In this episode, I am talking to one of my dear friends who, for many years, felt stuck in the corporate world. It was Xiomara's experience that when working for someone else, it felt like something was missing each day. She became frustrated by the number of small businesses seeking loans that were repeatedly overlooked. 

Her belief is that everyone, regardless of background, should have a chance. Businesses were coming in asking for millions of dollars, but those asking for a smaller amount were not getting the chance. She became the solution.

Xiomara is a go-getter who doesn’t back down from a challenge; she believes her strength is in experience. When she left the corporate world, she learned quickly that peers and recruiters assumed her small business idea would fail and that she’d be back soon enough.

She turned down job offers, which only fueled her fire to start SBA Direct and make it a success. She wants to educate small business owners by walking them through the process to obtain a loan, doing her part to help them achieve their desired level of financial independence to some degree.

She aspires to make a significant effect on her community through perseverance and education. The existing system is out of date and new programs and processes are being developed for the next generation of entrepreneurs through SBA Direct. 

Not only is Xiomara assisting people who are already in business, but she is also positively influencing the next generation through her youth summit events where they learn how to create their own path in business, which is unparalleled.

The future looks bright for SBA Direct. 

In this episode, listen for:

• What she learned from her mistakes as an entrepreneur
• Explains why relying on a broker to handle everything is a bad idea
• Reaching out to other states and Puerto Rico is part of her mission
• Her service to the community and her contributions to education

Must-listen Moments: 

[5:16] Entrepreneurship necessitates being tough, refusing to take no for an answer, and believing in oneself

[12:49] What she instilled in her children: the variety of job alternatives available to them and the freedom to choose their own route rather than following in the footsteps of others

[28:47] An explanation of SBA Direct's various programs

For assistance, reach out to SBA Direct via: 

SBA Direct 

Linkedin 

Facebook 

Thank you for tuning into The Source Capital Podcast ™ where we talk entrepreneurship, business, and how to get financing to fund your business goals. 

You’re invited to follow me, Corey L. Townsend on Instagram at www.instagram.com/yoursmallbusinessbanker

Email any questions you have to me at [email protected]

And learn more about small business loans at www.yoursmallbusinessbanker.com