Do You Have A Small Business That We Can Help You Start or Grow?
Success Stories: Priority First Non-Emergency Medical Transport
James came to San Diego as refugee from South Sudan in 1996. Upon settling in San Diego, he worked in different industries to support his family. Although he loved what he did, James always wanted to have his own business. He saved $30,000, but he soon realized it wasn’t enough to start his non-emergency medical transport business here. Determined, he decided to go to different lenders in the area but didn’t succeed, as most lenders require businesses to be in operation for a year.
One of the organizations referred James to the International Rescue Committee (IRC) SBDC. They worked with him to apply for a $20,000 business loan from their IRC Center for Economic Opportunity (CEO). IRC CEO was able to take a chance on James by approving a $15,000 business loan in May 2020, during the pandemic.
The $15,000 enabled James to complete most steps needed for his business. While he planned to cover the remaining, lesser expenses with his other employment, he lost his job due to the pandemic and couldn’t pay for business insurance — required for a non-emergency medical transport business to apply for medical contracts to service clients.
James returned to the IRC seeking advice. His business advisor told him about the Pivot Business Grant from IRC CEO. Although his business still wasn’t quite in operation, IRC CEO took a chance on him again and approved him for a $2,000 Pivot Business Grant; he used it to pay for business insurance. Because of the funding received to date, James was later able to sign his first contract to take clients where they need to go.
Areas of Assistance
New business start
Business lending advising
Immigrant-owned
Economic Impact
$30,000 owner investment
$15,000 start-up capital
$2,000 Pivot Business Grant
Location
San Diego, CA 92129
“I really appreciate your help. Without you I will be struggling with my business and how to start. Because of you, I am able to get the equipment that is required to start the business.
I will encourage people who are business-minded to contact IRC
and SBDC for help to succeed with their business dream.”
