BankUnitedSmall Business Finance assisted by providing anSBA 7(a) loan
Morena Fenero legally immigrated to the United States at the age of 17, started her first micro business at 19, and by 23 she officially became a citizen. In April 2018, nearly 15 years later, she fulfilled a lifelong dream of small business ownership when she opened SERVPRO of East Pembroke Pines.
“I started out at 19 owning a lunch truck but eventually followed my sister into the restoration industry,” Fenero said. “I was fortunate to have a boss who believed in me and allowed me to move into new positions where I had the opportunity to learn estimating, marketing, management, customer service and accounting.Along the way I fell in love with the industry, but always knew I wanted to own my own small business.”
After thorough research, Fenero decided to pursue a SERVPRO franchise and, after many months of searching for a lending partner, turned to BankUnited for financing. One of the largest independent depository institutions headquartered in Florida, BankUnited is ranked the 19th largest SBA 7(a) lender in the United States by lending volume according to data released by the Small Business Administration for its fiscal year, which ended on September 30, 2017.
“After closely working with our team of SBA specialists, Morena was approved for an SBA 7(a) loan,” said BankUnited Small Business Finance Managing Director Hakim E. Kassam. “In addition to pursing her own dream, she is creating jobs along the way. She plans to grow the business to 30 employees within the next four years.”
With over 1,700 franchises nationwide, SERVPRO is a leader in the restoration industry. SERVPRO franchise professionals are available 24 hours/7 days a week and offer residential and commercial services including water damage restoration, fire damage restoration, mold remediation, storm damage restoration and cleaning services.
“Before leaving Brazil, I watched my divorced grandmother work hard and she took risks and eventually succeeded,” said Fenero. “That instilled in me an entrepreneur’s way of looking at the world.BankUnited encouraged me that with hard work and persistenceI could reach my goal.”
BankUnited Small Business Finance is a direct SBA Preferred Lender actively financing small businesses nationwide. Loans up to $10 million are available for business or real estate acquisitions, construction, refinance, franchise or equipment financing. BankUnited offers SBA 7(a), SBA 504, and USDA B&I small business loan programs.
For more information about BankUnited small business lending please call (877) 893-7823 or visit www.BankUnited.com/SBF.
About BankUnited, N.A.
BankUnited, N.A. is a national bank and wholly-owned subsidiary of BankUnited, Inc. (NYSE: BKU) and is headquartered in Miami Lakes, Florida. As of March 31, 2018, BankUnited N.A. has $30.4 billion in total assets, 87 branches in 15 Florida counties and six banking centers in the New York metropolitan area. One of the largest independent depository institutions headquartered in Florida by assets, BankUnited provides a wide range of commercial and consumer banking services. For additional information, call (877) 779-2265 or visit www.BankUnited.com. BankUnited can be found on Facebook at facebook.com/BankUnited.official and on Twitter @BankUnited.
