The Bakers Rack Builds a Business on Southern Cooking

ACCION USA small business loan provides funding for important equipment

When they were growing up in Mississippi, cousins Margaret Lofton and Jennifer Richardson were surrounded by good southern cooking. They learned to cook at the 4-H Club. They judged the cakes and pies their aunts baked for the holidays. And when they came to Atlanta, they dreamed of building a business based on their passion—southern cooking.

Incubating a business
"We wanted to have something, a legacy, to leave for our families," Jennifer says. "Our friends, family, relatives of friends, church groups—they were always asking us to cook," adds Margaret. "So we thought we might as well make money doing it."

Their business—The Bakers Rack—began when Margaret discovered the South Dekalb Incubator, where they could rent a kitchen. They scraped together the funds for initial equipment and supplies. But to their dismay, they learned that they needed an expensive commercial refrigerator to be licensed and to operate a business in their space.

Solving a critical need with timely funding
The cousins found out about ACCION USA and the business credit it made available to businesses and entrepreneurs. A $2,500 small business loan from ACCION USA enabled them to buy the fridge—as well as a hot and cold food carrier.

Establishing a thriving business
Now able to cater larger events, The Bakers Rack began to establish a reputation for great cooking, including their mouth-watering cakes. "It's just so rewarding when you create something for someone and they enjoy it," says Margaret.

Looking ahead, Margaret and Jennifer plan to expand the business to include a sandwich and deli, which would let them improve their cash flow.

Providing funds for new businesses
For Margaret and Jennifer, a small business loan from ACCION USA helped get their business off the ground—providing invaluable funding during the critical start-up phase. If your business faces a financial challenge and needs a timely loan, apply for a small business loan from ACCION USA today.

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