A joining of forces. A combining of passions. No matter what you call it, this business has just the right mix of ingredients to make it a success.
When J’aime and Christian Sparrow decided to return to Cape Cod five years ago, they had a plan in mind – a well-devised plan. They wanted to create a business that would engage its customers in an experience - fresh, quality, local food served by a friendly, competent and enthusiastic staff in a visually appealing surrounding that creates a warm, engaging community atmosphere. Their respective talents fed this plan naturally – she with a background in the food and hospitality industries and he as a visual design and branding expert. The missing piece—start-up funds.
They had a food truck and a location in Wellfleet, but they needed financing to build out the site and open their doors. Limited space within the truck meant they would need a storage container on the property. That container needed some retrofitting—including insulation and a double-door fridge. To prepare the site, they would have to dig a trench to bring in electricity and a line for fresh water. After all these upgrades, then there was the start-up food expense. The CDP’s Micro Loan program was just the right fit for these needs. A $6,000 loan early in the summer of 2012 enabled them to open for business and enjoy part of the high season—most significantly establishing a loyal customer base.
About the Program
We make loans of up to $50,000 to qualified small businesses—money used for working capital, real estate, machinery and equipment, the kinds of things that get fledgling businesses off the ground. Our rates on these five-year Micro Loans are competitive and indexed to the prime lending rate. We also offer smaller loans for a few months to a year that help businesses manage short-term needs.
Schedule a phone call, video conference, or in-person meeting with Pam Andersen, Director of Business and Credit Programs, to see if a CDP loan is right for your business.