Adding another "job" to an already full plate has made me be more creative and get my humans involved to help me. Including web design, graphic design, and teaching my older daughter to bartend. We have sacrificed our usual summer camping trips, for late nights working on completing the trailer. I feel this has been an example for my girls of following a dream with hard work and dedication." UMLF: How do you feel like the Utah Microloan Fund has helped your business? Amberdee: "Utah Microloan Fund has helped me so much. Learning about resources, and funding, and having other entrepreneurs to bounce ideas off. Utah Microloan Fund also set me up with the Small Business Development Center, and they have been a great resource and helped me think bigger." UMLF: Lastly, how can people book with you? Our website is www.wanderingjademobilebar.com. Clients can fill out a quick survey, followed by a conversation about what they have envisioned, a small deposit and they are on the books. Awesome thanks Amberdee! To stay in touch follow Wandering Jade on: Facebook: Wandering Jade Mobile Bar Instagram: www.instagram.com/wandering.jade.bar Are you a small business owner in the beautiful state of Utah looking for opportunities to grow and expand your company? If so, registering as a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) with the Utah Transit Authority (UTA) might be a strategic move that can benefit your business in several ways. In this blog post, we will explore the advantages of becoming a DBE through UTA and who is eligible for this program so keep on reading! What is a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE)? Before delving into the reasons to register as a DBE with UTA, let's understand what a DBE is. A Disadvantaged Business Enterprise is a designation given to small businesses that are owned and operated by individuals who are socially and economically disadvantaged. These businesses often face unique challenges in competing for government contracts and opportunities. To level the playing field, government agencies like UTA have established DBE programs to promote diversity and provide equal access to government contracting opportunities. Advantages of Registering as a DBE with UTA: 1. Access to Government Contracts: UTA, like many other government agencies, sets aside a percentage of its contracts specifically for DBEs. By registering as a DBE, your business gains access to a pool of contracting opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach. 2. Competitive Edge: Being a DBE can set your business apart from competitors when bidding on government contracts. Agencies often prioritize DBEs and consider them favorably during the selection process. 3. Networking Opportunities: UTA frequently hosts outreach events and networking opportunities for registered DBEs. These events can help you connect with key decision-makers and potential partners in the industry. 4. Training and Support: Many DBE programs, including UTA's, offer training and technical assistance to help businesses grow and thrive. You can access resources and guidance that can be invaluable for your business's development. 5. Subcontracting Opportunities: If your business does not yet have the capacity to take on larger contracts, becoming a DBE can still be beneficial. You can participate in projects as a subcontractor under larger DBE-certified firms, gaining valuable experience and building your reputation. Who Is Eligible for DBE Certification with UTA?
To be eligible for DBE certification through UTA, your business must meet the following criteria:
Types of Businesses:
Conclusion Registering your small business as a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise with the Utah Transit Authority can open doors to a world of opportunities, provide a competitive edge, and help you overcome the unique challenges faced by disadvantaged businesses. It's a step toward growth and success that can benefit not only your business but also the communities you serve. If you believe your business qualifies for DBE certification with UTA, don't hesitate to explore the application process and take advantage of the resources and opportunities this program offers. It could be the catalyst your business needs to thrive in the thriving economic landscape of Utah. Learn more at: www.rideuta.com/doing-business/disadvantaged-enterprises This month's Business of the Month feature is coming to you from sunny St. George and we think they're a smash hit, no pun intended. Actually pun very much intended! Owned by Branin Boyack and Brandon Milbrandt, Smash Labs is the coolest hangout spot in town that features rage rooms and axe throwing. What exactly is a rage room? Keep reading to find out! UMLF: Hey guys, we’re excited to interview you as our Business of the Month! Tell us about yourselves. Smash Labs: "Brandon and I have been friends since the 7th grade, so almost 24 years now. Our names are so similar, Branin and Brandon, that somewhere along that road the nickname Milly came up and has stuck ever since. Throughout our early adult life, we began helping Milly's mom run mountain bike races as her logistics and security team. Being on the management side of events exposed us to the entrepreneur mindset and we began kicking around ideas for our own businesses. After a few years of us working on our own careers, life, and other things I ended up in a pretty serious relationship with my now wife who helped me to get my rear end into gear and pursue my business ideas. Milly was all too eager to jump on board when I came up with the idea for a rage room and axe-throwing venue. We kicked around a few names and he came up with the name Smash Labs and we loved it. Fast forward a few years and now we're both married with families of our own. I've got 2 girls and 2 boys while Milly's got 1 girl and 3 boys with 2 more on the way. We love being business owners and providing a cool place for people to blow off steam or just have a blast with their friends." UMLF: For those who aren’t in the loop, what exactly is a rage room? Smash Labs: "A Rage Room is a designated space to break all kinds of things. We smash things like bottles and plates all the way up to dryers, file cabinets, and refrigerators. Whether people come to us just to have fun with friends or if they come in to work through some serious emotional issues, rage rooms can accommodate them. We have our guests suit up in protective gear like coveralls, face masks, and gloves, and then after some quick instructions, we turn them loose to bust things up." UMLF: We bet you get people from all walks of life coming in to destress or work out some emotions. Do you have any memories that stand out of times when people had some great breakthroughs or felt like they overcame some challenges they were facing?
