Success Stories
La Unica Tortilla Factory
Ms. Blanca Arredondo
In June of 2003, Ms. Blanca Arredondo approached the Angelo State University – Small Business Development Center in regards to help with finding financing for her business venture. Ms. Arredondo has long had a dream to open a small tortilla factory on her property in Mertzon and sell tortillas to area restaurants.
Ms. Arredondo and her husband had already invested money into the business by purchasing some machinery used to make tortillas. They had already begun the foundation work for the factory building on their property.
Counselor Dave Erickson discussed with Ms. Arredondo the financing options available to her. Since she speaks very little English, Counselor Erickson used the help of Ms. Linda Smith from the ASU Government Department for translation.
Counselor Erickson felt in her situation, the Accion Texas Micro Loan program would best fit her needs. The Accion Texas is a SBA approved micro lender. He assisted her in preparing the application documents, which included a short business plan, and traveled to Mertzon, Texas to verify collateral. Counselor Erickson then assisted in the closing process. Ms. Arredondo was able to secure a $5000 loan to assist in finishing the factory building and installing the machinery used to make tortillas.
Ms. Arrendondo appreciated the assistance she received from the ASU-SBDC and from the interpreter, Ms. Smith.