Recent Loans and Grants
Ruben’s Mexican Grill, Inc.
The SCKEDD Microloan program recently closed a loan with Ruben’s Mexican Grill, Inc., a full service Mexican restaurant located at 520 W Douglas, Wichita, Kansas. Mr. Ruben Acosta opened the restaurant in September 2002 and offers a wide range of Mexican style food in a sit down atmosphere. They offer home cooked tacos, enchiladas, tamales and many more items. They also offer margaritas, beer and other alcoholic beverages. Mr. Acosta had used the Microloan program in the past and wanted to use this program again to help fund some needed operating capital and equipment for the business.
Phone: (316) 262-2412
McPherson Computer Services & Sales
The SCKEDD Microloan program, along with a loan from NetWork Kansas, closed a loan with Derrick Allison, dba McPherson Computer Services & Sales who operates a computer repair and sales store at 228 S Main, McPherson, Kansas. Mr. Allison can help diagnose and repair your computer and help build a custom computer to fit your personal or business needs. Mr. Allison was referred to SCKEDD after trying to obtain traditional financing for the business. The bank was unable to assist him as the business was considered a start-up, among other reasons. SCKEDD’s Microloan Program along with the NetWork Kansas loan was able to provide working capital for start-up expenses for the business.
Phone: (620) 480-9076
Morningwood Lane Trailer Park
SCKEDD’s District Loan Committee recently approved a loan to Procopio Investments, LLC dba Morningwood Lane Trailer Park located at 105 N. Clark, Lyons, Kansas. The funds will be used to expand the small existing trailer park by building additional residential pads. These additional pads are needed for workers coming to the area needing rental space for their trailers and recreational vehicles. The business will create two new jobs.
Phone: (620) 680-0298
Moments Captured by Jennifer
The SCKEDD Mircroloan program closed a loan with Moments Captured by Jennifer, LLC. This is a photography business located at 331 N. Rock Island, Wichita, Kansas. The owner, Jennifer Skivers, has over ten years experience producing top quality prints and has many photos displayed in art galleries in Kansas City, MO. Jennifer loves to capture moments in their most natural form, which includes using nature as a backdrop. She offers comfortable photography sessions to allow the client to relax and reveal his or her true personality. SCORE referred Ms. Skivers to SCKEDD after working with her on business planning. SCKEDD’s Microloan Program was able to provide funding for working capital and equipment for this start-up business.
Phone: (913) 827-6973
The Chocolate Fountain
The SCKEDD Microloan program closed a loan with DKS, LLC, dba TCF Sales/The Chocolate Fountain located at 5424 E. Central, Wichita, Kansas. The business is comprised of both a National equipment sales enterprise (TCF Sales) and a local Party Rental operation (The Chocolate Fountain). TCF Sales imports equipment and tools used by confectionary, pastry and catering industries with a goal of producing these kinds of products locally. The Chocolate Fountain party rental offering has the largest selection of chocolate and beverage fountains in the Midwest. Additional rental items include linens and chair covers, buffet equipment, lighting and other items. The owner, Kimberly Polk, was referred by a friend to SCKEDD after being unsuccessful in obtaining traditional financing for the business. SCKEDD’s Microloan program was able to provide funding for inventory essentail for growth.
Phone: (316) 636-4443
www.tcfsales.com
Fashion Bar LLC
The SCKEDD Microloan Program closed a loan with Fashion Bar LLC which will be located at 2120 N. Woodlawn, Suite 328, Wichita, Kansas. This business offers new and recycled high-end business professional clothing on consignment. The owner, Dana Leigh Miller, found that although there are several used clothing stores in the Wichita area, few offers clothing that business professionals would be able to wear to work. She wants to offer used and new items to her customers so they can walk out of the store with a professional wardrobe without going into debt to do so. Dr. Pett from the Wichita State University Entrepreneurship program referred her to SCKEDD after being unsuccessful in obtaining traditional financing for the business. SCKEDD’s Mircroloan Program was able to provide funding for furniture and fixtures, inventory and working capital for the business.
Phone: (316) 300-7070
Gonzalo E Carrion
The SCKEDD Microloan program closed a loan with Gonzalo E Carrion who operates a trucking business with home operations at 3117 W 27th South, Wichita, Kansas. This is a trucking business that transports animal feed in an eight state area. The owner, Gonzalo E Carrion was referred to SCKEDD from a bank after trying to obtain traditional financing for the business. The bank was unable to assist him as the business was considered a start-up. SCKEDD’s Mircroloan Program was able to provide funding to purchase a hopper trailer.