Smash Labs: "We really do get all kinds of people. We have some that come in with friends just to SMASH s**t and then we have people who come in with their therapist or at their therapist's recommendation to work on some emotional issues they've been going through. We've had people that were dealing with divorces or break ups, we've had people who'd recently lost loved ones, and we've even played host to a weekly emotional resilience class, but one guest who really sticks out was a woman in her mid 40's who came in a bit reserved and unsure what she was doing. I kind of got the impression something was really troubling her. She asked if we had a way to cover the window so people couldn't see in during her session. We have a cover just for situations like that so we put that up, she then asked for a marker to write on the things she was about to smash. Once we got her suited up and into the room, she cranked up the music and LET IT OUT. Our rooms and well insulated but we could her screams and cries. I was unsure how awkward it would be when she came out but 20 minutes later she came out and seemed like a completely different person. With makeup running down her face and tears still in her eyes she dried her eyes and then told us how she and her husband were getting divorced and her son had been in and out of jail for drugs. She'd also recently been in a car accident and was really just having a rough go at things lately. But while telling us all of this she seemed more upbeat and relaxed. She told us that writing down her problems and feelings and smashing them to pieces helped her to process the emotions so many of us just bottle up and can't express properly. She left with smudged makeup, red eyes, and a huge smile on her face. To me, that will be one of the greatest examples of what a rage room can do." UMLF: Entrepreneurship definitely has its highs and lows. Can you tell us about a challenge you faced as small business owners and how you overcame it? Smash Labs: "For us, one of the biggest challenges has been just getting started. We looked at about 15-20 different properties before we found one that would rent to a new concept like ours. Somewhere in the middle of those properties, we had a signed lease with a guy who owned a building in the Home Depot shopping plaza only to be forced out by Home Depot because they didn't want our concept near them citing that we'd drag down their business or scare their customers as if we had a seedy business concept that was scary. Once we'd left that behind we soon found our current location with a property owner who has been great to work with. Next came challenges with COVID and then challenges with letting people know we existed and where to find us since we're kind of tucked out of the way for most people. With any challenge that comes up we always find a way to make it work." UMLF: How do you feel like the Utah Microloan Fund has helped your business? Smash Labs: "When we first approached Utah Microloan Fund, we were working to get the franchise arm of Smash Labs up and running. They were very great to work with and made the process as easy as it could be. From meeting with Doug for the first time to signing the documents, UMLF has taken care of us. We were able to use the funds to improve our business and start a new chapter in our story." UMLF: Lastly, what are the two of yours favorite things to smash? Branin: "My favorite things to smash are large figurines, The kind made from plaster like garden gnomes or piggy banks. They tend to explode pretty good when you hit them just right." Milly: "My favorite thing to Smash are the TVs. If you've ever been frustrated or made about a football game then you know what I'm talking about." Ready to let all the rage out? Stay in touch with Smash Labs at:
Salon Pèttine is open and ready for business! This women-owned boutique hair salon specializes in one thing - serious style. Keep reading to learn more about our July Business of the Month and why 1126 East 3300 South is going to be your new favorite spot in town. UMLF: Hi ladies, we’re excited to interview you as our Business of the Month! Tell us about yourselves. "We met at our previous salon and clicked instantly and became fast best friends. When Liz left, she had to convince Kenzie to make the leap with her. Clearly it didn’t take much! We are the ultimate definition of “yin-yang”. We are the exact same but couldn’t be more different. Liz specializes in low maintenance blondes & Kenzie specializes in high maintence vibrant color. We’ve been in the industry for a collective of just over 10 a decade. We couldn’t ask for a better partnership!" UMLF: You guys worked at other salons and now are striking out and starting your own. What prompted your leap of