ID 100004 - Tools for Restaurant Equipment Installations

Client Profile

LaDale is starting a new business, L & W Midwest Kitchens, Inc. He registered his business and is seeking funding for tools needed for restaurant equipment installations. When he receives funding, he will be able to start his business. He will also hire several employees to help on future projects.

For 13 years, LaDale installed restaurant kitchen equipment. When the company's owner died of cancer, the business closed and he lost his job. Since the business closed, he has been doing day labor but the pay is only $8 an hour and some days there is no work. Because of this he lost his apartment and was not being able to afford the security deposit for a new place to live. Moving to a homeless shelter has been his only alternative for the past couple years.

The shelter staff report, "He is reliable and dependable. We would definitely recommend him for the At Home Group's program."

He has received letters from former clients and vendors recommending him and promising him contracts once he has the right tools and equipment. He is determined to do it right, so he has signed up for a small business course and is working with mentors on learning the skills for running a business. So now, he is opening his own installation business.

Even with his meager salary, he has been able to retain his truck, keep a phone and computer. He has wanted to start buying the tools he needs but the money never seems to stretch that far. He is requesting a grant of $2000. Your donation will take him from being homeless to being a tax paying businessman, supporting himself and putting other dislocated workers back in the workforce.

Your donation will be accepted by our parent organization, At Home Group.

If this client request has already been funded, Small Sums will fulfill a similar client request.

Our staff has reviewed this application and determined that all documentation on file corresponds with the application and request for assistance. The applicant has met with the Small Sums staff and their submission reviewed by the application committee.