New Address: Two Embarcadero Center, 8th floor, San Francisco, CA 94111     

Sarah and Louise, The S’Cream Truck

As moms of middle-school children, Sarah Reinhardt and Louise Browne-Gonzalez saw the treats being served from ice cream trucks near schools and thought there should be a healthier alternative. Thus was born the S’Cream Truck.

Lucas & Marcia, Universal Art Gallery

Lucas and Marcia Da Silva, owners of the Universal Art Gallery in Los Angeles, have been in the custom art framing business for 16 years, and were facing an all too familiar problem: the need to expand versus the fear of an uncertain economy. With the help of VEDC and a Citywide Small Business Loan the Da Silvas were able to purchase new equipment allowing them to expand their business.

Unita Parnell, Caribbean Day Spa

From a young age, Unita Parnell knew that she wanted to take a different path. “I had no footprints to follow,” Unita shared about her childhood. “Many people around me lacked the motivation to boost their own economic situation, choosing to not further their education nor pursue avenues of self-improvement.”

Masaki’s Mongolian Grill

Eric and Jeni Masaki had a business problem—albeit a good one—their Kyoto Japanese Restaurant was so popular, the owners had a hard time meeting customer demand. After a few years of running this successful business, the Masakis decided to expand, thanks to a loan from CAMEO member Arcata Economic Development Corporation.

Tina Ferguson-Riffe, Smoke Berkeley

Tina opened Smoke Berkeley’s doors in October 2011 with the goal of cooking the kind of food she grew up eating, made with fresh, local ingredients. She’s also committed to hiring staff from employment training programs, like The Bread Project. But despite garnering rave reviews, the restaurant needed additional financing to become more profitable. Opportunity Fund gave Smoke Berkeley a $20,000 loan.