Evergreen Business Capital Community Finance

Evergreen Business Capital Community Finance Impact Loan Programs for Small Businesses

Today we encourage you to have some fun with your holiday shopping, and support your local small businesses!
11/25/2023

Today we encourage you to have some fun with your holiday shopping, and support your local small businesses!

Wishing all of our friends and family a safe and happy Thanksgiving Day!Our offices are closed today November 23, and Fr...
11/23/2023

Wishing all of our friends and family a safe and happy Thanksgiving Day!
Our offices are closed today November 23, and Friday November 24 in observance.

Jude's Old Town  is a unique restaurant located in the Rainier Beach neighborhood of Seattle, notable not only for their...
10/12/2023

Jude's Old Town is a unique restaurant located in the Rainier Beach neighborhood of Seattle, notable not only for their Cajun-inspired menu and craft cocktails, but their co-op business model.

Founded in its current form in January 2020, Jude's enjoyed a few brief months of dine-in service before having to adapt, like so many other businesses, during the pandemic. To keep the beloved neighborhood restaurant open, owner Mark pivoted to a take-out only model, manufactured and sold hand sanitizer that was lovingly decorated by his children, and worked with Evergreen Business Capital Community Finance to secure working capital with Washington's Flex Fund Loan Program.

Jude's transitioned to a co-op model in 2021, meaning the employees are involved in decision making and share in the success of the business. Mark sees this as a way to empower the staff and create a workplace where everyone's input is valued. The co-op model fosters a sense of personal ownership for the employees, strengthening their connection to the restaurant and patrons alike.

Jude's Old Town's commitment to community involvement is also noteworthy. By supporting local organizations like the Rainier Valley Food Bank, hosting events and auctions to raise funds and awareness, and contributing to grassroots mutual aid organizations, Jude's shows their dedication to making a positive impact beyond their restaurant walls.

Mark envisions a near future of educating more businesses in the South Side of Seattle on the benefits of going co-op. He hopes not only to promote the idea of community power, but also to offer residents more opportunities to be actively involved in the economic structure of their neighborhoods.

Visit https://www.judesoldtown.com/ to check out their hearty menu, signature cocktails, or reserve a space for your next party.

Washington State Department of Commerce
NDC National Development Council
Opportunity Finance Network
Desautel Hege

Located in the South Lake Union neighborhood, Lassi & Spice is a local favorite, offering an array of Indian flavors and...
09/28/2023

Located in the South Lake Union neighborhood, Lassi & Spice is a local favorite, offering an array of Indian flavors and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. After opening in 2019, Lassi & Spice was hit hard by the initial effects of the pandemic and sought help by working with Evergreen Business Capital Community Finance to secure working capital through Washington State's Flex Fund Loan Program.

What sets Lassi & Spice apart is not just its delectable cuisine but also its driving purpose. Susannah was inspired by her husband's Indian heritage and her own love for South Asian culture. She sought to introduce authentic Indian flavors in a simple and approachable way. The result is a menu that's diverse yet easy to navigate, making Indian cuisine accessible for those who may have never tried it before, and on-the-go regulars alike.

Their journey hasn't been without its challenges; however, they have always demonstrated resilience and a commitment to their SLU community. When the pandemic hit, Susannah shifted her focus to support the unhoused community in the neighborhood. Donating meals with their Pav is Love program from May of 2020 through March of 2022, Lassi & Spice formed strong partnerships with local shelters and organizations, providing both sustenance and a sense of purpose during challenging times.

