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Kiva Loans: Tattoo Parlors and More

Ramon – Fresno CDFI

Kiva borrower Ramon works in his tattoo parlor, a Fresno-based microbusiness.A loan of $7,500 helps Ramon to open a tattoo and piercing shop. Ramon has always been an artist at heart. At the age of 10, he was an aspiring artist drawing pictures of celebrities and cartoon characters. Ramon is looking for funding to open a tattoo and piercing shop and purchase the necessary equipment. With this funding, Ramon will create three new jobs, employing two new tattoo artists and a piercing professional. (Read more…)

Posted 11/4/13

Zhen – PACE

Zhen - PACEA loan of $6,000 helps Zhen to purchase inventory and remodel his men’s clothing retail store. Zhen came to the U.S. as an asylee with his parents when he was a teenager. His parents worked so hard to help him go to school, but because of their limited language skills, after college he had to start working to support the family. He started as a truck driver. However, as an entrepreneur, he always wanted to do some business by himself. Gradually, he started selling online clothes that he bought from China to the U.S. After several years in operation, he has already built a steady supply and has a steady income. (Read more…)

Posted 11/25/13

Juan – Fresno CDFI

Juan - Fresno CDFIA loan of $5,000 helps Juan to make repairs on his roadside service truck. Juan is a single dad of a fourteen-year-old son. During the recession he lost his job as a maintenance supervisor, but was determined to get back on his feet. He took a job as a roadside service mechanic, allowing him to save enough money to purchase his own tools and flatbed tow truck. It took Juan a few months to gain the experience to start his own roadside service business. (Read more…)

Posted 12/7/13