Todd Hutchens, The Heat Pump Store

Our stories tend to focus on the loan and what that loan enables, whether it’s a community center, a retail shop, or a construction project. For business owners, however, it’s often a lot of work to successfully apply for and receive a loan. This is especially true as many of the clients we serve are unable to qualify for bank financing and may need to do additional work to demonstrate loan readiness.

Olympia Community Solar wanted to help Thurgood Marshall Middle School transition to clean energy and lower its utility bills. A Craft3 bridge loan provided the funds upfront to install the solar project. Not only did this provide an environmentally friendly solution, but also it reduced the neighborhood’s energy burdens, allowing the school and residents to reinvest in their buildings, education, and students.

Sara Upshaw wanted her business to feel like a cozy home, but she herself didn’t feel at home in the world of business, which she found to be secretive and opaque. Determined to launch her business, Sara connected with Craft3 for coaching and loan support. The loan she received covered tenant improvements and startup costs, and provided an opportunity for a new entrepreneur to feel at home.