Whether you're a chai enthusiast, a fan of Indian cuisine, or simply someone looking for a warm and welcoming dining experience in Seattle, Lassi & Spice is the place to be. Savor the flavors of India while supporting a business that truly embodies the spirit of community, and learn more at lassiandspice.com

Washington State Department of Commerce
NDC National Development Council
Opportunity Finance Network
Desautel Hege

In Seattle's Skyway neighborhood, Angel City Deli  has been serving soul food since 2012. Founded by owner Lee, Angel Ci...
09/14/2023

In Seattle's Skyway neighborhood, Angel City Deli has been serving soul food since 2012. Founded by owner Lee, Angel City Deli is a testament to their entrepreneurial spirit and dedication. After nearly a decade in business, they were able to weather the effects of the pandemic, thanks to their strong community support and the working capital they obtained utilizing Evergreen Business Capital Community Finance and Washington State’s Flex Fund Program.

Lee’s journey into the restaurant business began when serendipity led her to a space for rent in Skyway, and a casual conversation with a friend inspired her to take her home cooking to the next level. Little did she know that these small steps would lead to creating a thriving business that has become a cornerstone of the neighborhood.

What sets Angel City Deli apart is not just its mouthwatering cuisine, but its commitment to their local community. In an area with few soul food options, the restaurant has become a beloved spot, thanks to its loyal customers who visit regularly. Angel City Deli's commitment to its community extends beyond the restaurant's walls. They actively engage with local organizations and events, supporting their neighbors and giving back to the community that has embraced them.

Looking ahead, Angel City Deli has ambitious plans. They are set to introduce a soul food buffet, a rarity in Seattle, and bottle their famous homemade hot wing sauce, which has garnered praise from customers. Furthermore, they envision a mentorship program for micro food-businesses, helping budding entrepreneurs navigate the culinary world.

Angel City Deli isn't just a restaurant; it's a labor of love. With a commitment to quality, consistency, and community, Angel City Deli is a beacon of excellence in Seattle, and its journey is far from over. Head over to their location for lunch or dinner or visit their website for more information on their offerings. www.angelcitydeli.com.

Washington State Department of Commerce
NDC National Development Council
Opportunity Finance Network
Desautel Hege

Crepe Legend  embodies the spirit of innovation and fusion cuisine. Opened in June 2021 by owner Robert, a seasoned chef...
09/07/2023

Crepe Legend embodies the spirit of innovation and fusion cuisine. Opened in June 2021 by owner Robert, a seasoned chef with a passion for diverse flavors and textures, Crepe Legend utilized Evergreen Business Capital Community Finance's services to secure working capital through Washington State's Flex Fund Loan Program.

Robert's inspiration stems from his experience, which includes managing fine dining restaurants and cooking for luxury hotels, on top of his formal culinary education. He noticed the lack of fusion cuisine outside major cities like LA and New York, and a market for quality, on-the-go meals. This realization led to the creation of crepe burritos, a delightful blend of Asian and Mexican influences, with a specialized crepe batter recipe developed in-house to make them substantial enough to hold fillings, without sacrificing deliciousness.

Crepe Legend's story is one of resilience and creativity. With sweet dessert crepes, savory crepe burritos, salads, and rice bowls, they have carved out a niche that has won over the community's tastebuds. Stationed in South Center Mall, Crepe Legend persevered when their long-planned grand opening landed during the pandemic. However, they are now gearing up to open a second location.

Learn more about Crepe Legend's story and menu by visiting: https://crepelegend.com/

Washington State Department of Commerce
NDC National Development Council
Opportunity Finance Network
Desautel Hege

Lucky Pizza's is a unique story of perseverance and overcoming the less-than-favorable hand one has been dealt. Utilizin...
08/31/2023

Lucky Pizza's is a unique story of perseverance and overcoming the less-than-favorable hand one has been dealt. Utilizing Evergreen Business Capital Community Finance to secure a Flex Fund loan was only one of many steps that Lucky Pizza took to turn their luck around.

After over 20 years of working at her family's restaurant in California, owner Jugmeet and her husband Raj were excited to move to Seattle, finally making her dream of owning her own restaurant a reality. Little did they know that two weeks after signing off on their new venture, most of the world would shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

As though that weren't enough of a hurdle, when they purchased the restaurant they inherited the negative reputation that the previous owners had developed, and initially struggled to gain back customers' trust.

