Help Save a Small Business with Big Dreams

In 2019 we stepped out on faith and opened our business full-time after having some serious issues with career changes and health. 

I felt that I was working extremely hard for other companies and somehow they could never come up with a position for me, so I thought,  “I’ll create a position for myself and others.” I thought I could meet more people, teach more kids, and spread more love.

Things seemed to go well for the first few months, but starting a new business always has ups and downs. 

The winter time came and, as always here in Iowa, things slowed down. Then, COVID-19 hit and literally brought business to a halt. We had to close for several weeks, actually a couple of months. After we opened, again, for two months with heavy traffic and gathering restrictions, we were hit by the Derecho (an inland hurricane). I had to throw out all of all of my food, wait days for power to be restored at not only at the market, but at home, take the kids somewhere that they would be okay with their breathing issues in heat, and restock.

I opened back up. Was able to get a SBA loan, but not a grant. I was not approved for grant money. I did receive unemployment for a little bit for the time that I was closed, and then was told that I will have to repay it. When the second round of PPP loans opened up, I applied. I didn’t hear back, and then was told that I was not eligible because my profit and loss sheet from 2019 had a negative balance… Well, that was the year that we opened and had to buy equipment, put down deposits, and pay basic start up costs. I’ve gone back-and-forth with them while applying for other grants and still have not been approved.

Most days I’m running the shop by myself. I could probably go back to working for someone else, but in this day and time there’s no assurance that I would even have a job. 

In the midst of all of this I’ve helped others provide food for their families, provide clothes for their children, and so many other things. Now I’m asking for help. I really want to save my business and continue to be the go-to bakery in the Newbo area. 

I know that everyone is going through something right now. If you can’t, or won’t help, that’s fine. Please, don’t send negative comments or vibes. It took a lot for me to ask.

Oh, and of course I’m praying and I am staying positive.