Phone: (360) 518-9893
RBar
Miles Everhart, dba M & D Entertainment, dba RBar, is an existing bar located at 1214 E. 4th in Hutchinson, Kansas. Mr. Everhart has owned the business since September 2010. SCKEDD was able to assist William Miles Everhart, dba M & D, dba RBar by providing inventory and working capital for this business when he purchased the business. SCKEDD’s Microloan Program was able to assist again when Mr. Everhart needed additional funds for equipment and working capital.
Phone: (620) 708-0777
Glass Tire & Oil, LLC
The SCKEDD’s Intermediary Relending Program, Microloans, Rice County Revolving Loan Fund and Network Kansas teamed up recently and approved loans to Glass Tire & Oil, LLC, located in Lyons, Kansas to purchase an existing business. This included the real estate, tools, inventory of the existing business, and funds working capital and purchasing new inventory. The business will create two new jobs in Lyons. Without funding, the business may have closed since the owner wanted to retire and move out of the area.
Phone: (620) 200-6053
1019 E Highway 56
Lyons, KS 67554
Shear Envy Salon
The Sedgwick County Microloan Program and the SCKEDD Rural Microenterprise Assistance Program recently closed a loan with Sharalyn Hamm, dba Shear Envy Salon at 130 E Ross, Ste 101, Clearwater, Kansas. Ms. Hamm is purchasing the business assets of an existing salon with trendy and traditional hairstyles for men, women and children. As this is a new business for the owner, it was unlikely that she would be able to find traditional financing for the business. SCKEDD was able to assist her in obtaining financing through the Sedgwick County Microloan Program and the RMAP Program to purchase the existing business assets of the prior owner of the salon, inventory and working capital for the business.
Phone: (620) 314-8399
Ponchos
The SCKEDD RMAP and RBDTC programs closed a loan with Angela R. Schmidt and Donald L. Schmidt dba Ponchos at 224 N. Main, McPherson, Kansas. This mexican restaurant has been in operation since 1985. The owners, Angela and Donald Schmidt are purchasing the restaurant from the current owner. They plan to keep the menu and service as excellent as with the prior owner. Greg Warren at Farmer’s State Bank referred Mr. and Mrs. Schmidt to SCKEDD, as the project size did not fit their loan programs. SCKEDD’s Rural Microenterprise Assistance Program and the Rural Business Development Tax Credit Program were able to assist Angela Schmidt in obtaining the financing she needed to purchase the business.
Phone: (620) 241-8440
21st Century Cleaning Service
The SCKEDD Microloan program closed a loan with Olivia J. Housley, dba 21st Century Cleaning Service, at 5904 Rockwood Road, Wichita, Kansas. This cleaning and janitorial service has been in business since 1997. The owner, Olivia Housley, operates the business full time along with her daughter. They offer all commercial business, medical, school, retail and new construction cleaning services. This business is certified as an Emerging Business Enterprise. She was referred to us by the Small Business Administration after she was unsuccessful in obtaining traditional funding for the business. SCKEDD’s Microloan Program was able to provide funding for equipment and working capital for the business.
Phone: (316) 640-1523
Strickland Road Service
The SCKEDD Intermediary Relending Program recently closed a loan with Charles W. Strickland and Brenda K. Strickland dba Strickland Road Service, located at 886 E. 160th St. South in South Haven, Kansas. This towing business has over 35 years experience in truck and auto roadside service and repair, tire service and wrecker and towing experience. When Caldwell State Bank reviewed the project and found they were unable to assist with the full loan amount requested, they referred Strickland Road Service to SCKEDD for the remaining financing. Fortunately, SCKEDD’s IRP along with Rural Microenterprise Assistance Program was able to fund the remaining portion needed for the Strickland’s project to be successful.
Phone: (620) 892-5232
Capable Hands, Inc. dba Releaf Landscapes
The SCKEDD RMAP and RBDTC programs closed a loan with Capable Hands, Inc. dba Releaf Landscapes at 1807 W Blanchard Ave, South Hutchinson, Kansas. This landscaping business has been in business since 1998. The owner, Sharon Scott, is a Master Gardner and Certified Arborist, Certified Nurseryman and Certified Pesticide Applicator. During the spring, summer and fall, she typically has ten employees. Ms. Scott had worked with Mark Buckley at the Kansas Small Business Development Center to find ways to improve her business. Mr. Buckley referred her to us after she was unsuccessful in obtaining traditional financing for the business. SCKEDD’s Rural Microenterprise Assistance Program and the Rural Development Tax Credit Program were used to fund the working capital needed for the business.
