William
Gentle Parking
Loan Amount: $7,500
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: Three successive loans, starting with $7,500, have helped Gentle Parking grow from just one lot to eleven that employ 60 local workers!
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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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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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Amanda
Mandy's Korner
Loan Amount: $6,500
Challenge: As a freestanding structure, the daily costs to run Amanda's food cart were particularly high.
Result: A $10,000 loan helped Amanda improve her business by making some key upgrades, such as the purchase of an electricity panel. Now, she is looking towards the future and hopes to someday open Mandy's Korner carts in different locations throughout the South Bay.
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Kim
Bascom Best Cleaners
Loan Amount: $25,000
Challenge: Kim needed to replace her outdated drycleaning equipment with more efficient, eco-friendly machines. The upfront investment, however, was more than she could afford. 
Result: With a $25,000 loan Kim was able to afford new equipment for Bascom Best Cleaners. The new machines will allow Kim, her family members, and her employees to cut down on the number of overtime hours they must work. 
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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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