From Handmade to Hometown Hero
Image courtesy of Vectra Bank
How One Colorado Entrepreneur Turned a Viral Moment into a Thriving Business with Help from Vectra Bank
When Sarah launched her small handmade goods shop in Colorado Springs, she never imagined her side hustle would one day go viral. But one evening, a popular influencer shared a video featuring Sarah’s hand-poured candles—and overnight, her online store exploded with orders.
What started as a cozy, one-woman operation quickly became overwhelming. Sarah needed more inventory, a bigger team, and a new storefront to keep up with demand. That’s when she turned to Vectra Bank.
Thanks to her solid financial records and a strong credit score, Sarah was an ideal candidate for a small business loan1. With guidance from Vectra Bank’s SBA lending team, she secured funding to open a new location, hire staff, and scale her operations—all without losing the personal touch that made her products special.
What Helped Sarah Succeed? An SBA Loan.
SBA loans—partially guaranteed by the federal government—are designed to help small businesses like Sarah’s grow. Because the government backs a portion of the loan, lenders like Vectra Bank can offer funding to businesses that might not qualify through traditional means.
“These loans are about more than just money,” says Bill Unrein, SBA Business Development Manager at Vectra Bank. “They’re about helping entrepreneurs achieve their goals and contribute to our local economy.”
Could Your Business Be Eligible?
If your business is:
- Actively operating and generating revenue
- 100% U.S.-owned
- Located in the U.S.
- Within SBA size standards
- Able to reasonably repay the loan
…you might qualify for an SBA loan. Just like Sarah, you don’t need to have it all figured out—just a vision and a plan.
Which SBA Loan Is Right for You?
Vectra Bank offers several SBA loan options:
SBA 7(a) and Express Loans – Great for working capital, inventory, equipment, or even buying a business.
SBA 504 Loans – Ideal for purchasing commercial real estate or large equipment.
With a maximum SBA financing limit of $5 million, there’s room to grow—whether you’re expanding your team or opening a second location.
Why Entrepreneurs Choose Vectra Bank
As a Preferred SBA Lender, Vectra Bank can make credit decisions on the SBA’s behalf, speeding up the process. For loans under $150,000, they even offer a streamlined application that requires less paperwork—perfect for busy entrepreneurs.
“The loan process can be overwhelming,” says Stacie Forsberg, Small Business Relationship Manager. “Our streamlined approach helps reduce stress and keeps things moving.”
Image courtesy of Vectra Bank
Sarah’s Story Could Be Yours
With the right support, Sarah turned a viral moment into a sustainable business. Whether you’re facing a sudden surge in demand or planning your next big move, Vectra Bank is here to help you navigate the journey.
Because at Vectra Bank, it’s not just about funding—it’s about fueling your future.
If you’re a small business owner looking to apply for a loan to jumpstart your business, consider applying for an SBA loan from Vectra Bank today or contact Bill Unrein at bill.unrein@vectrabank.com or Stacie Forsberg at stacie.forsberg@vectrabank.com.
(1) Subject to credit approval and SBA approval. Terms and conditions apply. See banker for details.
Content is offered for informational purposes only and should not be construed as tax, legal, financial or business advice. Please contact a professional about your specific needs and advice.
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