Phone: (620) 728-9033
Shear Bliss, LLC
The SCKEDD Microloan program closed a loan with Shear Bliss, LLC located at 1812 S. Seneca, Suite 408, Studio M, Wichita, Kansas. This is a new hair salon which will be located within Tuscan Studios. Shear Bliss, LLC will offer hair coloring, paraffin wax and waxing services in addition to traditional cut and styling services. Jessica Cox and Marilyn Rose Raby will be responsible for the day to day operations of the new business and Larry Cox, Jr. will handle the taxes and budgeting. The owners had looked for traditional financing elsewhere but were referred to SCKEDD, as the business was a start-up and did not qualify for traditional financing. The Microloan program was able to fund the project by helping them purchase the inventory and working capital they needed for start up costs.
Phone: (316) 260-9916
Prairie Schooner, Inc. d/b/a John Browns
The SCKEDD Microloan program closed a loan with Prairie Schooner, Inc. d/b/a John Browns, located at 3700 E. Douglas, Wichita, Kansas. This is a new restaurant and bar in Clifton Square. They offer a variety of choices from salads, Panini’s, appetizers such as spinach and artichoke dip, escargot, Duke Wellington, and desserts such as Cheesecake bakery cheese cakes and a full bar service. John Fitzthum, owner, had looked for bank financing but found he did not have sufficient collateral needed for traditional financing. The Microloan program was able to look at collateral alternatives to help fund the project and help the business thrive. The loan gave the owner the needed working capital to help market the business and help with startup costs.
Phone: (316) 686-5299
Jeremy’s Paint and Body Shop, LLC
The SCKEDD RBDTC loan program closed a loan with Jeremy’s Paint and Body Shop, LLC, located at 2419 State Road 14, Sterling, Kansas. This is an existing paint and body shop that wanted to expand the business by adding equipment and a building addition. SCKEDD worked in conjunction with Jill Nichols, Rice County Economic Development Director to find financing for this business by combining the SCKEDD Rural Business Development Tax Credit Program (RBDTC) and the Sterling/Alden E-Community Program. Jeremy and Angie Kroeker had looked for traditional financing but were unable to find the amount needed for the project. The expansion will allow them to increase sales and add employees.
Phone: (620) 278-2003
Country At Heart Too
Lyla A. Moreno and John Moreno, Jr. dba Country At Heart Too, located at 5420 E. Central, Wichita, Kansas, is a gift store that offers home accessories and gifts to the independent homeowner and the decorating trade. SCKEDD was able to help this business in the past when they first opened and now, after a move to a new location, they needed additional funds to expand in their new location. Mrs. Moreno had been unable to obtain traditional financing for the business, but was able to obtain a loan from SCKEDD. The SCKEDD Microloan Program was able to assist them to provide additional inventory, improvements and working capital for the business.
Phone: (316) 214-3336
Recent Grants
City of Harper
The City of Harper was recently awarded a $500,000 Community Development Block Grant from the Kansas Department of Commerce. The CDBG program is the largest division within the Kansas Department of Commerce Rural Development program. A comprehensive study of Harper’s municipal water system in 2010 identified 2 major deficiencies. The first was the increasing levels of nitrates in a number of city wells. The second was inadequate and potentially unreliable water storage capacity for the area being served by Harper’s water system. Studies are currently underway to determine the best long term solution to the increasing nitrate situation. The deficiencies in water storage will be immediately address by combining the $500,000 CDBG grant with $1,300,000 of local funds to construction a new 250,000 gallon elevated spheroidal pedesphere water tower with approximately 1,350 LF of new 10 inch process pipeing. The new water tower will replace an ageing and deterioting elevated bolted steel standpipe which is well in excess of 75 years old. The new water tower will allow the community to address the present and futures needs of water storage by providing adequate emergency water storage, sufficient fire reserve capacity and equalize pressure in the system. Once the new tower is operational the existing standpipe will remain in use allowing for additional reserve capacity, and thus preserving the icon fish weathervane atop it. Many persons have come to associate this antique weathervane with Harper. Construction is anticipated to begin in 2011 being completed in 2012.
City of Pretty Prairie
The City of pretty Prairie was recently awarded a $300,000 Community Development Block Grant from the Kansas Department of Commerce in the annual Community Facilities grant competition. The $300,000 CDBG grant will be combined with $75,000 of local funds to reconstruct Main Street through the downtown area (from Adams Street to Maple Street). Currently the majority of the annual city maintenance funds are going to maintaing this roadway through town. The city needs to address the roadways of higher traffic volume in order to successfully continue their budgeted maintenance program. By utilizing this grant to address this most critically needed repair first the city will be able to allocate existing maintenance funds towards streets that are in less need of repair and can therefore extend the life of those streets. The project is anticipated to be bid in the summer and construction be completed before fall of 2011.
