Paula and Randy Cardoza's dream was to open a tire store that could support their family—an asset they could some day pass down to their children.

Jefferson Economic Development Institute (JEDI) helped them write a business plan that secured a loan from the City of Mt. Shasta Business Loan Fund (established through Community Development Block Grant funds). After opening for business in February 2003, Paula worked with JEDI, receiving QuickBooks training for inventory tracking, invoicing, and financial reports.

With JEDI's help, the Mt. Shasta Tire Company has quickly grown to employ nine full-time and one part-time staff, and has expanded operations to an adjacent lot.