Since 1952 Building Maintenance Services Inc. (BMS) has provided commercial cleaning and janitorial services in the Central Valley and Southern California. With business at a standstill, the mother-daughter team, Anna Fernandez and Nellie Castaneda, were looking for financial support to keep their family business going strong. Although BMS had the knowledge and expertise to perform professional cleaning services, Access Plus Capital provided the financing necessary to expand their client base and grow.
“We got the push we needed to be okay,” said Nellie. “We had the confidence, we knew how to do the job and had the opportunities to expand but we didn’t have the finances.”
The infusion of working capital allowed BMS to expand for the first time since the 2008 recession. During the recession, the business was forced to downsize and cut back on services offered in Southern California.
“They took their time to walk us through a small business loan,” said Anna. ”Once the credit process started with Access Plus Capital they did everything possible to help me obtain working capital. Thanks to staff at Access Plus Capital I was able to get my company out of the financial struggles we were facing.”
BMS was able to expand janitorial and cleaning services to 23 more stores, create 14 new positions and improve existing supplies for each worksite. “The working capital allowed us to buy new equipment and have funds for our growing staff,” said Nellie. “A lot of our issues came from not having the up-to-date equipment we needed for the services and keeping up with the demand of our clients.”
Services now cover a 100-mile radius and the area continues to expand with many referrals coming from word-of-mouth. With their business back on track, Anna and Nellie credit Access Plus Capital for remaining with them throughout the expansion process.
“At Access Plus Capital they are real people,” said Nellie “There is no hidden information that is not shared. While working with them we know we are not just a number; they’ve stayed in contact with us even after they gave us the loan.”
The mother-daughter team often consults with Access Plus Capital staff for coaching on business decisions and one-on-one support. This partnership allows BMS to focus on other goals such as purchasing their own office space and adding more vehicles to fulfill their worksite needs.
“I’m grateful Access Plus Capital trusted my company and gave us a loan,” said Anna. “If I find my company needs another loan, I know Access Plus Capital will be there to help.”
Micro-loans provide flexible and working capital for existing businesses like BMS. Click here to learn more about financing through Access Plus Capital.