Jugmeet and Raj have worked diligently to build and nurture their own reputation. In addition to changing the old name to Lucky Pizza, they hired seasoned pizza chefs to develop and execute a revamped menu using quality ingredients, and became devoted to holding themselves to the highest standards. Raj admits he has been described as a perfectionist, and he prides himself in doing everything in his life to the best of his ability: "Anything I do, even if I breathe, I have to breathe right."

With a lot of hard work in the kitchen, and dedication to their customers, Lucky Pizza has become a favorite pizza spot in North Seattle with loyal fans who return week after week. Jugmeet attributes this to her recipes, as well as the mouthwatering cheese-pull on each slice.

Lucky Pizza is available for delivery and takeaway. For more information about their menu, visit www.orderluckypizzamenu.com

Washington State Department of Commerce
NDC National Development Council
Opportunity Finance Network
Desautel Hege

The Georgetown neighborhood in Seattle is known, in part, for the local breweries and taphouses that dot this charming i...
08/24/2023

The Georgetown neighborhood in Seattle is known, in part, for the local breweries and taphouses that dot this charming industrial area. Jellyfish Brewing Company has been among those ranks since 2016 and was able to weather the effects of the pandemic in part thanks to the Flex Fund loan that they secured early on, utilizing Evergreen Business Capital Community Finance to get the working capital they needed to stay afloat.

Owners Thomas and Mark have bountiful experience in the Seattle brewing scene. After getting their start at Big Time Brewery and Alehouse in 1990, one of the area's first craft breweries, Thomas and Mark reconvened in 2016 to strike out on their own venture. Thomas (pictured second from the right) cites his love for good beer and good conversation as his inspiration to return to the industry after a stint in real estate appraisal. He recalls realizing "I have got to get back to talking to people."

Jellyfish Brewing has a delightful nautical theme that carries through from the décor of the taproom to the names of the wide selection of beers they hand-craft onsite. Try a Smack IPA ('smack' being a term for a group of jellyfish), or the Hydra Pils on the lighter end of their offerings.

Visiting their taproom is more than worthwhile; with an expansive covered beer garden, plenty of indoor and bar seating, and the shining brewery often on full display, Jellyfish is perfect for a hoppy happy hour get-together. If you can't make it to Georgetown don’t despair, and instead keep your eyes peeled for their many offerings that they distribute to local restaurants and bars.

Visit jellyfishbrewing.com to view their full draft list, upcoming events, or to reserve space for your next celebration.

Washington State Department of Commerce
NDC National Development Council
Desautel Hege

St. John's Barbershop is a neighborhood barber in Des Moines, WA that aspires to be so much more than a wonderful place ...
08/17/2023

St. John's Barbershop is a neighborhood barber in Des Moines, WA that aspires to be so much more than a wonderful place to get a fresh cut. Owner John Takyi looks to make his dreams a reality with the working capital he was able to secure through Evergreen Business Capital Community Finance and the Flex Fund program.

John has been cutting hair for over 20 years, first in his native Ghana before moving to Washington. His passion for serving the community extends beyond just the surrounding neighborhood and his dedicated regulars, and into the hair styling industry at large. He shares his space with other stylists and barbers who rent the chairs to run their own independent practices, as well as manicure and pedicure specialists.

After years of thriving, St. John’s, like so many small businesses, was hard-hit by the effects of the pandemic. Not only were their clients kept away during the lock-down, but the City of Des Moines utilized that time to start major revisions to the nearby highway, which has negatively impacted St. John's street level accessibility.

Despite all of this, John remains upbeat and optimistic. Flex Fund working capital allowed him to start remodeling his space inside and out, as well as to pursue opening a secondary location. Additionally, John is taking the steps to create an apprenticeship program, to train young stylists, and set them up for success in their own businesses.

