A WORD FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

---

We at the UMLF would like to wish everyone a happy and successful 2019! We couldn’t do what we do without our generous funders, partners in the community, and most importantly our amazing clients.  As this new year is about to begin, I would like to reflect on 2018 and what we have accomplished over this past year. 

Here is a list of some of the highlights:

• We received the Blaine Andrus Award for Excellent Customer Service from the Small Business Administration.
• We made 39 loans totaling over $1.2MM.
  • Of these, approximately 31% were made to minority-owned businesses, 36% were made to woman-owned businesses, and 60% were made to low/moderate income individuals.
• We provided over 293 individuals Technical Assistance training.
• We received a $71,000 grant from the SBA for Technical Assistance.
• We closed on a $1,000,000 SBA loan.
• We made 2 loans under our People With Disabilities Loan program in partnership with the Utah Technical Assistance program.
• We held two Banking on Women programs:  one in Salt Lake City, one in St. George.
• We held a partner appreciation event in September 2018.
• We participated in 4 SBA roadshows throughout the state of Utah which took us to Brigham City, Logan, Tooele, Price, St. George, Cedar City, Moab, Vernal and more.
• We made loans in Price and Vernal for the first time, which helps us to continue to expand our state-wide presence.

As we look to 2019 a few of our goals include:

• To continue to grow our organization to meet the capital needs of under-served entrepreneurs throughout the state of Utah.

• To improve the success of small businesses by providing effective pre-loan education.
• To improve the success of UMLF clients through effective post-loan consulting and training opportunities.

It has been a privilege to lead this organization for the past two years.  I am constantly grateful for my amazing staff, supportive Board of Trustees, and our hard-working clients. Here's to 2019! 
​
Sincerely,
Danielle Lower | Executive Director
Utah Microloan Fund