The Opportunity Fund Example Cases
Below are some examples of how an applicant might benefit from then Opportunity Fund.
The Determined Single Parent
Background:
Sarah is a single mother of two elementary-aged children. After working for years in retail, she was laid off when her
employer closed. She has been piecing together part-time jobs but wants a career that offers stability, benefits and a living wage. Sarah was referred to the Opportunity Fund by her children’s school nurse.
Goal:
Return to school to earn an Associate Degree in Nursing.
Challenges:
• Limited savings
• Childcare expenses
• Poor credit due to medical bills after a family emergency
• Unable to qualify for traditional financing
How Opportunity Fund Helps:
A low-interest microloan helps Sarah cover tuition, books, and childcare while completing her degree, allowing her to transition into a career that significantly improves her family's financial stability.
The Aspiring Entreprenuer
Background:
Marcus has spent 20 years working as an auto technician and dreams of opening his own mobile automotive repair business. He has the technical expertise and a growing list of loyal customers but lacks the capital to purchase equipment and a work van. Marcus has experienced bouts of depression and anxiety. After learning of his hopes
and dreams for the future, his therapist nominated him for the Opportunity Fund.
Goal:
Launch a small business that will allow him to become self-employed and eventually hire additional employees.
Challenges:
• Limited collateral
• Previous credit challenges following a divorce
• Denied financing through traditional banks
How Opportunity Fund helps:
The Opportunity Fund provides cash for equipment, licensing, and insurance, allowing Marcus to start generating income immediately while building long-term financial independence.
The Career Changer
Background:
After being laid off from an administrative position she held for nearly 25 years, Linda has struggled to find comparable employment. She wants to transition into bookkeeping and accounting, fields with strong demand, but needs updated certifications and software training. Linda has been working with the local community action program to apply for food assistance. Linda’s caseworker nominated her for the Opportunity Fund.
Goal:
Complete professional certification and secure stable employment in a growing field.
Challenges:
• Age discrimination concerns
• Limited retirement savings
• Difficulty paying for certification programs while unemployed
• Hesitant to take on high-interest debt
How Opportunity Fund helps:
The Opportunity Fund enables Linda to complete her certification, purchase the required software and successfully transition into a new career that provides financial security for the years leading up to retirement.