faith? Liz: "I was feeling extremely burnt out and didn’t see the opportunity for progression and didn’t feel like I could be the stylist I wanted to be. Starting my own salon suite just came at the perfect time & the growth followed soon after. It’s been crazy, but so fun." Kenz: 'We've created a community of friends who just so happened to be stylists. Liz & I created a safe space for people in our salon suite, so we felt we could broaden that into our own salon. Liz had the idea and I basically forced her to have me as a partner. It didn't take much convincing for her though." UMLF: What are some of the services provided? Liz: "I specialize in low maintenance lived-in color & also hair extensions. We have 10 other amazing stylists who do a variety of services from precision barbering, cutting, color and facials." Kenz: "We even have a girl who does nails. Liz is our low maintenance queen and I'm the high maintenance fashion color gal." UMLF: What advice do you have for emerging hair stylists? Liz: "Find your brand and lean into it, you don’t need to work for or around anyone who makes you feel less than and you don’t have to do “all the hair”. Only do services you love." Kenz: "Be your authentic self. I can't stress this enough. Clients do love a hairstylist that knows what they are doing for sure but ultimately it comes down to your personality and how well you get along with the client." UMLF: Entrepreneurship definitely has its highs and lows. Can you tell us about a challenge you faced as small business owners and how you overcame it?
Kenz: "Oh man, yes it's been a wild ride for us. We went the route of UMLF because a dear stylist friend of ours worked with them. We originally had an angel investor that kind of turned into a nightmare. Lack of communication with them is what drove us to applying for the UMLF loan and we are so grateful we did! Finances are hard in any situation but when you have other stylists counting on you to be open and ready as a business, that's a whole other kind of stress. Now we are open and only have our normal financial burdens to think about." UMLF: How do you feel like the Utah Microloan Fund has helped your business? Liz: "UMLF quite literally gave us the resources to create our dream hair salon. We can’t thank them enough." Kenz: "Yes, again we are so grateful for UMLF. We wouldn't be a sustainable business without them." UMLF: And for funsies, what is one hair trend you both are loving and one that you want to see go? Liz: "Loving-effortless color and big voluminous blowouts. Would love to say bye to- probably teenage boys with mullets!" Kenz: "I disagree with Liz, I like the modern mullet. Not that 80's/90's trash mullet. The tasteful kind with texture and movement. & personally I love the split hair color trend. I have it on myself and change it often. It's fun & you get the best of both worlds. One that I want to see go though would have to be bleaching your own hair at home. Tik Tok and the pandemic made people believe they could do their own dye job at home & I can't tell you how many I've had to fix from this trend!" Website: www.salonpettine.com Insta: www.instagram.com/salonpettine Now in its tenth year, OFN's Small Business Finance Forum returned in person to downtown Chicago’s magnificent mile for the first time in four years and we got to attend! Over 500 mission-driven small business lenders, funders, investors, and other partners from around the country got together to learn, connect, and be inspired. And inspiring it was! It was amazing to chat with other CDFI colleagues and to learn from some of the best and brightest leaders on new innovations, ideas, and strategies to continue serving our country's underserved communities. But to back up a little, what is a CDFI you might ask? Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) are lenders with a mission to provide fair, responsible financing to rural, urban, Native, and other communities that mainstream finance doesn’t traditionally reach. Where others see risk, we see opportunity. Entrepreneurship surged during the pandemic, increasing demand for small business financing that continues today. At the same time, troubling signs in the economy, from inflation to rising interest rates to bank failures, are constricting access to finance, putting small businesses — and the American economy — at risk. The focus of this conference was how our organizations can get creative and lean in more. Sara Day, our Program Manager of Training and Outreach attending on the UMLF's behalf and her notebook is FULL of new ideas to implement in Utah. There were many great plenaries as well as breakout sessions. Sometimes it was hard to choose which one to attend because the options were all captivating topics.
