Jose Daniel Saenz was a butcher living in New York City, but he grew up in San Antonio, TX. When he noticed the big changes happening in his hometown, he knew it was the right time to return home and contribute to its growth.
Jose believes in following what you’re passionate about and finding a way to bring it to people. He enjoys creating good food and believes in using the whole animal responsibly. Following his passion, Jose enrolled in Launch SA’s Break Fast & Launch culinary accelerator. After adjusting his business plan due to market needs, Jose was ready to open Swine House Bodega, San Antonio’s first whole-animal sandwich shop. However, like most entrepreneurs, he needed help.
LiftFund was there to support Jose through a microloan in partnership with the City of San Antonio. “LiftFund believed in us enough to get us enough money to get started,” said Jose.
Opening a brick-and-mortar business came with expenses like electrical and HVAC work. Funds were also needed for food, consumables and equipment. Jose relied on the teams at Launch SA and LiftFund to help him through these challenges.
“Without the loan from LiftFund, I don’t know what I would be doing right now,” reflected Jose.
