Paw-riffic K-9 Kampus provides petsitting servcies, mid-day walks and grooming servcies using all natural products. For those owners who like giving their pets baths, there is a self serve area with plenty of room for even the biggest pets. Paw-riffic hosts a variety of obedience classes and offers an array of pet information. They sell pet supplies and accessories as well.

Leslie Lawrence started Paw-riffic K-9 Kampus in December 2005. Located on Hubbard Road in Madison, she has over 100 clients, three employees and every Monday at 3:40 p.m. Leslie talks Pet Tips on WKKY 104.7 FM. She sought help from the Microloan Program for machinery and equipment as well as inventory.

The Microloan Program gave her the tools needed to create a business plan and financial projections. "They give advice and offer trainings to make your business the best it can," Leslie said.

Paw-riffic K-9 Kampus…We love them when you have to leave them!

Former owner Sandra Allison felt the need to open her childcare center when the Fairport Harbor school district closed its preschool leaving many parents searching frantically for quality childcare at an affordable price. An early childhood specialist counselor for 19 years "I decided it was time to provide a venue for services in the community beyond non-profits," she said.

Most of her available funds went towards the facility and equipment. Funds started diminishing yet she still needed a fence surrounding the play yard in order to secure state licensure. The Lake County Microloan Program provided Sandra with guidance and education about opening her childcare business and loaned her the funds to build her fence and get licensed!

Today, Safe Harbor Child Enrichment Center, Inc. provide child care for children ages 3-12.

In addition to providing childcare, Safe Harbor also provides a part-time preschool, after school programs as well as outreach services to families, professionals and young children searching for guidance and support in behavioral, developmental, emotional, neurological and trauma related issues.

In 2002, Marcy Kurian started her formal wear business from scratch. As the sole employee she was "on a shoestring budget," she said. "Today we have five employees and are looking at expanding."

Expressions Bridal & Formal is located in Mentor and is a full service bridal salon designed to provide beautiful, quality bridal merchandise at affordable prices, delivered with superior customer service.

The Lake County Economic Development Center "was very instrumental in assisting in the writing of our business plan, which got us up and running," said Marcy, "the Microloan Program was helpful in expanding our current product base."

Kurian adds, "We are very customer service oriented. A wedding day is very important and we know that right from the start. We want you to know how much we care and how willing we are to bend over backwards to make your day memorable." A big thank you to the Microloan Program, they have "been wonderful to work with and are incredibly patient!"

"Expression Bridal & Formal.............The Expression of You Will Be Beautiful!"

CM Jordan Enterprises entered the commercial cleaning industry in May 2005 and needed start-up funds. The microloan program provided this company with a microloan as well as additional start-up information.

The Lake County Microloan Program "has made it possible for me to grow my business by allowing me to borrow the additional funds I needed at a lower cost than the traditional financing," said owner of CM Jordan Enterprises. "My clients are very happy with the service we provide which is a great feeling!"

Web Wise Seniors, Inc. (WWS) is a for-profit company created to educate individuals over 50 on computer basics. Their mission is to provide affordable and accessible computer education to eliminate the disadvantages faced by computer illiterate seniors thereby giving them additional opportunities in society and in the workplace while improving their quality of life.

Instructors teach at a variety of facilities including senior centers, community colleges, and hospitals. In addition to classes, WWS also offers free computer seminars within the community.

Just three years old, the company has grown from one employee to a staff of seven strong and has expanded from Northeast Ohio to the Central Ohio region. Stephen Pelton, owner of WWS, says, "The Lake County Economic Development Center helped us obtain funding to buy equipment to expand our business which enabled us to generate more income to cover expenses and grow the business to its potential."

"Web Wise Seniors, helping seniors across the nation! "

The need for more equipment and space led to the purchase of a new building in Mentor. Cost overruns in that process were squeezing Parker's cash and his banker referred him to the Revolving Loan Fund. The new location is now up and running.

"The process was smooth with no surprises and my experience with the Lake County Economic Development Center was rewarding because I now have an opportunity to grow and cater to our customer's demand more effectively. I am fulfilling my dreams!" Reeve Parker said.

Now Parker, his wife Maria, and employees are enjoying working in a new building with new machinery knowing they are contributing more to the community.