Book an appointment online at: https://stjohnsbarber.shop/

Washington State Department of Commerce
NDC National Development Council
Desautel Hege

Nestled in the heart of Rainier Beach is a hidden gem, Kaffa Coffee and Wine Bar. Offering far more than wine and coffee...
08/10/2023

Nestled in the heart of Rainier Beach is a hidden gem, Kaffa Coffee and Wine Bar. Offering far more than wine and coffee since 2014, Kaffa is a Flex Fund borrower who worked with Evergreen Business Capital Community Finance to secure working capital during the pandemic.

Owners Bisrat and Milen are Ethiopian immigrants and strive to share the flavors of their birthplace with their new home and family in Seattle. The storefront is welcoming; you're first struck with the smells and sounds of the espresso bar, then with their myriad retail offerings of Ethiopian spice mixes, ground teff flour, and specialty coffee and teas.

From small plates perfect for a quick and healthy lunch, to sharable platters that are certain to satisfy (along with plenty of gluten free and vegan options), Kaffa's robust menu has something for any appetite.

Owner Milen cites her regular customers and community as the key to Kaffa's success and charm. "I think the people who come here, they feel like they’re at home."

Stop by Kaffa Coffee and Wine Bar to enjoy authentic Ethiopian coffee and cuisine or learn more about the flavors you can take home with you at kaffafoods.com.

Washington State Department of Commerce
NDC National Development Council
Desautel Hege

We've all heard the saying "the secret ingredient is love", but that is true for Temple Pastries, another small business...
08/03/2023

We've all heard the saying "the secret ingredient is love", but that is true for Temple Pastries, another small business that utilized Evergreen Business Capital Community Finance to secure a working capital Flex Fund loan.

Once you walk in to their airy and well-lit establishment you are welcomed by the aroma of delicious coffee and pastries, thanks to the partnership of Barry, owner of Broadcast Coffee, and Christina, the mastermind behind the baked goods.

Christina's passion for baking was practically love at first sight. After finishing business school at the University of Florida, Christina taught herself to bake, and soon after traveled cross country to Seattle to learn all she could. Several years of training at popular Seattle bakeries later, she decided to take the leap and start a business of her own.

The name Temple comes from the meaning that Christina has found in baking; "Baking is very rule-based, but also very intuitive. It's like my personal temple." The metaphor goes even further, Temple has become a safe-haven for regulars utilizing the space to work remotely, catch up with friends, or enjoy a midday kouign-amann.

Located on South Jackson Street in the Central District, Temple Pastries promises to become one of the most happening spots in the neighborhood with the expansion they are working on (no spoilers, but everyone loves a 'pie', right?). Swing by between 7am and 3pm to pick up tasty seasonal treats and quality coffee or place an online pre-order at templepastries.com.

Washington State Department of Commerce
NDC National Development Council
Desautel Hege

Located in the Othello neighborhood of Seattle, Cafe Red is a prime example of a community-driven small business support...
07/28/2023

Located in the Othello neighborhood of Seattle, Cafe Red is a prime example of a community-driven small business supported by a Flex Fund working capital loan originated with Evergreen Business Capital Community Finance.

Since their start as a bicycle-powered coffee stand, building bonds with their customers and the neighborhood at large has been owners Jesiah and Haley's favorite part of the job, an attitude which still is alive and well in their brick-and-mortar cafe.

Before 2020, Cafe Red regularly hosted events. They were able to re-introduce jazz nights, open mics and more in the summer of 2022, solidifying their dedication to engaging with the community. Co-owner Jesiah is encouraged by the turnout, saying, "People, I think, have experienced a lot of difficult things in the past few years, so people are kind of thirsty for a connection."

Stop by Cafe Red and treat yourself to a delicious all-vegan breakfast or lunch and visit their website for information on upcoming events.

Address

13925 Interurban Avenue S
Seattle, WA
98168

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