Local business owner receives funding

TIFFIN – Jenny Hale was awarded funding, allowing her to focus more on her skills. Hale's business, Secret Seamstress, was recently awarded $10,000 from the Economic and Community Development Institute's Women's History Month small business loan. The business, which provides alterations, tailoring and everyday fixes, will turn one later this year. Hale said the funds will allow her to "focus on my skill more and less worry about when I can pay myself," and it helps her "envision what she can offer in the future." She plans also to use the loan to get equipment that will help her work more efficiently, keep supplies in stock and to expand and advertise her business. Hale will also be purchasing more racks for dresses now that she has expanded her services to offer dress consignment. What is ECDI? The A-T spoke with Stephanie Villegas, ECDI's Toledo Director of Lending and Sales, to learn more about ECDI, the loan, and its potential benefits for businesses. ECDI is a non-profit resource center for small businesses and is considered the number one small business administration microlender in the US, according to Villegas. "We are dedicated to increasing economic equity in communities throughout Ohio by providing small business owners with the resources and funding they need to thrive," she said. The organization will celebrate its 20th anniversary this July. It was founded by Inna Kinney, "the daughter of Jewish immigrants from the former Soviet Union who came to America in the '70s to escape religious persecution." While Kinney's father achieved the American Dream using entrepreneurship, she saw him and other community members "struggle to support their families due to their lack of familiarity with American financial systems and their inability to gain access to capital." Kinney's life experience created her passion for "creating social justice through economic opportunity for those who are at a systemic disadvantage" and "giving entrepreneurs the knowledge and funding they need to build better lives for their families," Villegas said. ECDI also hosts four Women's Business Centers of Ohio, the Minority Contractor Resource Center, a statewide Food Business Incubation Services program and provides services to entrepreneurs. The organization is headquartered in Columbus and serves all of Ohio and parts of Kentucky, Indiana, and West Virginia. It has offices in Cleveland, Cincinnati, Toledo, Akron, Canton, and Portsmouth. The Toledo office handles services for Seneca County residents. "In honor of Women's History Month, ECDI offered a limited-time, below-market rate (only 2%) loan option to help women-owned businesses thrive," Villegas explained. "Women often face barriers to accessing business capital – particularly women who are also BIPOC. Because lack of capital is the number one reason small businesses cite as the reason for business failure or inability to grow their business, this loan was meant to provide needed capital, affordably and easily." Hale and Villegas met to discuss the business needs and Villegas realized Hale was a great fit for the program, which is intended to help businesses like The Secret Seamstress grow. "She was efficient, prepared, and was able to follow the process seamlessly. She is a motivated entrepreneur and we are looking forward to her success, and to being a partner in her business growth, through lending and mentoring." ECDI offers training, mentoring, connections and other resources that help entrepreneurs increase their success rate. It also offers industry-specific programs like theECDI Women's Business Center of Northern Ohio, Food Business Incubation Services, and the Minority Contractor Resource Center. Seneca County residents can access these programs by visiting https://www.ecdi.org/innovation The organization is hosting a free Small Business Resource Fair during National Small Business Week. The fair is scheduled from 3-7 p.m. May 2 at Erie Street Market, Toledo. The Toledo Chamber of Commerce, Small Business Development Center, Mercy Health and others will be on-site to help entrepreneurs grow their businesses and make connections. Get your tickets at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/small-business-resource-fair-toledo-oh-tickets-791586345067?aff=tribune Hale's aspirations Hale's goal for her business is to "continue to provide quality alterations and tailoring" and to be "a liaison for those who want to sell and purchase dresses affordably," "I want to be the shop in Tiffin that offers affordable formal wear while keeping the hometown feel and down-to-earth approach to helping people with their needs," she said. For other women who are looking to start their own business, to think through what they want to do and to have a plan. "If you're serious, put together a real business plan and take advantage of all the free help that is out there through the county, region and state to help you get started," Hale advised. "Don't give up! I've had my learning curves in the past that might leave you humbled and embarrassed, but those experiences help you grow if you get back up." Hale has more services up her sleeve but is gearing up for demand before she reveals her new offerings. Walk-ins are welcome at The Secret Seamstress, 120 ½ S. Washington St. Ste. 215, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Appointments for dress fittings can be made by calling 419-608-8074. The business also includes Dress Again Consignment. Those who wish to consign their dresses can put their dress in the shop, list their price and split the profit with Hale or advertise their gown in the shop for $10 a month for three months minimum and collect the full asking price upon sale. Dress Again Consignment will display and advertise via The Secret Seamstress's social media page and The Secret Seamstress website: www.TheSecretSeamstress2023.com The Secret Seamstress offers sewing lessons to people of all ages, all genders and all skill levels. Hale also offers private or group lessons. The following lessons are available. Beginner Refresher Experiences Learn to use your own machine How to follow a pattern Guided lesson Contact Hale at 419-608-8074 for more information on lessons.