Deanna and Luis Corvera came to the SBDC for assistance with financing a new automotive repair shop in Falfurrias, Texas. The clients had looked at several possible locations and had approached local banks about financing a new shop. Their current business location was a leased building in very poor condition. Deanna Corvera met with her counselor, Larry Ellis, to put together a complete loan package to present to local banks. Larry Ellis prepared detailed financial projections for the business in the new shop. The business owner encountered numerous difficulties with local banks requiring a large down payment to finance the construction of a new shop. To further exacerbate the situation, the county auctioned their leased location for back taxes which would force them to move soon. Larry Ellis continued to provide assistance and support during this difficult period. Finally, Deanna and Luis Corvera were able to get Falfurrias State Bank to finance the new shop.

The new shop was built in four months and finally opened in July 2004. Deanna Corvera stated that “the Small Business Development Center has successfully assisted our business to grow and expand both professionally and financially. Larry Ellis helped put our financial records in order, helped us to understand the expansion process, and allowed us to predict possible future sales.” This success story shows how persistence and perseverance will finally lead to business success. The business is now doing well in its new shop with plans to expand.