“We needed financing to increase inventory and improve operations so that we can be more competitive for large contracts,” explains Dorthy Sepulveda, who owns APC Supplies and Services, LLC, with partners Patricia Franco and Mike Conlon, Jr.
Here’s how Pursuit helped them secure two loans to fuel growth while the Business Advisory Services team provides essential consulting services at no cost for long-term success.
Creating an opportunity, securing a key client
Colleagues Dorthy, Patricia, and Mike envisioned launching their own janitorial-supply business while working together for a janitorial-services company that became APC’s first customer. APC launched in October 2021 and even with their first client secured, it was a modest start.
“We kept everything in a storage unit,” Dorthy says. “Soon, we needed a second and a third. We realized that if we really wanted to grow, we had to have our own space.”
From the beginning, they worked with Christina Loggia of Farmingdale State College SBDC in Farmingdale, NY. With her help, the APC team wrote their business plan and capability statement. She also guided them through the achievement of several key minority- and women-owned business (MWBE) certifications, including those for the Port Authority and New York City.
Christina also recommended Pursuit for small business financing.
A key connection leads to APC’s first loan
“Christina has been a huge help, giving us lots of great ideas and strategies,” Dorthy explains. “She’s connected us to the right business channels and helped us secure financing, too.”
That includes APC’s first business loan – an SBA Microloan from Pursuit. SBA Microloans range from $10,000 to $50,000 and can be used for a huge variety of uses. For APC, that meant securing a warehouse in Jamaica, NY, and increasing inventory to fulfill their growing orders.
“When we first approached Pursuit, we thought they’d turn us away because we were so new and our financials and plans still needed work,” Dorthy says. “But it wasn’t like that at all. Instead, our loan officer, Leo Zhang, walked us through everything we needed to do.”
Financing growth potential with a second loan
In December 2024, the APC team secured another loan through Pursuit, the Main Street Capital Loan Fund . These loans, up to $100,000, are made in partnership with New York’s Empire State Development agency. They require minimal payments over the first 12 months to enable businesses to focus on growth.
The APC team used the financing to increase inventory, improve deliveries, and fulfill major contracts that they’d secured with the Port Authority and the New York City Department of Sanitation.
“Once again, Pursuit was great,” Dorthy says. “Leo and our team gave us a checklist that was easy to follow and we met weekly to catch up on progress. They ensured we understood everything about the loan and the process. It was really interactive, we learned a lot, and Pursuit’s guidance and support was reassuring.”
Business Advisory Services set APC on a long-term path for success
Pursuit’s Business Advisory Services team is working with the APC partners to build their business-management skills, strengthen operational efficiencies, and position them for long-term growth. Our Business Advisory Services, led by Irene Dominguez and Malini Krishna, are available at no cost to Pursuit borrowers. They include expert consultants in areas like financial management, marketing, inventory control, and human resources. Irene and Malini spend time with each business to determine the consulting areas that will have the most impact.
“The services have been great,” Dorthy says. “We’re getting financial-management help now and soon we’ll start on inventory management, which is so critical for our business.” They’ll also work with consultants to improve APC’s website design and social media presence and learn how to leverage digital marketing to build their brand and business.
Commitment, persistence, and the right connections make the difference
APC is experiencing steady growth through consistent hard work, leveraging opportunities, and taking advantage of low-cost financing and advisory services from Pursuit. Their team has grown, too, from the three founders to 10 people.
“That’s a real impact on our community,” Dorthy admits. “It’s food on the table and rent for several families and that’s a real accomplishment. We’re excited to do more as we grow.” Their goals include securing contracts from government agencies and school districts. They’re also looking to expand their warehouse space to 7,000-10,000 square feet in 2025.
Pursuit helps small businesses thrive
Reflecting on all APC has achieved so far, Dorthy offers this insight to other entrepreneurs. “There are a lot of resources for small businesses, so reach out to them. We tell every business owner we meet to contact their local SBDC and Pursuit – don’t be scared, go right to the resources and lenders, because they really do want to help.”
With loans from $10,000 to $5.5 million, Pursuit offers financing for working capital, equipment, the purchase or construction of commercial real estate, to refinance business debt and more for businesses in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Nevada, Illinois, and Washington. Contact us to learn more.
