Additional Success Stories

Read on for short snippets of other clients we have served.

Caprice Mitchell, The Fresh Vase

After almost 20 years as a medical assistant, Caprice Mitchell finally felt ready to make the change and pursue her dream as a florist. After taking some design classes and gaining experience in a retail flower shop, she saved up enough money to get her started in a small studio of her own, opening her own business, The Fresh Vase.   However, while creativity came easy to her, Caprice was a timid salesperson and was not spreading the word about her business.

After coming to PACE for assistance and attending networking events, floral design jobs began to trickle in, generating new sales.   PACE then applied for a $700 Trickle Up grant and worked with Caprice to apply it towards a new marketing plan. Caprice was also enrolled into the IDA program to generate more capital.   Caprice was also awarded the $1,000 Women and Company MicroEnterprise Boost Equity Award.

At this time, Caprice is doing very well, and has several weddings and other jobs lined up, and she has since moved forward in her marketing endeavors, establishing herself as a professional with a live and growing business.

Genevieve Ostrander, Delilah Bakery

Genevieve Ostrander saved up money and found the perfect location for her dream business – her own bakery.   However, with difficulty obtaining the proper permits to open and bringing the building up to standards, she soon found herself overwhelmed. These issues soon snowballed into a five-month delay and several thousand dollars in unanticipated expenses.

Genevieve came to PACE during this nightmare for technical assistance. PACE BDC consultants helped Genevieve complete a business plan and cash flow projections to qualify for loans and financing. After securing an interest-free loan from the Jewish Free Loan Association and a loan from Innovative Bank, she was able to obtain enough money to finally open the doors to Delilah Bakery in January 2007.

Delilah Bakery opened to rave reviews, and regularly serves up fresh, Southern-inspired cakes, pies, cupcakes, and muffins. For more information, visit the website at www.delilahbakery.com .

Karen Marcus, You’re Not the Boss of Me!

When Karen Marcus found herself down on her luck, she was able to figure out how to get by, but could not quite get back on her feet. Little by little, she was able to save a bit of money and she began to paint and to turn her creations into greeting cards. With the help of Mama’s Hot Tamales Café, a local partner organization, she started selling her greeting cards at the café and gaining clients here and there.

Karen was soon introduced to one of PACE’s Networking Breakfasts at Mama’s Hot Tamales, where she learned about PACE’s services.  Excited, Karen immediately made an appointment to see a counselor.    It was at this point that she had just saved enough money for a security deposit on an apartment, and she was ready to formally establish her business and learn how to grow it to keep a roof over her head.

PACE immediately helped her get all of the proper licenses for her business, as well as a $500 Trickle Up grant so that she could increase her inventory. She also enrolled into PACE’s MicroEnterprise IDA program. Counselors helped her set sales goals to establish break-even points to cover her costs and maintain her living arrangement.    This, as well as attending networking breakfasts and hearing the stories of other entrepreneurs, encouraged her.   She has been doing well, and continues selling her cards there everyday, making a name for herself and her business – called “You’re Not The Boss Of Me!”