Impact Stories

Small Business. Big Impact. 

We are proud of our clients who add vibrancy to our communities while creating a pathway to prosperity for themselves, their families and their employees. 
 
At LiftFund 26% of our client base includes startups contributing to the local economy and making a difference in their communities. 
 
Read about our clients’ entrepreneurial journey and get inspired by their passion, commitment and resiliency. 

Michelle Lea Matta

A Turtle Loves Me

Michelle Matta left her longtime position with a promotional products company in Dallas, Texas, in search of a new challenge. With the encouragement of her husband Ernest, aka “Turtle,” Michelle launched her own promotional products company — A Turtle Loves Me — in 2007.

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BIPOC Owned

Edinson Arenas

Azteca Mexican Candy

Jose Antonio realized that Dallas was ready for its own dulce store, a sweet Mexican candy, and started Azteca Mexican Candy, a family business dedicated to traditional Mexican candies in 2007.

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BIPOC Owned

Sandy Cantu

Storybooks School

Over 21 years ago, Sandy realized that her neighborhood didn’t have high quality daycare options. With her love of books and learning, she took a chance and opened Storybooks School from her home in 1995 as a safe, high-quality educational environment for children from infancy to five years. As a veteran business owner, Sandy was referred to LiftFund in 2012 to help her business expand from a home-based business to a commer

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Women Owned

Rebecca Biesenbach

Grandma B’s Sweet Treats

If there’s one thing that Rebecca Biesenbach loves, it’s Blue Bell’s old-fashioned ice cream. And it’s not just the company’s 66 unique flavors and deep Texas roots that she appreciates: Rebecca loves how Blue Bell’s ice cream brings people together.

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BIPOC Owned

Dahlia Salinas Martinez

The Blue Dahlia

Dahlia Salinas Martinez grew up watching her parents successfully run hair styling businesses.But it wasn’t until years later, when her own daughter, Jacqueline, opened a hair salon that Dahlia was inspired to follow in her family’s entrepreneurial footsteps. Together, the mother-daughter team dreamed of opening a single space that would allow customers to enjoy salon services and shop.

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BIPOC Owned

Linh Odom

Kosmo Nail & Hair Salon

Linh Odom has always had a passion for beauty and a hard work ethic. As an experienced and passionate manicurist, she didn’t want to work for anyone else. In 2008, she decided to open Kosmo Nail & Hair Salon, as a young entrepreneur. Her client and First Community Bankbanker referred her to LiftFund, where she received the capital she needed to open her business. As demand for her services grew, she secured additional funds

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