Some standout favorites were:
We're so grateful for the opportunity to attend and can't wait for the next one! To learn more about Opportunity Finance Network visit www.ofn.org.
UMLF: Hey guys! We’re excited to interview you as our Business of the Month. Can you tell our readers about yourselves?
LBT: Our names are Rosanna and Michael and we are the co-founders of Link Boba Tea. We moved to Utah back in 2021 originally for work and absolutely fell in love with everything this state had to offer from food to the various outdoors activities and decided to stay permanently! One of our favorite things to do together is discover new restaurants and explore the national parks and local hiking trails. We also have two cats, Abraham and Lincoln, with Lincoln being the inspiration for our name and logo (we named the company before adopting Abraham - we would never play favorites!). UMLF: For those who need the 411, what is Link Boba and where are you located? LBT: Link Boba operates through our Boba Box product which is an automated bubble tea kiosk that creates a drink for the customer on demand. We offer 3 flavors at a time and are open to feedback to what customers would like to see (QR survey) and can make those changes accordingly. We are currently located at Ogden Weber Technical College (OTECH) at 200 N Washington Blvd, Ogden, UT 84404. The Boba Box is located in the Student Union building right next to the cafeteria. We are hoping to expand over the next couple of years to some other locations in the Weber/Davis county area as well. UMLF: What inspired you guys to bring Boba to the Ogden area? LBT: When we first moved to Utah and was exploring the food scene, one of the things we noticed in northern Utah was the lack of bubble tea shops. Coming from Michigan where there were plenty of options, we were shocked at what we had in the area. One night on our way home from SLC after getting some boba, we were thinking of how cool it would be if there could be bubble tea machines. In diving into this a bit more we discovered this was actually a possibility and decided to take a leap of faith!
UMLF: What are some of your favorite flavors you offer?
LBT: Currently we offer Mango, Strawberry, and Thai Tea flavors with our personal favorite being Thai Tea. UMLF: Every business has its highs and lows. Can you tell us about a challenge you faced as an entrepreneur and how you overcame it? LBT: An ongoing challenge that we have faced are the mechanical flaws that come with the Boba Box. Michael, being our resident mechanical engineer, has been constantly making improvements such as with the water heater, ice machine, cup dispenser, etc. so that the process of creating a drink flows better and has less errors. To overcome this in the future, we have put together a list of requirements on what we will need to be built out in the next iteration of the Boba Box and have been in contact with the manufacturer to see what changes can be made moving forward. UMLF: How do you feel like the Utah Microloan Fund has helped your business? LBT: The Utah Microloan Fund has been a huge help financially and also has provided lots of opportunities for us to learn about entrepreneurship from pricing to marketing strategies. We love that there is a community at UMLF that will always be there to help answer our questions and guide us in the right direction when needed. To stay in touch with Rosanna & Michael visit: Website: www.linkbobatea.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/linkbobatea Instagram: www.instagram.com/linkbobatea We're here to say a big congratulations to our Spring 23 cohort of Banking on Women! Sponsored by Synchrony Bank, Banking on Women is an entrepreneurship program for women in Utah who are looking to start or grow a business. The curriculum covers all aspects of running a small business including business planning, market research, marketing, financial management, growth, and leadership. Our favorite part though is that while going through this class our participants often find that they make lifelong connections and friendships with the other ladies in the class. The program is hosted and taught by the amazing staff at Westminster College including Program Lead Deborah Marzano. Without Westminster and their ongoing expertise, this program could not thrive. These ladies committed 15 weeks of their lives to this program which entailed weekly three hour night classes + homework all while juggling running their businesses, families, and beyond. It takes a lot of chutzpah to commit to working on your business and taking it to the next level so these ladies deserve a huge round of applause! Millie, Lacey, Joy, Carlina, Brynn, and Jacene here's to you!
