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. 

BIPOC Owned

Jose Daniel Saenz

Swine House

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.

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Mareli Demarchi Flores

Framboyant Learning Center

Mareli Demarchi Flores, owner of Framboyant Learning Center in McAllen, embodies the American Dream. She grew up in Jaragua Do Sul– a small farming town in Brazil– where she dreamed of becoming a teacher in America. According to Mareli, everyone in her hometown pulled together as a community.

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Carolina Muñoz

Berenice’s Kids

At Berenice’s Kids of McAllen, the right dress can transform everyday events into memorable celebrations. Despite its success, this children’s formal wear boutique struggles like many other fledgling businesses burdened by the weight of conventional bank loans.

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Women Owned

Eugenia Alonso

Royal Piaget Academy

Eugenia Alonso was a licensed child psychologist in Mexico where she owned a learning center and taught young children from the age of 1 to 4 years old. She enjoyed impacting the lives of young children and was experiencing great success; however, her own children went to school in the United States and the traveling back and forward took time away from her job and family.

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BIPOC Owned

Lamar Jones

Janktafied Goodness

Lamar grew up eating delicious BBQ at family gatherings, but after years of adjusting store-bought BBQ sauces, he decided to test his culinary skills and develop his own special recipe known as “The Jank”, which means “too awesome to describe.” Lamar, a musician, moved from Florida to the Rio Grande Valley after a concert. He and his partner lived in a small two-bedroom apartment with little or no money and slept on the flo

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BIPOC Owned

Jacob & Jennifer Ramirez

CrossFit Stamina

Jacob didn’t image that the first CrossFit gym he would train from would be his own, CrossFit Stamina. His fitness inclination led him to CrossFit and as he started training, he automatically fell in love with it.

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