Kettle and Fire
Justin was referred to Main Street Launch by purewod, another Main Street client. “The experience was great. I knew what to expect because I knew another borrower.”
Montesacro
Gianluca also operates 54 Mint in San Francisco, and he has learned a lot about owning restaurants over the years: “Montesacro is the result of amazing teamwork of our 15 employees, and giving your family of employees room to prove themselves has good results. A successful restaurant is not based on the number of customers served in one day but in the number of customers dying to come back,” he explains.
Parle Innovation
“Technology is a way to advance people’s lives, and while sometimes it has the potential to disconnect, it also holds the promise of immersion,” explains Mary.
iCAFE San Francisco
Part of their loan from Main Street Launch was to purchase a new ice machine, ovens for their fresh, baked goods, and various supplies to grow their fast paced café. Currently, the café has 4 part-time employees and has also opened its 2nd location: iCAFE Chinatown.
Black Bark BBQ
David is a chef, and Monetta is a native San Franciscan, and they both have strong entrepreneurial spirits. They put their passions together ten years ago to open 1300 on Fillmore, a full-service restaurant in the Fillmore.
Barebottle Brewing Co.
“We found a sizeable space, about 16,000 square feet. The space gave us room to grow over the long term and add capacity as we expand. But we needed more money to buy equipment and for unknown future costs, which is what Main Street’s loan helped us do,” explains Mike.
Luxurious Nail Boutique
Richard offers advice to aspiring entrepreneurs: “When you ask for money, make sure you can answer any question about the business. Your idea has to make sense on paper, and you have to focus on the details in the right order if you want to be successful.”
Motus Rehab Clinic
Lindsay encourages new entrepreneurs to take some time to self-reflect. “While It is important to plan, work hard, and put the time in; self-reflection is equally as important in my experience and sometime more so. You need to be able to look at your personal weaknesses and be willing to confront them so they do not hold your business back from thriving.”
Triptych Strength
Tarquin offers advice to aspiring entrepreneurs: “Be prepared for the little things to add up – it will always cost more than you plan for. Be flexible with your business plan. Know what is non-negotiable and what you can adapt to meet your clients’ needs.”
Lexington Place
“I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit,” says Nichole. “When I would see empty storefronts, I’d imagine what kind of business I could open there.”