Abel Zelaya, an immigrant from Honduras, has always enjoyed art and design. Now he’s living his dream by running a successful signmaking business, Unique Graphics & Signs. The journey has not been short or easy, but Abel has succeeded through hard work, persistence, and dedication to saving.

Abel started his company on a part-time basis; with the help of a SCORE volunteer, the JobStarts staff, and two small business grants, he has created a marketing campaign and grown his customer base. Since going through JobStarts’ training program, receiving funding from the Trickle Up program, and establishing an Individual Development Account (IDA), Abel has increased his sales to the point that he now runs the business full time.

He says, “The program has helped me very much because I’m more focused. I developed a business plan that I can apply to my business and its growth.” He was able to further expand by purchasing a van and equipment.

Abel hopes to eventually grow his company enough that he can hire employees.