William
Gentle Parking
Loan Amount: $10,000
Challenge: William opened for business in early 2009 and was turning a profit within 3 months. He needed financing to support his growth, but his credit had been affected by the economic downturn and he was unable to secure a loan from a bank.
Result: A $10,000 loan allowed William to purchase the insurance he needed to allow Gentle Parking to stay open and continue to grow.
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Marie
MarieDenee.com
Loan Amount: $7,500
Challenge: Marie and her sister were raised by a single mom in the military. When she was laid off from her job in 2008, Marie used the strength she learned from her mother to pursue her passion for fashion and open her own online retail business. 
Result: With a $7,500 loan from Opportunity Fund Marie was able to increase and organize her inventory, and successfully launch her online boutique.
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Lupita
Day Dreams Therapy
Loan Amount: $5,000
Challenge: Lupe first began to practice massage therapy as a way to relieve her son's pain after he was diagnosed with neurofibromatosis. Now the owner of her own clinic, Lupe faced a serious setback when her massage table and computer were robbed.
Result: A $5,000 loan from Opportunity Fund helped Lupe replace the missing items. Now she is expanding her office and hiring more therapists!
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June
June Bug's Gym
Loan Amount: $2,000
Challenge: A year after June opened her gym, business had tripled and she needed a larger space. A friend who worked at Wells Fargo referred June to Opportunity Fund for a small business loan.  
Result: With a $2,000 loan June purchased the new gym equipment she needed to fill her new space, as well as a computer to help her track her records.
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Magdalena
Gonzalez Family Childcare
Loan Amount: $10,000
Challenge: Magdalena was ready to expand her daycare but, as an immigrant, she had not established a credit history and was unable to secure financing from a traditional bank.
Result: With $10,000 from Opportunity Fund Magdalena will be able to build a small room in her backyard that she can use as a preschool classroom!
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Sean & James
Organic Mechanics
Loan Amount: $8,000
Challenge: Sean and James want their business to be as environmentally sustainable as possible, and replacing old, inefficient tools was an important step. They needed financing, but in a smaller amount than banks traditionally provide.
Result: An $8,000 loan, Organic Mechanic's 2nd from Opportunity Fund, allowed Sean and James to stay true to their mission, and continue to grow their business!
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Valarie
SPA-bulous
Loan Amount: $3,000
Challenge: Valarie, a single mother and first time business owner, needed capital and a bit of guidance to help grow her spa.
Result: Using a credit builder loan from Opportunity Fund, Valarie transformed her business space into a relaxing retreat! To ensure that working women have access to her services, Valarie keeps her spa open nights and weekends.
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Carlos
Macedonia
Loan Amount: $5,000
Challenge: With his first loan from Opportunity Fund, Carlos successfully moved his jewelry repair and cleaning business from his home to the Oakland Swap Meet. When he needed additional financing to continue to grow, he turned to Opportunity Fund for a second loan.
Result: A $5,000 loan from has allowed Carlos to expand inventory, grow his business, and improve his credit.  
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Jeremy
Emergency BBQ
Loan Amount: $10,000
Challenge: Jeremy had a successful catering business, but when he sought a loan from a traditional bank he was declined because he did not have the
assets to use as collateral. 
Result: With a $10,000 loan and business advising from Opportunity Fund, Jeremy
was able to obtain the necessary permits and open a storefront for his business.
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Julie
Bu Tong Acupuncture
Loan Amount: $10,000
Challenge: Julie studied acupuncture and other alternative healing practices, and began operating her services out of her home. In 2009 she was ready to expand, but needed financing.  
Result: With a $10,000 loan Opportunity Fund helped Julie to get her clinic up and running at its new Mission District location.
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Jagir
Exact Automotive
Loan Amount: $10,000
Challenge: Jagir needed to invest in a body shop and new equipment to expand his business, but knew he could not qualify for a bank loan.
Result: Aware of his strong reputation in the community, Opportunity Fund gave a $10,000 loan to invest in his business.
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Rosalva
La Verbana Juice Bar and Cafe
Loan Amount: $10,000
Challenge: Rosalva immigrated to the U.S. twenty years ago and found that starting a business was difficult with no credit history or collateral that banks required in order to make her a loan.
Result: Rosalva got a loan from Opportunity Fund that allowed her to set up her juice bar in the Fruitvale Market with refrigeration, insurance, and supplies.
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Rose and Terry
First Discoveries Christian Preschool
Loan Amount: $57,000
Challenge: As they worked to open their preschool, Rose and Terry were faced with a series of unanticipated expenses. In order to open their doors, they would need additional financing.  
Result:  Opportunity Fund helped Rose and Terry to develop a comprehensive business plan. A loan and this technical assistance allowed Rose and Terry to open First Discoveries and, within just four months, enroll forty children!
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Gloria
Parkside Postal
Loan Amount: $1,500
Challenge: Gloria wanted to remodel her business, but her credit score had taken a hit when she took out many lines of credit to start her business.
Result: Today, Gloria is looking to hire an assistant to manage the store while she works a few days a week as a firefighter in Oakland. She has her EMT license, and wants to get more involved in community work.
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