We are still accepting applications for our Fall cohort which will be held in-person in SLC on Westminster's Campus as well as a virtual cohort for Southern Utah. The deadline to apply is June 16th, learn more at www.utahmicroloanfund.org/bankingonwomen because this could be you! Today marked the inaugural Carbon and Emery County Business Expo and we hope it's one of many to come! The event was held at the Business Technical Assistance Center, a coworking space located inside the Southeastern Utah Association of Local Government building. First off, the space itself brings together so many vital resources for small business owners in the area like business advising, a commissary kitchen, podcasting room, 3D printer, meeting space, and coworking desks. BTAC really embodies the spirit of entrepreneurship and working together as a community so it was the perfect place to hold the 1st annual business expo. The expo was a volunteer effort organized by representatives from both chambers of commerce, the city of Helper, USU, the BATC, the Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity, the SBDC, (and more!) and was definitely a labor of love to bring it to life. People in the area should consider themselves so lucky to have such amazing individuals on their entrepreneurial "team" because it definitely takes a village to start and grow your own business! I chatted with so many people the evening flew by like the Helper train! Chatting with budding new entrepreneurs and strategizing with existing business owners looking to grow made for great conversation. Us resource partners heard a lot of amazing ideas and it was fun connecting every business owner with the right resource for them. Participating vendors included:
Utah Microloan Fund's May Business of the Month is none other than Kalo Clinical Research. A woman/minority-owned clinical research site local to the greater Salt Lake area. What makes them so special? We will let owner Bella Tukuafu Johnson tell you herself! Keep reading to learn more. UMLF: Hi Bella! We’re excited to interview you as our Business of the Month. Tell us about yourself. Bella: I am Bella Tukuafu Johnson, born and raised in a tiny town called Punalu’u on the island of Oahu in Hawaii. I’m the 9th child of 14 siblings (5th daughter of 7), raised in the mountains without electricity until I was 12 years old, where at that point we built an electrical plant run by the river so we had electricity moving forward. While we were poor in material things, we were extremely blessed in love and the abundance of goodness. I attended Kahuku High School where I built rich and lasting friends that continue today. I obtained a bachelor’s degree in international studies with an emphasis in Health at BYU Provo, and promptly secured employment at the University of Utah in the field of health research, focusing on cancer, pediatric and genetic research, inclusively providing me with over 14 years of research experience in health. My joy and priority of life centers around my immediate family consisting of my loving and supportive husband Floyd Johnson, and our incredibly cool kids, Olysia, Kalea, Sam, Uati, Ka’eo and Eva Johnson. My life experience and rich heritage have created a drive in me to learn, grow and expand my horizons, including the opening and growth of Kalo Clinical Research (KCR). UMLF: For those who need the 411, tell us about Kalo and what you do? Bella: For a medication to be approved for general use, it needs to be studied rigorously in a clinical trial to find out if it works, and if it is safe for use. We work to ensure new treatments are safe and effective and answer other questions about how to treat and prevent diseases. Today, people are living longer, healthier lives, due to medical advances driven by clinical research. Since 1990, there has been a 60% reduction in deaths for children under 5. Since 2000, 36 million lives have been saved by childhood vaccines in low- and middle-income countries. The chances of surviving cancer for 5 years or more after diagnosis in the USA increased from 50% in 1970 to 67% in 2007. Kalo Clinical Research (KCR) is a people-focused branch of science. We offer superior on-site pharmaceutical clinical trials to patients with chronic medical conditions (like diabetes, heart disease, asthma, etc.), providing professional and positive experiences in research for those willing to volunteer and test the medication(s) for future patients. UMLF: Obviously representation matters in clinical research but what may not be so obvious are the consequences when there is a lack of diversity in this area. Can you tell about some of those? Bella: Until recently, researchers and clinicians assumed that what they learned about white male participants could be safely applied to anybody in medicine regardless of gender, race, ethnicity or other variables. We now know that this is not true. The same dose of medication does not affect a 350lb White male the same as it would a 120 lb Asian woman. African Americans and Latinos (and other communities) make up over 35% of the US population, but account for less than 8% of participants in many clinical studies. When it comes medical research, there is no standard or average