Anna Poplawska contacted the center in the summer of 2007 looking for information on registering her new business. Anna returned a year later as the new owner of Maple Grove Estates located in Friendship, New York. She was interested in obtaining funding for the continued development of her business. She developed her business plan and loan application and submitted it to the loan committee.

She was able to get a $25,000 loan to increase employment and develop the park further. Maple Grove Estates continues to grow under the watchful eye of its owner and preparations are being made to hire employees to help with the day-to-day management of the business so Anna will be able to spend more time at her home in Chicago.

Since purchasing the business the income for the park as tripled. Anna continues to think of innovative ways to streamline the park and work to attract the best tenants. She continues to stay in contact with her business counselor and often comes in to ask questions or just say “Hi”. When asked about her experience, Anna said, “I really appreciated all the encouragement and assistance I received in going through the process. It was much easier than I expected it to be and the money assisted me in turning the park around.”