Support for California small businesses

Blanca Larios began working at Seacliff Beach Laundromat in 1999 and became its owner in 2011.

After being declined by several lenders, she received financing and guidance through El Pajaro Community Development Corporation and California’s SCALE program, allowing her to expand operations, hire employees, and secure new clients.

Ashley Juhl-Darlington turned her dream of opening a natural health foods grocery store into reality with support from the Butte College Small Business Development Center through California’s SCALE program. Coaches helped her develop a business strategy, understand her finances, and prepare to approach lenders. The SBDC connected her with 3CORE, which provided a loan that helped her purchase essential equipment and initial inventory.

Maxwell Setsoafia founded VoltaMed Community Clinic in 2020 to provide accessible, high-quality healthcare to families in Jurupa Valley. Through First Community Capital and California’s SCALE program, the practice received working capital financing and technical assistance that helped stabilize operations, replace outdated medical equipment, expand services, and strengthen its financial position.

Amayah Harrison saw a need for a professional, community-driven studio where photographers, podcasters, and artists in Sacramento could create and collaborate. Through California’s SCALE program, she received business guidance from the Alliance for Community Development and a small business loan from Working Solutions, giving her the support and capital to launch Sage & Silver Studios.

Antony Ayodele transformed a struggling frozen yogurt shop into Tower Blendz, a community-focused business offering healthy options.

With support from Access Plus Capital and California’s SCALE program, he secured a microloan to retain his team and pay outstanding bills, while also gaining business guidance through an accelerator program.