human. The FDA has approved drugs which were proven to be safe and effective for overwhelmingly white study participants, but then were proven later unsafe and/or ineffective for minority populations. Unfortunately, racial and ethnic minorities experience more preventable disease and poorer health outcomes (health disparities in conditions like asthma, heart disease and diabetes), yet they are often not included in and rarely receive the benefits of research studies as often as white people are. Humans are generally more alike than not, and we are genuinely grateful for the work and volunteers from the white community who have helped to shape medicine up to this point. However, we must include other communities in research if we want to discover answers to the improvement of medicine for all. UMLF: Are there certain studies you continually have participation in or does it change over the years?Bella: We do our best to find clinical trials that will be beneficial to the communities we serve, providing medications related to heart disease, diabetes and asthma, as well as other necessary indications. The trials change over the years, and we will often taken on other indications, especially as we have interested physicians who want to work with us and provide trials specific to their fields, like gastroenterology, dermatology, etc. UMLF: It seems like your work will have long-lasting effects on the medical industry and that you should be super proud of the contributions Kalo is and will continue to have. Do you ever stop take it all in? Bella: We do feel very honored to be a part of the medical industry and know that what we have to contribute is very valuable. Every so often we do look back on our progress, on our impact on the neighborhoods and people we serve, and feel fortunate to be in the roles that we are in. Through clinical trials, patients are often given access to medical treatments that are not yet available to the public, with superior medical oversight. Insurance is not required for participation, and medications are typically offered at no cost with additional payment stipends for the participants to help cover the time and effort required to participate in the studies, often between $500-$5,000/study depending on the complexity of involvement. It is so satisfying when we can adequately educate and empower members of the community and people are able to take advantage of this resource not only for themselves but for those in the future. Additionally, we work within the community to inform/educate people about the opportunities available for employment within clinical research. Medicine is a field that many come to with the intent to alleviate people’s pain and suffering, and careers in healthcare offer high salaries and job safety. However, not everyone can obtain the higher-level education required for most of these jobs. We specifically reach out to those who are interested in health and science, but who (for whatever reason) haven’t had the chance to obtain higher education or degrees. Many careers in clinical trials do not require advanced degrees, but study coordinators average $60,491 per year in salary. We train and advance people from entry-level positions to polished medical professionals within the field. We strive to create an inclusive environment that engages all our employees and provide them with the capacity to develop and grow, both professionally and personally. UMLF: Every business has its highs and lows. Can you tell us about a challenge you faced as an entrepreneur and how you overcame it? Bella: I fell into the entrepreneur role by circumstance, and years ago would have never thought I’d be where I am now. It was immediately apparent how much I didn’t know about running a company (despite my expertise in the healthcare/research field), and as soon as I had the opportunity, I hired a business coach to improve my leadership skills as well as the operations and systems of the company. This has continued be one of the best investments I’ve made in myself and in the company. However, one of the main challenges that I continue to face is the financial viability and capacity to navigate the ebbs and flows of payments for work done from the pharmaceutical companies that we contract with. Sometimes we go for months without getting paid due to a myriad of reasons, which means we must be self-sustaining until we finally see the accounts receivables come through. I have often expressed how I feel we have the most incredible company, and we just need money. LOL. We have overcome this challenge by finding those willing to help us make it through until we are continuously cash-flow positive. UMLF: How do you feel like the Utah Microloan Fund has helped your business? Bella: Our funding from the Utah Microloan Fund came just in the nick of time, when payroll was due, and our existing funds had run out. Miracles like this have contributed to our continued progress and ultimate success, and we are infinitely grateful for the resource and the timing of the approval and receipt of the Utah Microloan Fund who helped us when no one else would. Thank you Bella! Keep up the amazing work that you are doing! To stay in touch with Kalo visit: This week is