Bank Plans to Boost Small Business Lending
Santa Cruz Sentinel - 12/21/09
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A pair of local businesses see local financial institutions as a good option.
Mary Apra, 44, opened the Windmill Cafe on East Cliff Drive in October with a $45,000 loan from the Santa Cruz Community Credit Union.
"It was the first place I considered for a small business loan," said Apra. "They had faith in me and my vision."
Apra, a deli manager at the Staff of Life natural foods store and former food service manager at New Leaf Community Market, found the landmark building, which looks like a windmill, on Craigslist.
The spot offers coffee, pastries and sandwiches with a comfortable leather couch, a mural of clouds and box kites, a lending library and local artwork on the walls. Recording artist Richard Julian filled 40 seats with two days' notice.
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