Click on the rows below to learn more about some of our past clients.
In 2009, HMFI gave out our first loan to Bernardo, allowing him to finance a new refrigerator for his food truck. From this initial loan, Bernardo saw great growth in his business, and HMFI accompanied his success with a second loan. Eventually, Bernardo’s business grew to a point where he was able to open up his own brick-and-mortar store. Today, Bernardo still runs the same store and is able to fully sustain himself and his family through his growth.
Aisha owns and operates an Ivorian catering company that serves weddings, festivals, and other private events. Aisha learned to cook by her grandmother’s side in the Ivory Coast, and she hopes to someday open her own restaurant.
HMFI met Aisha through one of our Community Development partners, Empowered Women’s International (EWI). Through her loan, Aisha registered as a vendor for the “Around the World Cultural Food Festival” in Washington, D.C. Reaching thousands of attendees, Aisha shared her excellent Ivorian cooking and received a big boost to her sales.
Aaron provides busing services for school routes, field trips, and other occasions. Aaron started his business when he realized his children’s school lacked such a service for its students. He began serving nine students in his first year, and since then, his business has grown significantly as he now serves over thirty students.
Aaron found HMFI through his own initiative, as he states: “When I decided that I needed to buy a new bus, I googled ‘finance help’ and SBA’s finance seminar popped up. While I was at the seminar, I met one of your representatives. I took a picture of a couple of the Powerpoint slides during the presentation and later I called to ask for more information.” In partnership with HMFI, Aaron purchased a new bus, ensuring he can fulfill his mission of transporting students efficiently. In the long run, Aaron strives to scale his business and double the number of students he serves by hiring more drivers, gaining new school contracts, and expanding his fleet.
Dorothy attended HMFI’s Group Financial Coaching sessions as an active participant. Through her dedication, she completed all five modules and learned new financial literacy skills. According to Dorothy, “I had an experience in a bank a week ago and I understood what they were talking about because I first got my start from here with HMFI.”
Watch our interview with Aaron to learn more about his business, Active Journey Fitness, and how HMFI is helping him to grow!