National Small Business Week and to celebrate we joined the Salt Lake City Department of Economic Development and their Business Development team for their Redwood Road Commerce & Culture Food Tour. Our group of participants got to stop by three local restaurants, meet the owners, and get a taste of what business is like for these treasured establishments within our city. We definitely left FULL of great food and conversation! Our first stop took us to Global Place Somali Restaurant located at 1151 S. Redwood Road Suite 101 where we met met Omar and Abdul. While they told us about the history of the restaurant, their culture, and their plans for the future, our group dined family-style. Sombusa, crispy fish, pasta, and more! It was hard to not fill up at our very first spot. Global Place is a collective of businesses for the Somali community including a market, barber shop, tailor, the restaurant and also serves as a gathering space for their community. It was fun to walk through and check it out. Next we ventured over to Pacific Seas, an authentic Polynesian restaurant that has been family-owned and operated for over 25 years. We kicked off our meal with Mango Otai, a deliciously sweet drink that we wanted seconds of. For food we tried Lu, (Taro leaves cooked in coconut milk), Sipi (lamb ribs), Umala, and some delicious sides. The Lavulo Family told us about each of the dishes and their stories about how they all come together to run the business together. City Councilman Alejandro Puy E also stopped by to join in the meal. Pacific Seas is also located at 1151 S Redwood Rd, Suite 107 and they are open every day except Sunday from 11am - 6pm. As our group walked to the third location, Noor Restaurant, we were looking at each other like "Can we fit more food? We're so full!". But the second we walked into Noor we quickly decided YES WE CAN! All that was missing was the red carpet as the owners really pulled out all of the stops. Tender lamb shanks, chicken skoor with rice and chappatti (like a thin butter naan), beef KK, creamy jalapeno sauce, fragrant rice, and tasty noodles were laid on the tables just waiting for us to dig in. Another family-owned eatery, Noor has been in business since 2011 and you can tell why when you take your very first bite. Noor is located at 1151 Paxton Ave Suite 108, just around the corner of the building that houses all three of these great restaurants. They're open from 11am - 9pm 7 days a week. All in all it was a fantastic day and we are super grateful for the team at SLC Economic Development for putting it together and introducing us to all of these fabulous restaurants!
Ummm we have big news! Today we were recognized by the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Utah District Office as the SBA’s Microlender of the Year. Can we get a yee-haw?! 🤠 “The SBA understands that sometimes all an entrepreneur needs are a few thousand dollars to get their business up and running,” said Marla Trollan, Utah SBA District Director. “SBA Microloans were created to help small businesses and start-ups navigate the complex world of gaining capital. Without great credit, collateral, or so many years in business it can be almost impossible for entrepreneurs to get a traditional business loan. We are proud that the Utah Microloan Fund has been an amazing non-profit lending partner throughout the state of Utah." The National Small Business Week Awards Luncheon was held at Mountain America Credit Union in West Jordan. The event recognized the FY22 top performing SBA Lenders that administer the different loan programs the SBA has to offer. Delicious food, great company, and rousing speeches made the award ceremony a very special day. We're proud of our continued commitment to providing microloans and business advising to Utah's underserved communities and filling the financial gap for first-time business owners. Because of the support of the SBA, we are able to helps Utahns far and wide. Congrats to the other winners:
We can't wait to see what this year brings! ❤️ Are you a small business that often wonders what resources might be available for your business? Do you want to expand? Do you want to grow into new markets? Whatever stage you are in, this is the small business resource expo for you! Where: Business Technical Assistance Center @ 375 S Carbon Ave, Price, UT 84501 When: May 16th from 4-6pm Cost: Free! RSVP here Join us for an open house from 4-6pm where you can: - Network and learn about community and government resources available for helping small businesses. - Talk directly with representatives from small business and entrepreneurial support organizations about how they can help you grow your business. - Meet vendors who can help you with marketing, web design, and more. - Meet representatives from Helper and the Emery and Carbon Chambers of Commerce. - Learn about different funding options for your business. - Enjoy light refreshments while you mix and mingle. Participating vendors include:
