Anthony Andrades, Owner American Steam

Anthony Andrades grew up dreaming about owning his own business where he could have a sense of freedom. “My dad has been a yellow cab driver in New York City for years. Maybe it comes from him,” he says.

Anthony learned the carpet cleaning and painting business from a friend, and saw it as an opportunity to start his own business and make his dream come true. Initially, Anthony started American Steam, a carpet cleaning business, with his own money. But when he needed capital to support his start-up operation, he found that no one would talk to him. “I went everywhere,” he says, “Banks, friends, family, check cashing stores.” His low credit score and the fact that he had been in business less than six months made it impossible for him to find a loan.
 

Anthony learned about Opportunity Fund through a flyer that the City of San Jose sent him when he re-applied for a business license. When he first talked to Opportunity Fund, he wasn’t prepared for the thorough and frank analysis of his business plan the loan officer provided. Nevertheless, he followed their business advice and received a loan within a month of applying.
 

But Anthony didn’t stop there. He continued to consult with Opportunity Fund for guidance on building and diversifying his business, helping him hire a small team of employees and expand into a painting and general cleaning company. When Anthony needed a second, larger loan to support his business growth, he came right back to Opportunity Fund. “I stay loyal to the people who have given me an opportunity,” he says. Anthony's story is one of perseverance. He recently was granted a new loan from the San Jose Office of Economic Development. "If you stick with it, it gets easier every time," he says.