• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer
The Progress Fund

The Progress Fund

The Progress Fund

  • (724) 216-9160
  • Ask about a loan today
MENU
Hide Search
  • Home
  • Loans
    • Small Business LoansThe Progress Fund provides financing from $20,000 to over $1,000,000 to people who are starting, expanding or buying small businesses.
    • Get Loan ReadyLet us help connect you to the right resources to grow your business.
    • Ask About a LoanExplore your loan options.
    • Resources for EntrepreneursOur small business experts can help you plan your business start-up or a new type of venture.
    • FAQFind answers for commonly asked questions about us, how to apply for a loan, our loans, and technical assistance.
    • Application FormsContact us first before submitting the forms.
  • Borrowers
    • Browse Borrowers
    • Explore Borrower Map
  • Stories
  • About
    • About UsThe Progress Fund provides financing and business coaching to help people like you to grow businesses and create jobs for the region.
    • StaffThe Progress Fund staff combine lending experience with dedication to help small business owners.
    • ImpactsThe Progress Fund makes a difference.
    • Praise by OthersWe have provided financing to help people grow their businesses. Learn what people are saying about us.
    • Board of DirectorsOur Board of Directors combines experience and dedicated community service.
    • History and AwardsThe success of our work has brought notoriety and awards for community development impact.
    • Our SupportersWe rely on financial support of state and federal agencies, private foundations, and commercial banks.
    • Community DevelopmentWe have been creating opportunities along the Nation’s Trails since 2007 as well as redeveloping key properties in key communities.
    • The West Newton StoryCommunity development loans and real estate developments projects have supported the start-up and expansion of small businesses that are changing the future of the community.
    • EmploymentView our current job openings.
  • Contact
  • 724-216-9160
  • Display Search
Home Borrowers Restaurants Bittersweet Café

Bittersweet Café

Location:

205 Farmington-Ohiopyle Road
Farmington, PA

County:

Fayette

Description:

Start-up

Total Project Cost:

$238,810

Visit Online:

bittersweetfresh.com
  • Follow us on Facebook

They’re not in it for money. They’re in it to promote tourism in southwestern Pennsylvania. The loan officer I worked with is just so personable. He brought it all down to earth. He was a very calming influence through every kind of storm.

Terri Krysak, owner, Bittersweet Cafe

People

Terri Krysak always says the Ohiopyle area is “one of the most beautiful in the world,” and it bothers her that others see Fayette County as “depressed.”  “I just have had a vision, forever, that it doesn’t need to be this way.” When she finished home schooling her five sons, Terri set out to transform a family-owned house, using her experience with cooking, hospitality and management, into Bittersweet Café.

Progress

Terri sought advice from the St. Vincent College Small Business Development Center. When they talked about financing, she mentioned The Progress Fund. Her counselor “looked at me and said, ‘I think you’re right.’” The Progress Fund loaned $208,810 to purchase a building and equipment for the start-up café which features upscale gourmet food and drinks made from scratch with locally grown ingredients.

Impact

Terri and her sons turned the interior into a cozy space with a fireplace and antiques, while the wrap-around porch and grounds are “a little bit industrial,” with a state-of-the-art sound system. Raised beds in back produce some of the cafe’s vegetables, herbs and berries, and many other ingredients are grown nearby. A typical day might have her making homemade sausage, pie, granola, bread and cookies. Smell the aroma? That depressed feeling is gone, right? “Your attitude can change your environment,” Terri says. “Your attitude about this area can change this area.”

This project was financed in part using Pennsylvania Small Business Credit Initiative (PSBCI) funds from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Community and Economic Development.

The Progress Fund is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

View Story as PDF
More Restaurants Stories

Restaurants

Previous borrower Crick General Store
Next Borrower Horn Farm

Signup for our eNewsletter

See the latest news on our borrowers, stay up to date on events and more.

Privacy Policy

Footer

  • Home
  • Small Business Loans
    • Ask about a loan
    • Application Forms
    • Resources for Entrepreneurs
  • FAQ
  • Our Borrowers
    • Browse Borrowers
  • The Progress Fund Stories
  • About Us
    • Staff
    • Impacts
    • Praise by Others
    • Board of Directors
    • History and Awards
    • Our Supporters
    • Community Development
    • The West Newton Story
    • Employment
  • Contact Us
The Progress Fund

Main Office

724-216-9160
425 W Pittsburgh St
Greensburg, PA 15601-2211

Connect With Us!

  • Follow us on Facebook
Copyright © 2023 The Progress Fund. All Rights Reserved.
This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer. | Sitemap | Privacy Policy | Website by DDS
Scroll Top of Page