Register now for the event here: Carbon & Emery Business Resource Expo Hosted by the Business Technical Assitance Center. So you're a small business owner who is in need of funding. Maybe you've bootstrapped it so far, borrowed from friends and family or even put together a Kickstarter. Whatever the case may be, if you are an entrepreneur who is now looking for a loan to help get you to the next step of growth, have no fear! Keep reading to learn some helpful tips that if followed could help you get the stamp of approval! As a brief intro, we are the Utah Microloan Fund, a non-profit organization that since 1991 has provided microloans from $5k - $50k to small business owners throughout the state of Utah. As a CDFI (Community Development Financial Institution) our mission is to help fill the gap of funding for first time entrepreneurs as well as underserved communities including minorities, women, Veterans, LGBTQ+, and rural. Over 30+ years of lending has led us to be pretty dang good at identifying what makes some applications meh vs outstanding so here's our list! Be proactive. 🏃♀️
Create a strong business plan & cashflow projection. ✏️
Request a reasonable loan amount. 💰
Have a clear Use of Funds. 📄
Don't even think about lying! 👀
Know your credit. 💵
Think of collateral or cosigner options. 🚚
Show off! ✨
By keeping these factors in mind and presenting a well-organized and thought-out loan application, you can increase your chances of getting approved for a loan. Good luck with your application and we look forward to working with you! Learn more at www.umlf.org. Hey everyone, Sara here! You've probably seen me around at events, social media posts, or out and about but let me introduce myself. My name is Sara Day and I am the Program Manager of Training and Outreach for the Utah Microloan Fund. Which really is just a fancy way to say that my job is getting the word out about the UMLF and helping entrepreneurs across the state. Both of which I LOVE to do! If you follow us on social then you know that I have been traveling a bunch all over the state so I decided that I should start a travel blog on each of the unique areas I visit so keep reading if you want to tag along! I have always loved exploring all the little corners of Utah both big and small and learning about the history, vibes, and what's next for each area. My husband and I and our two dogs will pick a different place on the map and hit the road with our Utah Roadside History book & trusty trip journal and set out to fully immerse ourselves in that area. So you can imagine this is the perfect job for me because I get to do outreach across the state. Utah has an incredibly rich and diverse history. From our Indigenous tribes, pioneer history, mining, railroads, national parks, oil, tourism, skiing, the list goes on. As such, each of our 29 counties all face unique challenges, varied population density, booms and busts, different sources of income, etc. No two counties are the same and one solution does not fit all. But no matter where you go, there is always a chamber of commerce ready and willing to not only fight for the needs of their business community, but also bringing people together to support and nurture entrepreneurship. Many of these are run by volunteers! So you can imagine how happy I was to discover that a group of Utahns had put together the Rural Utah Coalition of Chambers (RUCC) whose purpose is to bring a united voice on the important causes that affect rural Utah businesses, share ideas and resources, and create dialogue with government officials and legislators. April 6th and 7th marked the 1st annual conference for RUCC and it was held at the beautiful Uintah Conference Center in Vernal, the Northeast corner of the state. Co-hosted by the Vernal Chamber, the conference was a big hit! Chambers from all over the state were in attendance to mix, mingle, and learn along with resource providers, government entities, economic development, local businesses and more. We heard from some amazing speakers on relevant topics to our state's rural areas - the economy, resources the chambers can bring back to their members, government programs available, grant writing and much more. There were also tours to local places of interest, my favorites being the the Hotel Vernal Haunt (scary even in the day time!) and the Innovation Hub for small business owners. We heard from City Manager Quinn Bennion about all of the huge changes the city of Vernal is implementing to revitalize their downtown and beyond. You can really see the love and passion behind all of these projects and how much people deeply care about their community. The organizing team behind RUCC did such an amazing job at providing a great conference for the over 200 attendees. We will definitely be back next year! Lastly, Vernal is Dinoland and there is so much to do throughout the Uinta Basin. I am going to be ending my blogs with some of my recommendations for planning your visit to whatever area I journey to, so don't miss out! Here's what I have for the area: Don't skip the history. There is so much to see and learn. Definitely carve out a significant part of your trip for this!
Get outside. Hiking, biking, boating, swimming, ATV trails, you name it, await.
Look for treasures at the vintage/thrift stores.
Eat, Drink and be merry.
Watch the calendar. Vernal has a TON of cool events so keep an eye on their event calendar for all of the happenings.
Until next time! - Sara |