Jane and Bob, Owners, Evolution Suspension

Jane and Bob are the founders and owners of Evolution Suspension, a full-service motorcycle shop that specializes in suspension. They had moved from dreary England to the “sunny place” of California to pursue their passion of biking but — after building a reputation for quality and expertise in the biker community — they found themselves working seven nights a week, sometimes until 2 a.m., to meet growing demand. Their small shop was overflowing with bikes, some shipped from as far as Hawaii.  They needed to expand their business, but couldn’t get a loan.

When Jane approached her bank to ask for a business expansion loan, she was denied because she had no established credit line and was a foreigner.  She was shocked and overwhelmed by the unfamiliar American banking system and the paperwork she didn’t know how to handle.  Jane and Bob turned to Opportunity Fund and received $10,000 for a second work room, two new work benches, and a third employee. 

Along with increasing business, these new investments have given Jane and Bob a renewed sense of hope and momentum.  “We have fantastic plans,” says Jane.  “We want to add a coffee shop to our store and make it a street-front meeting place for bikers.”  

Opportunity Fund provided Jane and Bob with the support to succeed by saying, as Jane puts it, “We have faith in you.”