Eric's Credit Community

This loan will be used to provide working capital for a purchase of an existing cafe?the Liberty Cafe?located next to a large, well-established independent bookstore. I have the money to buy it?now I just need to make sure I have the money to run it!

The location is good: it is located in downtown Spokane, WA, near office buildings, hotels, a shopping mall and several event facilities; there is a daytime population of over 16,000 within ½ mile. The space is well set-up: over 2,000 square feet with a full kitchen, espresso bar, seating for more than 40 people and hardwood floors in the dining area; there are entrances onto both the street and the aforementioned bookstore.

The cafe is adequate if not spectacular as it is currently run?it is turning a profit. I intend to improve the quality of the service and the food and market the cafe to the downtown business community and hotels. I also intend to transition to organic, locally/sustainably grown foods and organic/fair trade coffees and teas. Aside from believing that this is the right thing to do, it?s also a smart thing to do: packaged/prepared organic foods accounted for $4 billion in sales in U.S. in 2005; <a href="http://www.ers.usda.gov/Briefing/Organic/Demand.htm">packaged/prepared organic food sales estimated at $6 billion in U.S. in 2007</a>; <a href=?http://www.organicnewsroom.com/2007/10/organic_coffee_market_grows_dr.html?>U.S. retail sales of organic coffee in 2006 increased 24 percent to 110.36 million dollars<a/>.
My financial situation:

I am a good candidate for this loan because I have the organizational skills, the practical experience, the chutzpah and the determination to make this business a success. Relevant professional experience includes: waitressing and working in a coffee shop (barista and food prep), marketing and accounting (A/P, A/R). I have a team of advisors that includes an accountant, a SCORE counselor and an SBDC counselor. This is something I have wanted for years and I am now in the position to make it happen.

I have a business plan, financials (including supporting documentation) and resumes for myself and the baker and cook I have lined up as staff if you would like to see them.

Thanks for taking the time to read my listing!