Homemade Memories...Bakery
After I got with The Progress Fund, everything just kept on rolling.
People
What nobler calling is there than helping others to start the day right? Throughout Karen Wyland’s 11-year career as a baker, making breakfast has been her passion. “I love giving people good food and things that they haven’t tried before, like old-fashioned recipes,” she says. She decided to expand to Martinsburg, near much-visited Lake Raystown, and add new items, like picnic lunches. She found a great location for rent – and that was nearly her downfall.
Progress
Despite Karen’s track record, banks didn’t want to lend to a renter, because they’d have no lien on the building. So the St. Francis College Small Business Development Center told her that alternative financing could be an option. “After I got with The Progress Fund, everything just kept on rolling,” Karen says.
Impact
The Fund loaned $68,000 and arranged a $72,000 loan from the state’s First Industries Tourism Program. Karen is creating 10 new jobs, and buying more locally produced apples, fruits, vegetables and milk. She’s offering lake-bound tourists and locals alike her wholesome pies, cookies and cakes, plus quality coffees and teas. “It’s just going to pull people together,” she says.
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