#CDFIstory: From Inspired to Entrepreneur

Maria Harrington opened Casa de Español in downtown Sacramento in 2011 to pay homage to her Mexican heritage. The school, which offers Spanish classes to children and adults soon outgrew its original space. Harrington found a new location, which would allow her to add a Spanish immersion preschool, an after-school program, and a weekend center for children; a library with Spanish-language books; a new outdoor location for meetups; and continue to grow the school’s expanding enrollment.

She turned to CDC Small Business Finance which helped her secure a $64,000 Small Business Administration (SBA) Community Advantage loan.

With the expansion comes new jobs, and Harrington estimates she will hire four additional staff.

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