ASBDC Accredited Member seal
"“Julianne Burk literally saved our business. During COVID we thought we lost everything. I filled out this form online for counseling thinking it would be worth a shot. She was able to listen to all my needs and make the right recommendation. She found the resources I needed and pushed me in the right direction. I was able to find funding for our startup business because of her. We cannot thank her enough and appreciate her help!” -Chloe Cardoza
More Info: WebsiteHummus Republic, Fresno
Steven and fiance Chloe always had dreams of owning their own business. Both of them had restaurant experience and decided that the Hummus Republic was the perfect franchise to invest in. They were able to secure a SBA loan but unfortunately their bank decided to stop funding startups in January 2020 and they lost the funding needed to start their business. They pursued other funding avenues but then COVID hit and they lost what they were in the process of securing.
They had already signed a lease in November of 2019 so time was ticking to find funding to move forward with their business. They finally reached out to the Valley Community SBDC and met with advisor Julianne Burk. Julianne was able to advise them and help them find a helpful online seminar about loans. They reached out to all the companies listed on that seminar, and to their surprise, one of them approved the couple! The company was able to open at the end of April 2021 and Steven and Chloe are happy to now be a part of the downtown Fresno business community. Their goal is to generate enough to pay off the loan, grow a successful business and leave a legacy for their children.
