Ability Wholesale Wins Opportunity Boost Grant from Utah Microloan Fund

Owner Elham Neilson of Ability Wholesale & Distribution

The Best Night Sleep You Will Ever Have

Luxury sheets available in 1500 or 820 thread count

Ability Wholesale & Distribution, Inc. is a company that specializes in bringing high-quality bed sheet sets to customers at fairs and festivals across the region. With over 20 years of experience in sales, founder Elham Neilsen has built a business that thrives on delivering exceptional products and customer satisfaction. The company is known for its soft, luxurious bed sheets, which have won over countless repeat customers.

Keep reading to see why she was awarded an Opportunity Boost Grant from the Utah Microloan Fund!

Luxurious Comfort and Style That Won’t Break the Bank

At the heart of Ability Wholesale & Distribution is a passion for providing products that people love. Elham Neilsen is driven by a desire to create not just a successful business, but one that continually delivers value to its customers.

​With a focus on repeat business, Ability Wholesale’s success is fueled by the loyalty of satisfied buyers who return time and again for the comfort and quality of the sheets. As the company grows, profitability and customer satisfaction go hand in hand with the opportunity to create more jobs, which is a key part of Elham’s vision.

Smiles all around with these sheets

A Little Help Along the Way - Microloans from the Utah Microloan Fund

Elham Neilsen recalls how the Utah Microloan Fund (UMLF) twice helped her purchase the bed sheets she needed to sell at fairs and festivals. She expresses deep gratitude, stating that UMLF was always there to support her business, never failing to lend a hand when it was most needed.

​"They were like angels from heaven looking after us," she says, emphasizing her appreciation for their unwavering assistance. Elham is truly thankful for the crucial role UMLF played in her journey to success.

How COVID Pulled the Covers Over Sales

The COVID-19 pandemic was a horrible time. No one could talk to anyone, and everyone was living in fear. We were all isolated, unable to visit each other for help or support. It felt like the world was frozen in terror. There was so much chaos. For our business, it was particularly difficult because fairs and festivals—our main way of reaching customers—were either completely shut down or heavily limited. Without these events, it was nearly impossible to connect with people, and that made running the business a real struggle.

How Could an Opportunity Boost Grant Help Ability Post COVID?

With the support of these funds, Elham plans to retain the jobs of her current employees while creating new opportunities for others. The grant will enable her to expand her presence at more fairs and festivals, increasing her reach and, ultimately, her sales.

​By attending additional events, she can introduce her high-quality bed sheet sets to a wider audience, capitalizing on the strong customer loyalty she has built over the years. With more hands on deck, Elham is confident that she can grow her business, creating a larger team of sales staff to help her meet the demand for her popular products.

Elham's employee Jana selling sheets at the fair

Made Possible by ARPA & SLC Econ Development

Powered by funds from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and orchestrated by the Salt Lake City Department of Economic Development, the Salt Lake City Community Grant Program was created to help small businesses, artists, artisans, and nonprofits grappling with the aftershocks of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Utah Microloan Fund applied for this grant to enable us to create the Opportunity Boost Program benefitting our existing clients who needed a little boost to help them grow and stabilize. This is the first grant program of its kind for the UMLF as normally we only provide microloans to the small business community. To be able to just give money vs lend it was a big treat for our team!

Eligibility of Small Business Owners invited to apply for the Opportunity Boost Grant:

• In business as of March, 23rd 2021.
• Existing loan client of the Utah Microloan Fund. 
• Located within Salt Lake City limits.
• ​A business impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. 
• Granted funds fuel a growth plan, with tangible outcomes such as revenue and job growth.

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Why Salt Lake City?

Salt Lake City is a very beautiful city. It is a great place to own your own business, and you always get help from the small business association. It is also a great place to work and raise a family. It has both organic growth and an influx of new people. It has stability, and it is a dynamic city with beautiful mountains.

Stay Connected

To find out where Ability Wholesale will be next you can reach them at:

• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: (801) 966-2628