Myreida Salinas

Myreida opened her linen rental business in 2001, but she dreamed of creating a business that would help clients plan and celebrate important life milestones. She gradually expanded her business to include decor rental and event planning, but she needed a loan to purchase the necessary supplies and rental space. Her sister referred her to LiftFund in 2012, and she used the funds to expand her inventory. She received two LiftFund loans — one for $5,700 and a second for $16,799— in 2016, which allowed her to grow her business while maintaining cash flow needed to serve her loyal clientele. Her credit has improved over the course of the loans and her overall household income has grown as well. “I have already [referred] many of my friends to LiftFund for low interest loans for their small businesses,” she said. “The loan made everything easier, and it’s helped the Laredo community find recognition.” Today, Myreida is considered one of the best local event planners, and has helped plan numerous occasions such as weddings, quinceañeras and beauty pageants, including the Miss Laredo USA pageant. “There have been many [obstacles], but I am grateful to have this [business] for my family and community,” Myreida said.