Elk County
Elk County was recently awarded a $446,000 Community Development Block Grant from the Kansas Department of Commerce on behalf of Elk County Rural Water District #2. For many years rural residents of Elk County have suffered from a lack of either an adequate supply or the lack of adequate quality potable water. The situation was such that many rural residents had to depend on unreliable and often unsafe water sources or had to purchase water from a tap in the City of Howard and haul it in bulk tanks. The RWD was formed to address these problems by constructing a system that would deliver potable water to rural locations in Elk County. Phase 1 of the new Elk County RWD #2 is currently under construction with the assistance of a previous CDBG grant and USDA funding. Construction on that phase should be complete and some rural residents receiving the benefit of potable water by the spring of 2011. This new $446,000 grant will be combined with approximately $2,400,000 of new USDA funds to construct an additional 65 miles of service line and provide 2 water storage standpipes. Phase 2 will extend service to the remaining beneficiaries in the RWD and will provide for emergency storage capacity and fire reserves for the district. Phase 2 bidding and construction should occur in the summer of 2011. With the completion of Phase 2 rural Elk County residences will be receiving the benefit of an adequate supply of potable water. This will be an immediate health and comfort benefit to existing residences and spur further economic development within the county.
Butler County
Butler County recently obtained a $400,000 Community Development Block Grant from the Kansas Department of Commerce to benefit South Central Mental Health Counseling Center. SMHCC is a non-profit organization providing a variety of mental health services to residents of Butler County. In the last 3 years SCMHCC has experienced a 25% growth rate in clients served in Butler County. Currently SCMHCC is addressing Butler County’s needs by providing services from a number of inadequate undersized scattered sites in El Dorado. These grant funds will be combined with approximately $2,200,000 in funds from SCMHCC for a project that will renovate approximately 32,000 square feet of a former grocery store building located in downtown El Dorado. By being able in the future to offer services at one location will immediately provide efficiency in services and for expansion of current and the addition of new mental health services to the Butler County community. A portion of the building will remain unfinished, allowing for future expansion as future needs arise. Summer of 2011 bidding and start of constuction is anticipated.
HOME Housing Rehabilitation Grants
On January 26, 2011 the Kansas Housing Resource Corporation issued 6 HOME Housing Rehabilitation grants. The Kansas Housing Resources Corporation’s mission is to enhance Kansas communities with housing opportunities. This goal is achieved through using a variety of strategies and approaches. One such approach is the HOME program which provides grant fund assistance to low to moderate income home owners to preserve existing housing through rehabilitation. SCKEDD was successful in writing and obtaining 5 of the 6 grants awarded, totaling $1,150,000 of an available $1,300,000 in grant funds, for communities in south central Kansas. The following communities received awards:
City of Derby $300,000 to assist with rehabilitation of 15 houses
City of Douglas $150,000 to assist with rehabilitation of 7 houses
Harvey County $150,000 to assist with rehabilitation of 6 houses
City of Hutchinson $250,000 to assist with rehabilitation of 11 houses
Sedgwick County $300,000 to assist with rehabilitation of 17 houses
The HOME grant funds will be combined with local input matching funds. The environmental reviews will begin as soon as communities sign and submit the grant documents. It is anticipated that applications will be received and projects begin developing starting early summer 2011.
Sedgwick County
Currently there are two Qualified School Construction Bond (QSCB) projects underway in Sedgwick County. The QSCB Program is a new tax credit program created by the American recovery and reinvestment Act (ARRA). This program provides credits, in lieu of interest to lenders who issue bonds to eligible school districts. Because the tax credits are providing for the interest payment the district is responsible for only the principal portion of the bond repayment, thus saving the school districts significantly on the overall renovation and construction costs. SCKEDD is providing labor standards assistance on these projects in the form of compliance with federal contracting practices and compliance with federal Davis Bacon wage standards. One project is the $1,700,000 addition and renovation of Cooper Elementary School for Derby USD #260 and the other is the $34,000,000 construction of the new Northeast Quadrant High School for Wichita USD #259. Both projects are currently under construction with Cooper scheduled to be complete in time for occupancy by fall 2011 and the Northeast Quadrant High School scheduled to be complete in time for classes in the fall of 2012.
Moxie Creative
The Sedgwick County Microloan Program recently closed a loan with Sarah Davis, dba Moxie Creative, at 6940 Huckleberry Dr, Derby, Kansas. Ms. Davis is starting up a graphic design and photography business. She has over 10 years experience in the graphic design field and a visual communications degree. As this is a new business and the owner had been laid off from an existing job, it was unlikely that she would be able to find traditional financing for the business. SCKEDD was able to assist her in obtaining financing through the Sedgwick County Microloan Program for a computer and software needed to start up the business.
Phone: (316) 712-3741
